Kerry passes test for US media

John Kerry emphasised his "strength" on national security

After John Kerry's acceptance speech to the Democratic convention, one commentator described the "hype and drama" of the occasion.

But the reaction to his address in most of the media reflected the attributes they ascribe to John Kerry - sober and measured.

Dan Balz in the Washington Post says: "Kerry has never been known as a charismatic politician... His acceptance speech is not likely to change that reputation."

The Democrat challenger may have decided that winning the battle over personality is not crucial to prevailing in the election, he says.

Kerry signalled his determination to fight the fall campaign on terrain that the White House has long assumed would belong to President Bush. Los Angeles Times Watch Kerry's speech

"His advisers believe the public already is looking to replace Bush and needs only to find a level of comfort with Kerry to change presidents."

Todd S Purnum in the New York Times said Mr Kerry's task was to make a connection with the American people watching at home.

"Again and again [he reached] those millions of viewers and voters who have yet to make up their minds," he said.

"In an emphatic speech that used some variation of the word 'strength' 17 times, Mr Kerry portrayed himself not only as a plausible, but also as a vastly preferable commander-in-chief to President Bush."

CNN's Judy Woodruff said: "I think that he is beginning to make the connection [with voters] that he needs to make if he has a shot at taking the White House."

Apart from establishing his human touch, Mr Kerry's main focus was national security.

"Kerry signalled his determination to fight the fall campaign on terrain that the White House has long assumed would belong to President Bush: strength, integrity, values and the prosecution of the war on terror," said the Los Angeles Times.

The paper said the martial theme had been central to the whole convention.

"It may have been the party's first gathering in modern times to feature more generals on stage than teachers."

Thousands of delegates chanted his name, displaying the energy and intensity they vowed to carry into the final three months of the competitive general election battle. Chicago Tribune

Joe Klein of Time Magazine said on CNN that Mr Kerry had planted a flag on Republican turf.

"He gave [Republicans] very little room to run with on national defence," Mr Klein said.

Mr Kerry certainly mobilised his troops.

"Kerry drew thunderous applause as he strode through the overflow crowd to a hero's welcome," said the Chicago Tribune.

"Thousands of delegates chanted his name, displaying the energy and intensity they vowed to carry into the final three months of the competitive general election battle."

ABC's Ted Koppel asked Clinton White House adviser George Stephanopoulos to rate the speech on a scale of one to 10.

"I would say an eight as written, and about a seven-and-a-half as delivered. He did everything he had to do for this party. They are excited. They are unified. They are ready to fight George Bush," Mr Stephanopoulos said.

The Boston Herald said: "It was the hardly the speech of his life, but Senator John F Kerry passed a crucial early test."

However, the paper's top story was directed at the Bostonians whose city has hosted the convention.

Under the headline "It's safe to come home", it reported a campaign "to bring shoppers, tourists and everyday workers back to the Hub following a devastating week of DNC-debilitated business" - a reference to the unprecedented security surrounding the event.