GOV. GRAY DAVIS
August 14, 2000

In his speech on the opening night of the Democratic convention, the governor of California highlights the core beliefs of his party.

Online NewsHour Special Reports: 2000 Democratic Convention Election 2000 Aug. 11, 2000: Sen. Joe Lieberman talks about his candidacy, religion and the campaign. Aug. 11, 2000: Shields and Gigot discuss Gore/Lieberman. Aug. 11, 2000: Examining Gore's economic plan Aug. 10, 2000: Los Angeles prepares for the Democratic Convention. Aug. 8, 2000: An historic choice. Aug. 7, 2000: Al Gore asks Lieberman to be his runningmate. Browse the NewsHour's coverage of Politics and Campaigns and Election 2000     Democratic Convention Official Web Site

Welcome Democrats and Welcome America to a state that-- for 150 years-- has captivated the world's imagination, from the gold rush to the silver screen to the Silicon Chip. Millions have come here to find their fortune. They stayed and invented the future. Here, 40 years ago, Democrats gathered to pass the torch to a new generation. Today, we're proud to pass that flame to the first President to be elected in the 21st Century--Al Gore. We remain the new frontier President Kennedy envisioned here. And our party still embodies the spirit of service and duty he called to life. Now, we stand at the dawn of a new century. In the heart of the new economy. In the state that personifies the new moderate direction in American politics. Our purpose is to nominate a president who will lead us boldly into the future, guided by lasting values. Values like decency and compassion that distinguish our party from pretenders and imitators. Values like merit and accountability, not privilege and exclusivity that the other party would restore. Values like fairness and justice that only a Democrat can maintain in the White House. Here in the home of the film industry, we've seen the previews of the Republicans' movie: "George and Dick's Excellent Adventure." I don't think it's gonna make it. Why? Because-- in California-- we believe in public education, not private-school vouchers. We believe in sensible gun safety laws, not allowing assault weapons on our streets. We believe in preserving the environment, not expanding offshore oil drilling. And we believe in a woman's… right … to choose … period. Californians welcome the party of President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. Their policies and leadership have given us the most powerful economy in the history of the planet. In California and throughout America, we must continue to expand opportunities for all people. Blacks, Latinos. Asians, Anglos. Men, women. Straights and gays. Christians, Jews and Muslims. But are we ALL better off than we were just eight years ago? You better believe it. On behalf of the 34 million people of California, I welcome you to our Golden State. I know you will have a great time over the next four days. And then I urge you to go back across America and do what we will do here in California: deliver your state to Al Gore and Joe Lieberman.