It’s official, Kerry to take on Bush

An ebullient Kerry, speaking to supporters at the Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington, praised his departing rival, seen within the party as a strong candidate to become Kerry’s running mate, as ‘‘a compelling voice’’ within the party and a ‘‘valiant champion’’ for Democratic values. But Kerry’s principal focus was on Bush, who had called the presumptive Democratic nominee to congratulate him even before some of the polls had closed Tuesday night. Kerry attacked Bush as ‘‘the great divider’’ and accused him of failure on the economy and on keeping the country safe. Pledging to fight back against ‘‘the Republican attack machine,’’ Kerry said, ‘‘My campaign is about replacing doubt with hope, and fear with security.’’

Edwards was gracious in defeat, and he spoke to his supporters in Atlanta after a congratulatory call to the winner. He described his campaign, which far exceeded expectations by lasting longer than that of any other major challenger to Kerry, as ‘‘the little engine that could.’’

He praised ‘‘my friend’’ Kerry for an even more impressive performance through the rapid-fire series of primaries and caucuses this year. ‘‘He’s run a strong, powerful campaign,’’ Edwards said of Kerry.

‘‘He’s been an extraordinary advocate for causes that all of us believe in: more jobs, better health care, a cleaner environment, a safer world. … These are the causes we will prevail on in November.’’ —(LAT-WP)