Carter, Gore and the Clintons -- some of the biggest stars in U.S. politics came out to fight for John Kerry as the Democratic Party kicked off its convention in Boston.

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton, who was the headliner for the opening night of the convention, brought Democrats to their feet for nine standing ovations. He said he was eager to become a "foot soldier in the fight for our future."

Clinton told Democrats that Americans will have to choose between a Democratic vision of opportunity at home and international cooperation versus a narrow Republican vision that is "far to the right of most Americans."

"We've got to choose for president between two strong men who both love their countries: our nominee, John Kerry who favors shared responsibility, shared opportunity and more global cooperation, and their president and their party in Congress, who favor concentrated wealth and power -- leaving people to fend for themselves -- and more unilateral action."

Clinton criticized U.S. President George Bush for not uniting the world after the devastating terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"He and his congressional allies made a very different choice ... to use the moment of unity to push America too far to the right and to walk away from our allies."

"Their opponents will tell you we should be afraid of John Kerry and John Edwards because they won't stand up to terrorists. Don't you believe it," Clinton said. "Strength and wisdom are not opposing values."

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who introduced her husband to the hyped up crowd, said Kerry is "the man we need to be our president."

"John Kerry is a serious man for a serious job in a serious time in our country's history," Sen. Clinton said. "I am very optimistic about this election because I think I know a great leader when I see one."

First on stage Monday night was former vice-president Al Gore, who failed in his bid for the White House four years ago. He won the popular vote in 2000 but lost the presidency after the Supreme Court stopped a Florida recount, allowing Bush to take the White House.

"I know about the bad economy, I was the first one laid off," joked Gore, who then heaped praise on Kerry. "He has devoted his life to making America a better place for all of us."

Former president Jimmy Carter followed, to a thunderous standing ovation. He echoed Bill Clinton's comments, saying Kerry was the antidote to Bush, who had "squandered" the world's goodwill after 9/11.

The four-day political gathering will culminate Thursday with the formal nomination of Massachusetts Senator John Kerry as the party's pick for president, and of North Carolina Senator John Edwards as his running mate.

Kerry advisers were likely applauding the Clinton's mention of a "positive campaign," as they try to keep Bush bashing to a minimum. They're aware that the undecided voters needed to push them over the edge aren't fond of negative campaigning.

Instead, Clinton said Democrats would build a campaign based on "the best way to build the safe, prosperous world our children deserve."

The appearance of these political heavy hitters was apparently carefully orchestrated by the Kerry campaign. The goal: To make sure they get their time on stage -- and on primetime TV -- but to keep them far away from Kerry's appearance later this week.

To help put on dazzling display in prime time, the Democrats have lined up a host of other big names for the rest of the week.

They include longtime party stalwart Senator Ted Kennedy; Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of John Kerry; Ron Reagan Jr., son of the late president; former Secretary of State Madeline Albright; John Edwards; and finally Kerry himself, who will formally accept the nomination.

In addition to the party's parade of political stars, expect to see a number of high wattage celebrities as well, including actor Ben Affleck and singer Willie Nelson.

"You've got to find hooks for the millions of Americans who don't really pay close attention to politics who might be drawn to a celebrity they are interested in," the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood told CTV's Canada AM.

The pressure is on the Democrats to sell both their party and their Presidential platform, since poll after poll has put them in a statistical dead heat with the Republicans under Bush.

As well, 90 per cent of voters are said to be firmly aligned with either the Democrats or the Republicans.

Independent candidate Ralph Nader has some support, leaving as little as five per cent undecided up for grabs.

The party hopes that a polished, positive and tightly-scripted convention will give Kerry the "bounce" he needs to head into the last three months of the campaign.

In addition to the intense planning and security inside the FleetCentre in Boston, where the convention is being held, security is also extremely tight outside the building and throughout greater Boston.

Everything from public transit to the city's airspace is under a security dragnet, amid fears of terrorist attacks from groups like al Qaeda.