Lieberman: We can break barriers

LOS ANGELES Joseph Lieberman, vowing to "break down barriers,"made history Wednesday night as he became the first Jewish nominee ona major party's ticket.

"Is America a great country or what?" asked the Democratic vicepresidential nominee.

The Connecticut senator drew a parallel between himself and JohnF. Kennedy, who 40 years ago broke down another barrier when hebecame the first Roman Catholic elected to the presidency.

"Forty years ago we came to this city and crossed a new frontier,"Lieberman said. ". . . I believe that the next frontier isn't just infront of us, but inside of us-to overcome the differences that arestill between us, to break down the barriers that remain; and to helpevery American claim the limitless opportunities of our own lives."

Lieberman paid tribute to Democratic presidential candidate AlGore for defying ancient prejudices in choosing him for the ticket.He also acknowledged their occasional policy differences and hailedhim as a man of faith.

"I've known Al Gore for 15 years," he said. "I know his record andI know his heart. I know him as a public servant and I know what itis like to sit with him around the dining room table. We havediscussed, sometimes even debated, policy issues. And we have sharedprivate moments of prayer."

Drawing a contrast with the Republicans, Lieberman said, "I'm gladthe GOP has changed their rhetoric, but I wish they would changetheir policies."

Lieberman asserted that Texas Gov. George W. Bush's proposals toimprove the nation's schools were inadequate.

"It's a good thing that our opponent talks about education.Schools need to be held to the highest standards of performance andaccountability," he said. "But I'm sad to say their plan does notprovide the resources our schools need to meet those high standards.I've read their plan. To me, it seems like their idea of schoolmodernization means buying a new calendar for every building."

Gore's running mate spoke of his family's influence in shaping hisvalues, recalling that his father was raised in an orphanage and wenton to drive a bakery truck and own a store in Stamford, Conn.

"Sometimes I try to see this world as my dad saw it from hisbakery truck. About this time, he'd be getting ready for the all-night run. I know that somewhere in America right now, there isanother father loading a bakery truck, or a young man programming acomputer, or a parent dreaming of a better future for their daughteror their son. If we keep the faith, then 40 years from now, one oftheir children will stand before a gathering like this, with a chanceto serve and lead the country that we love."

Earlier in the day, Gore arrived at Burbank Airport and wasgreeted by Lieberman. The vice presidential nominee urged the crowdto "help me win one for the Tipper," a reference to Mrs. Gore and aplay on Ronald Reagan's famous line to "win one for the Gipper."

For the third day, there were angry confrontations outside theconvention hall between demonstrators and Los Angeles police.

In contrast with the Philadelphia convention, where the Bushcampaign allowed few GOP senators and congressmen to have speakingroles, Democratic legislators have been prominently showcased.

House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, with whom Gore has haddifferences, told the party faithful Wednesday night: "Al Gore is agood man. He is a decent, caring man. He loves his family. He lovesthis country. He could be the best president this country will everhave."

Gore wraps up the four-day convention tonight in a speech thatspokesman Doug Hattaway promised to "go beyond the surface." Gore waspolishing the final draft today, and it's not clear yet if he will beas blunt in his assessment of rival Bush as the Texas governor was ofGore in his acceptance speech in Philadelphia.

"He's going to talk about the era of prosperity as a uniqueopportunity that we need to use wisely," Hattaway said.