The 2004 Democratic National Convention featured a variety of speakers, ranging from former presidents to rising newcomers. Monday, July 26th Principal speakers William J. Clinton, 42nd president of the United States James E. Carter Jr., 39th president of the United States Albert A. Gore Jr., 45th vice-president of the United States and 2000 Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, United States senator from New York Featured speakers Roberta Achtenberg, first lesbian Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Tammy Baldwin, United States Representative from Wisconsin Rosa DeLauro, United States Representative from Connecticut Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta Terry McAuliffe, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Greg Meeks, United States Representative from New York Robert Menendez, United States Representative from New Jersey Lottie Shackelford, Vice Chair of the 2004 Democratic National Convention Stephanie Tubbs Jones, United States Representative from Ohio Thomas J. Vilsack, Governor of Iowa Quotes "Democrats and Republicans have very different and honestly held ideas on that choices we should make, rooted in fundamentally different views of how we should meet our common challenges at home and how we should play our role in the world. Democrats want to build an America of shared responsibilities and shared opportunities and more global cooperation, acting alone only when we must. We think the role of government is to give people the tools and conditions to make the most of their lives. Republicans believe in an America run by the right people, their people, in a world in which we act unilaterally when we can, and cooperate when we have to. They think the role of government is to concentrate wealth and power in the hands of those who embrace their political, economic, and social views, leaving ordinary citizens to fend for themselves on matters like health care and retirement security. Since most Americans are not that far to the right, they have to portray us Democrats as unacceptable, lacking in strength and values. In other words, they need a divided America—but we don't." —Bill Clinton "Strength and wisdom are not opposing values."—Bill Clinton "And so I say to you and to others around the world, whether they wish us well or ill — do not underestimate us Americans. We lack neither strength nor wisdom." —Jimmy Carter "I'll be candid with you. I had hoped to be back here this week under different circumstances, running for reelection. But you know the old saying