Yahoo! News - Democratic Delegates Differ with Kerry on Iraq
BOSTON (Reuters) - Many delegates at the Democratic national convention appear to be at odds with the man they hope to put into the White House on whether America should have gone to war in Iraq.

Although John Kerry has criticized President Bush's handling of the war, he stands by his vote in the U.S. Senate to authorize it. But the sentiment among delegates is strongly anti-war.

Kerry defends the decision to remove Saddam Hussein but says Bush failed to plan for the war's aftermath or gain international support.

Convention speakers this week have echoed these measured criticisms while trumpeting Kerry's national security credentials.

But on the convention floor, anger over the war runs deep among the party faithful. Talk of the Bush family's ties to the bin Laden family is common, and it is almost an article of faith the White House went to war for Iraq's oil reserves.

There is room for dissent in the Democratic Party. We can talk issues and not have to agree on everything without the fear of being branded "un-patriotic." It heartens me to hear this.

I succumbed last night and watched a bit of the convention; Sharpton stole the show it seems. Jennifer did alright, although I think she is much better when she is talking one on one in a softer voice. She was "performing" a bit too much for my taste in her speech. I missed Edwards.

Tonight's the big night John. The future direction of the country might be riding on this, make it a good one.