Shortly after cementing his democratic nomination to challenge George W Bush in the November presidential election, Senator John Kerry on Tuesday launched a major attack on the incumbent's domestic, economic and foreign policies.
Kerry did exceedingly well on 'Super Tuesday', winning nine of the 10 states. They are California, New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Georgia.
Only former Governor Howard Dean, who had earlier dropped out of the race, won in his home state of Vermont and blocked a clean sweep for Kerry.
The Massachusetts senator knocked out his main rival John Edwards in the primaries, forcing him to withdraw his candidature and then told his cheering supporters in his Washington headquarters, "We will win this election and we will build one America of freedom and fairness for all."
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Kerry's attack on Bush came after the president called him to congratulate him on winning against a "trough field".
Kerry told his supporters: "Bring it on... tonight the message could not be clearer all across our country -- change is coming to America."
"Get ready. A new day is on the way," Kerry said, describing Bush as a president who looked after the wealthy, alienated allies abroad and divided Americans at home.
From his first major speech, it was clear that Kerry planned to make outsourcing a major issue. He promised to seal loopholes that allowed companies to gain by sending jobs abroad.
Kerry also accused Bush administration of running "the most inept, reckless, arrogant and ideological" foreign policy in the modern history of the US and pledged to repair world ties damaged by the war in Iraq.
He also assured supporters that he would work to reverse Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy and invest money in education and healthcare.
"We have no illusions about the Republican attack machine and what our opponents have done in the past and what they may try to do so in the future," Kerry said, adding, "but we know that together, we are equal to this task."
"I am a fighter," the decorated Vietnam veteran said.
John Edwards, before deciding to drop out of the race, spoke to Kerry on telephone and congratulated him for running a strong and positive campaign. "He's been an extraordinary advocate for causes that all of us believe in," Edwards said.
