Kerry promises made in acceptance speech

Economy:

– Invest in new technology and alternative fuels to lessen
US dependence on foreign oil. 
– Make America “finally and forever” independent of Middle East oil. 
– Cut the US deficit in half over four years by ending corporate tax cuts, which he called “corporate welfare.” 
– Offer targeted tax breaks for the middle class. 
– Roll back tax cuts granted by the Bush administration to people earning over $200,000 a year. 
– Close tax loopholes to companies moving jobs abroad and give breaks to firms keeping good-paying jobs at home. 
– Pledged not to privatise Social Security or to cut benefits. 
– Incentives to revitalise manufacturing and investment in technology and innovation. 

Foreign policy

– Pledged that as commander-in-chief he would never lead the United States into a preemptive war, only sending troops to battle “a threat that was real and imminent.” 
– Immediately reform intelligence gathering. 
– Rebuild alliances with other nations. 
– Ensure the United States would lead the global effort against nuclear proliferation. 

Defence

– Add 40,000 active duty troops. 
– Double the number of US special forces. 
– End the military’s heavy reliance on National Guard and
military reservists. 

September 11 commission

– Immediately implement the recommendations of the September 11 commission. 

Health Care

– Offer incentives that would save families $1,000 a year on health insurance costs.
– Allow Americans to buy prescription drugs from countries like Canada, where they are often less expensive.