Kerry Promises 'A New Direction'

Democrat John Kerry, locked in a harsh exchange of attacks with President Bush, launched a television ad on Monday stressing his military and economic record and promising "a new direction for America."

The 30-second advertisement, which aides said was designed to change the tenor of the bitter presidential race and introduce Kerry to voters in 17 key states, stresses his military experience and features him briefly talking to the camera about health care and taxes.

"We need to get some things done in this country: affordable health care, rolling back tax cuts for the wealthy, really investing in our kids," the Massachusetts senator said in the ad. "That's why I'm running for president."

The ad's announcer says Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, "fought for his country" and has "the military experience to defend America." It concludes: "John Kerry. A new direction for America."