Mr. Clyburn, D-S.C., addressed the 4,000 delegates of the Democratic National Convention and used imagery and a story from his own childhood to explain why he's in Mr. Kerry's corner.

"There are many threads woven together that create the fabric of America," said the congressman from the heart of the textile region of the country. "This beautiful tapestry has begun to fray and weaken because unsound policies and unfair practices are creating friction among us at home and between us and our friends around the world."

Without naming President Bush, Mr. Clyburn criticized the current administration for the loss of jobs to overseas manufacturers, something particularly noticeable in the textile and apparel industry of South Carolina.

He said an administration run by Mr. Kerry and South Carolina native John Edwards would close "tax loopholes that encourage sending jobs overseas" and will instead create tax breaks to encourage companies to create jobs domestically.

But in the next breath, he criticized the tax cut Mr. Bush championed because it benefited the rich.

Republicans told reporters before Mr. Clyburn spoke that the messages at the convention told only part of the story.

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey said none of the scripts approved by convention managers was balanced.

Mr. Clyburn has a reputation at home as an advocate for the common person, said delegate Goldie Randle of North Augusta. That gives him credibility when he talks about Mr. Kerry, she said.

Mr. Clyburn's selection by the Kerry-Edwards team to speak on the final night of the convention is significant, according to South Carolina delegates, because it suggests the level of influence he could have if they make it to the White House.

"It brings a lot to South Carolina," delegate Beverly Dore said.

Reach Walter Jones at (404) 589-8424 walter.jones@morris.com.

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