(Published September 2‚ 2003)

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (AP) - John Kerry dismisses polls showing him slipping in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination while vowing to take his campaign to a higher level.

The Massachusetts senator was wrapping himself in his war-hero background as he formally opened his bid for the nomination Tuesday at a seaside announcement with the mammoth aircraft carrier USS Yorktown as a backdrop.

He was to be joined by crew members of a Navy gunboat he commanded in Vietnam, where he won medals for valor. It is all part of his core argument that his military experience gives him unique credibility among the Democratic contenders to confront President Bush on foreign policy issues.

"In challenging times we need leadership that knows how to make America safer, that knows how to put America back to work," Kerry said. "The president has misled America and he has made our path more difficult as a result."

In his formal announcement, Kerry planned to focus on an "overarching vision" and not the details of his proposals.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean has used an aggressive anti-Washington theme to gain momentum, coupled with his staunch opposition to the war in Iraq. Dean has vaulted to a significant lead over Kerry in New Hampshire, and is bunched with Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt atop the field in Iowa, where leadoff caucuses will be held in January.

Some in the Kerry camp argue that he should begin challenging Dean directly to blunt his momentum, while others see that as a sign of panic and argue for patience. Kerry dismissed the polls showing him slipping.

"We always knew there were going to be two or three candidates in the race," said Kerry, arguing that his campaign is geared for the long haul. While others have scored early, Kerry said he's cranking up his campaign at a time when voters are beginning to pay attention.

"That's why I'm announcing my campaign now and that's why the polls don't mean anything today," he said Monday. "America is only just beginning to listen."

While Kerry has sought to focus attention on his war-hero background, some have urged him to broaden his appeal. With a distinctly martial theme for his announcement, there was little evidence he was taking that step.

"Americans have always had the extraordinary courage to do what's right for the country," said Kerry. "He (Bush) has turned it into a game for the privileged."

The choices Kerry faces with a campaign that's faltered early are hardly new.

Former Vice President Al Gore relocated his campaign to Nashville, Tenn., and pared back his staff when his campaign faltered early in the 2000 presidential race.

After South Carolina, where Democrats vote during the third week of the nominating season, Kerry was headed to Iowa where precinct caucuses take place Jan. 19. On the second day of his announcement swing, Kerry was heading to New Hampshire, which has tentatively has set its primary for Jan. 27, before heading home to Boston and a hometown rally.

There were mixed signals about the direction Kerry would take. While he has maintained his focus on his military background, he has sharpened his attacks on Dean on issues like Dean's backing for the repeal of all of Bush's tax cuts, including provisions that aid middle-income workers.

"Real Democrats don't raise taxes on the middle class," Kerry argues.

Kerry, 59, won a fourth term in the Senate without major-party opposition last year.