John Kerry's Life
Born on 11 December 1943, John Kerry was elected Massachusetts lieutenant governor in 1983 and was first elected to the Senate in 1984.
After Al Gore dropped out of the running for Democratic candidate in December 2002, John Kerry, initially struggled to win support but was eventually selected by the Democrats as their nominee.
This BBC profile of Kerry provides background on John Kerry and a flavour of the issues involved in the 2004 Presidential election.
On 4 November 2004 John Kerry narrowly failed in his bid to win the Presidency off George W. Bush.
As turnout was very high the Democrats had raised their hopes but their optimism was pierced as results trickled in, and they eventually fell over the hurdle of Ohio and the Republican George W. Bush was elected President.
Suggested other biographies: Bill Clinton | Hillary Clinton.