Democratic Panel Adopts Platform

The Democratic Party fine-tuned its platform Monday in a session that was devoid of ideological skirmishes and seemed designed to convey a clear message: No internal differences are worth jeopardizing President Clinton’s reelection.

The platform committee adopted the 34-page platform with minor amendments after little debate. The most significant alterations involved rewriting sections so Clinton and Democrats could claim credit for recently passed legislation to overhaul the welfare system, raise the minimum wage and expand access to health insurance. The platform also acknowledges the era of big government is over and implores Americans to take more personal responsibility “to build good lives for themselves and their families.”

The document will be ratified by delegates to the Democratic National Convention later this month.