At the Democratic Party convention in Boston, the former US President, Jimmy Carter, has strongly criticised the Bush administration saying America could not lead if its leaders mislead.
He was speaking on the opening night of the four-day convention, which will formally nominate Senator John Kerry as the party's candidate in November's presidential election.
Another former President, Bill Clinton, said Americans were at a crossroads and urged them to choose unity over division.
Mr Clinton was the last speaker on the opening night of the convention.
Given a standing ovation, he promised delegates that he would be a foot soldier in the campaign to get John Kerry elected in November.