Teresa Heinz Kerry - who is hoping to become First Lady after US elections in November - has urged Democratic delegates to rally behind her husband.

She said he was a leader who could "return America to its moral bearings".

Her impassioned plea came on day two of the four-day convention in Boston. She was cheered when she told delegates she had the right to be opinionated.

Other speakers who paid glowing tribute to the presidential hopeful included Howard Dean, previously a rival.

The crowd was galvanised by a rousing speech from youthful Senate contender Barack Obama, whom Democrats hope will capture the black vote.

"There's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America," Mr Obama said, in a speech highlighting his multi-ethnic origins.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You will read the word opinionated in the above. Is it correct? Is it very American English? I havn't heard before. However, the following are correct ways of using the way the word opinion. I am surprised to learn the word opinionated.


He has the right to have his own opinion on something/someone.

I have my opinion on .......

You have an opinion on ----

Just adding to haogide's answer...

I watched Teresa Heinz Kerry's speech last night. She was making the point that she wants women not to thought of as "opinionated" but rather as "well informed and knowledgeable."

Opinionated has a negative connotation (or feeling) to it. For example, "My cousin always has an opinion, regardless of whether or not he knows what he is talking about." The person is deemed to be headstrong (forceful) in voicing their opinion without necessarily having the necessary knowledge and intellect to support it.

Teresa Heinz Kerry has been criticized by some because she tends to be outspoken. And just recently she told a reporter to "shove it." So now some people are saying that she is "opinionated."

But in her speech last night, she drew the distinction between how men and women are perceived. If a man were to behave in a similar fashion, he would be deemed, "well informed and knowledgeable." But a women is treated less seriously and is thought to be "opinionated." She wants to change that situation so that women's views are taken seriously and are thought be well informed and knowledgeable. She has the right to be "opinionated."

I hope that helps put more context to the situation.

Haoquide,

My apologies for the incorrect spelling of your name. I dislike it when that happens!

Glad you enjoyed the additional context. I thought her speech was good. And I don't mind if she has some spunk. At least she didn't use the VP Cheney recent infamous line. I won't even hint at it here, because this is a family rated web site. Woof!!

Also, if you're willing to answer Rex's comma question (that currently has no answers), go for it. I'd try, but I'd likely botch it up. Or I would probably rewrite it entirely, which is not what he is looking for.

Take care, and thank you for the correction. If I slip again, please let me know!