Transcript: Cate Edwards's Remarks to DNC

Following is the transcript of John Edwards's daughter Cate's remarks to the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday:

EDWARDS: Hi, I'm Cate Edwards.

By now I'm not sure if more of you know me as John and Elizabeth's daughter or as Jack and Emma Clair's older sister. But tonight, I can tell you that I am the proud child of two people who have made our home a place of hope, two people who will make sure that our country is a land of opportunity and possibility when my dad is the next vice president of the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

And standing beside him tonight, standing beside him always, is his wife, my mom, Elizabeth.

(APPLAUSE)

Both my mom and my dad have always taught me to dream big and reach high. Now, as a young woman about to head out into the real world, I have one thought on my mind: If I can live a life even half as accomplished as my mother's, then I'll have done alright.

The truth is, my mom has really done it all. She's been a star law student, and a PTA member, a successful attorney, and a coach, a public servant, and a mentor, and above all, a mother who is always there for us -- always.

(APPLAUSE)

EDWARDS: But I look up to her not only because of what she does with her life, but because of the way she lives it, with a strength that inspires, with a courage that carries on, with a kindness that keeps our front-door open and our family and friends close, and with an optimism that keeps her joined to my father at the heart.

I know that some may find it easier to look at the hurt in the world and the challenges around us and simply turn away or sit at home. But we were raised by our parents to believe differently. Because my mom and dad believe differently.

John Kerry and Teresa believe differently too, and that's why together, we're going to change this country.

(APPLAUSE)

They say a ship in a harbor is safe. That is not what ships are built for. They are built for exploring new possibilities. And to quote from my mom's favorite poem, they are built for allowing us to "believe that a further shore is reachable from here."

My mom believes. She has brought joy to our home and love to our hearts, and she will join my father in bringing hope to America when she is our next second lady of the United States.

(APPLAUSE)

Ladies and gentlemen, my mother, Elizabeth Edwards.

END