"I stood up for the security and common sense with respect to the soldiers who fight wars. I've been one of those soldiers," said Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran who became a prominent antiwar activist. "I know what it means when you lose the consent and legitimacy of the American people in a war. And as a president, I think there is a special test as to when you send young American men and women off to fight and die. I know that test, and as president, I will live up to the highest standard with respect to that."