President George Bush, via satellite, addressed delegates at the
Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota Tuesday night,
saying that Republican presidential nominee John McCain is ready to be
the nation's next commander-in-chief.
After an introduction from first lady Laura Bush, the president said
the United States must stay on the offense and stop terrorist attacks
before they happen. He called McCain a "great American" who has the
"courage and vision" the country needs.
Former GOP presidential candidate and ex-Senator Fred Thompson said the
convention is going to nominate the next president and vice president
of the United States. He hailed McCain's pick for vice president,
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, as a "breath of fresh air" who is a
courageous, successful reformer not afraid to take on the establishment.
Senator Joe Lieberman, a Democrat-turned-independent, is to also speak.
Delegates cheered Tuesday as President Bush's father, former President
George H.W. Bush, and former first lady Barbara Bush entered the arena
for the night's session, which also featured a video tribute to the
elder Bush and the late Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.
The convention, in its second day, is focusing on McCain a day after
giving up the spotlight to Hurricane Gustav. President Bush canceled a
planned appearance at the convention Monday to oversee the federal
hurricane response.
First lady Laura Bush told the forum that Republicans have an exciting
ticket, and that she is proud that the first female vice president will
be a Republican. She said women have always played an important part in
the Republican Party.
On the convention floor, delegates could be seen cheering and holding
signs that said "Country First", "Service" and "We Love McCain." McCain
is to accept the party nomination Thursday.