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McCain Salutes Bush At Tuesday's GOP

McCain Calls Bush A Man of 'Courage and Character'

PHILADELPHIA , Updated 3:42 p.m. EDT August 2, 2000 -- On an evening honoring patriotism and service to America, John McCain smartly saluted George W. Bush at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, beckoning independents and Democrats to support the Texas governor as a man of "courage and character."


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Standing on the podium where Bush will accept the GOP presidential nomination on Thursday night, McCain spoke words that his one-time campaign rival was eager to hear.

"If you believe that patriotism is more than a sound bite and public service should be more than a photo-op, then vote for Governor Bush," said the man who won seven primaries on a message of political reform.

McCain addressed supporters who helped create primary excitement across the country -- and could be critical to Bush's prospects this fall. By pledging his support, he said that, "I serve my country well."

The pace of the campaign quickened on Day 2 of the Bush-Cheney convention.

So, too, did the pace in the streets of the convention city quicken. Blocks from the convention hall, police arrested at least 230 protesters in the first serious demonstrations of the convention week.

McCain was the featured speaker of a convention program that also was designed to stress Bush's support for a muscular military and to stir memories of Republican presidents of the recent past.

For the second straight night, Bush spoke to the delegates via remote hookup -- this time from President Eisenhower's farm in Gettysburg, Pa. -- not far from the site of the famous Civil War battle.

There, the governor saluted Ike's declaration that there was "no such thing" as a Democratic or Republican president.

"As commander in chief, I will rebuild America's military and strengthen our alliances," Bush promised.

Bush returned McCain's compliments, saying that his "straight talk and strong convictions are admired across America."

Sandwiched among the military talk was a feel-good video that showed Bush clowning with kids, giving his wife a peck on the head and breaking ice over his own head. "I've done a lot of foolish things," sang Stevie Wonder in the soundtrack.

But much of the night was given over a more serious political endeavor of offering reassurances that Bush would improve the military.

Retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf also was on the program, the commanding general from the 1991 Persian Gulf War speaking from the USS New Jersey, docked in Camden, N.J., where it will become a floating museum.

Bob Dole, the party's 1996 nominee, paid tribute to fellow World War II veterans.

There were video tributes to the three living former Republican presidents: Gerald R. Ford, Ronald Reagan and George Bush.

Ford and Bush had VIP seats in the hall and in a poignant appearance.

Nancy Reagan left her husband's side to represent him among the former presidents. Reagan, 89 but still the singular GOP figure, is ill with Alzheimer's Disease.

George Bush, the nation's 41st president, delivered a father's proud endorsement in his on-screen appearance.

"I think George's record can stand all the scrutiny in the world," the former president said of his son in one video. "I think it will show a man of honor, a man of integrity."

Bush's running mate, Dick Cheney, visited the convention hall to check the podium where he will deliver his acceptance speech Wednesday evening.

McCain, accompanied by his wife Cindy, recorded the scene on a hand-held video camera.

In a pre-speech interview with reporters, McCain said that the perks being heaped on delegates and GOP officeholders in connection with the convention dismayed him.

"The system's broken; we are addicted to soft money," McCain said. He quickly noted that the problem is not just Republican. "The fact is, it's a bipartisan issue," he said.

He made no overt mention of his signature campaign issue in his prepared speech.

He touched on themes that he raised in his campaign last winter, then said that the same concerns drew him to Bush's side.

"If you believe America deserves leaders with a purpose more than expediency and opportunity, then vote for Governor Bush," he said.

"It is easy to forget in politics where principle ends and selfishness begins. It takes leaders of courage and character to remember the difference," he said. "Tomorrow, our party will nominate such a leader."

McCain added: "I say to all Americans, Republican, Democrat or independent, if you believe America deserves leaders with a purpose more ennobling than expediency and opportunism, then vote for Gov. Bush."

McCain, the son and grandson of admirals and a prisoner of war in Vietnam, noted that many years ago Bush's father had served under McCain's grandfather in World War II.

"Now it is my turn to serve under the son of my grandfather's brave subordinate," he said. "I am proud to do so for I know that, by supporting George W. Bush, I serve my country well."

John Pappageorge, an alternate from Michigan, set the political context for the appearance by McCain, who attracted votes from independents and some Democrats in his bid for the nomination.

"What we have to do is find out who all those people were who crossed over and get them to cross over again," said Pappageorge, who said he voted for the Arizona senator in last winter's primary.

Tuesday evening's program was a more conventional one for Republicans, who scripted an opening night show on Monday that was devoted to diversity and the desirability of racial inclusion.

Copyright 2000 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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