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McCain heaps praise on Bush, less direct on campaign finance reform

McCain
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, told delegates Tuesday that George W. Bush would help build "a safer, freer and more prosperous world" as president.  

PHILADELPHIA (CNN) -- In a ringing speech laced with indirect references to the issue that drove his own presidential campaign, Arizona Sen. John McCain closed Tuesday's Republican National Convention session by endorsing his former rival, Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

McCain, whose own presidential ambitions foundered in March, told delegates that Bush would help build "a safer, freer and more prosperous world" as president.

Tuesday night's GOP convention theme centered on maintaining a strong national defense. A former Navy pilot and prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain invoked the naval background of his own family as he said Bush -- the son of former President George Bush -- "believes in the greatness of America and the justness of our cause."

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Senator John McCain speaks to the Republican National Convention (August 01)

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Condoleeza Rice speaks to the Republican National Convention (August 01)

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Bob Dole speaks to the Republican National Convention (August 01)

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  TRANSCRIPT
 

"Many years ago, the governor's father served in the Pacific with distinction under the command of my grandfather. Now, it is my turn to serve under the son of my grandfather's brave subordinate," McCain said. "I am proud to do so, for I know that by supporting George W. Bush, I serve my country well."

McCain avoided any mention of the cause that was his signature issue -- his call for overhauling the laws that govern campaign contributions.

McCain was Bush's biggest threat in the Republican primary campaign before a string of crushing defeats in March's "Super Tuesday" balloting. Though an orthodox conservative on most issues, McCain's outspoken advocacy of campaign finance reform turned much of the party's leadership against him.

In a speech marked by allusions to Abraham Lincoln and Alexis de Tocqueville, McCain did not mention the issue that dominated his own presidential bid -- revamping the laws that govern campaign contributions. But the language he used echoed much of what he said as a candidate as he called for people to "get riled up a bit."

"Unless we restore the people's sovereignty over government, renew their pride in public service, reform our public institutions to meet the challenges of a new day and reinvigorate our national purpose, then America's best days will be behind us," he said.

McCain told CNN after his speech, "I don't think there is an American who follows politics who doesn't know what I meant by that."

McCain signs
Republicans show their support for the senator from Arizona.  

And though he mentioned neither President Bill Clinton or Vice President Al Gore by name, McCain criticized what he called an international policy dominated by "empty threats, false promises and uncertain diplomacy."

McCain arrived in Philadelphia on Saturday night after one last trip in the "Straight Talk Express," his campaign bus.

In an emotional speech Sunday, McCain released the 246 delegates he won in the early Republican contests, urging them to support Bush's all-but-certain nomination. He tried out his endorsement of Bush before a mostly unreceptive audience of reform advocates Sunday, threatening to walk out of the left-leaning "shadow convention" when a chorus of hisses and catcalls interrupted him.

Several Republican congressional candidates and incumbents have sought McCain's aid in their campaigns. Former campaign manager Rick Davis said that after McCain's speech, voters should be inspired to support the GOP ticket in November, "because he truly believes that if more people learn about George Bush, they'll see the contrast between Bush and (Vice President Al) Gore, and they'll want to vote for Bush."


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