KEY POINTS:
An exuberant President George W. Bush endorsed Senator John McCain for the Republican nomination, asking his party's rank and file to rally round the maverick candidate who is distrusted by right-wing conservatives.
The Arizona senator is "somebody who can handle the tough decisions, somebody who won't flinch in the face of danger," Bush said.
But so toxic is Bush's reputation among voters that he is unlikely to show up on the campaign trail. The war in Iraq and worries about recession have given the Democrats plenty of ammunition to hurl at a campaign which they say promises a continuation of the "Bush-McCain" policies.
McCain said he would welcome campaign appearances by Bush but recognised that he has "a busy schedule". Instead, he expected Bush to help him raise election funds.
"I've got a lot to do, but I'm going to find ample time to help," Bush said. "I can help raise him money, and if he wants my pretty face standing by his side at one of these rallies, I'd be glad to show up."
Earlier Bush tap-danced for the press while waiting for his guest. His relief was evident that McCain finally had enough delegates to clinch the nomination. "He's going to win," said Bush, shaking McCain's hand and planting a kiss on his wife's cheek.
Although the two men were bitter rivals in the 2000 Republican race and have frequently sparred over such issues as tax cuts and torture, they share a common approach to the war in Iraq, which they believe should be pursued to the bitter end.
The Iraq strategy can now remain on course at least until November, when voters select the next President.
McCain has a reputation as a war hero for the long years he spent being tortured as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He is also a national security hawk who was calling for the toppling of Saddam Hussein long before the terrorist attacks of September 11 and the decision to go to war.
Foremost on McCain's mind is his selection of a running mate. This is all the more important in McCain's case, since, at 71, he will be the oldest first-term President if elected.
He claims not to have a shortlist of names but it would be surprising if he and Bush did not discuss the merits of the various candidates for the post. A key consideration will be finding someone who resonates with the deeply conservative wing of the party.
One possible running mate is Mike Huckabee, who dropped out of the race. However, Huckabee horrified corporate America with his proposal to replace all income tax with a point of sale tax.
Others in the frame are several governors, including Charlie Crist of Florida and Mark Sanford of South Carolina. McCain's choice also depends on the outcome of the Democratic race; and if Senator Barack Obama is the candidate he may seek someone who appeals to independent voters.
Bush has phenomenal fundraising abilities which McCain badly needs. The Republicans do not have the kind of operations that helped Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton raise almost US$150 million each but Bush will now tap the deep pockets of corporate America, which has benefited from his tax cuts and hands-off approach to regulation.
Bush's backing for McCain should encourage party activists to campaign for him.
- INDEPENDENT
