Bush: McCain is 'the man we need'

President Bush -- in an awkward spot as the twice-elected Republican nominee but now one of the most unpopular presidents in history -- told GOP delegates tonight that John McCain deserves to succeed him in the White House because "he is ready to lead this nation."

"John's McCain's life is a story of service above self," he said via satellite from the White House, citing McCain's time as a prisoner of war during Vietnam. Bush said if the Hanoi Hilton could not break McCain's resolve, "you can be sure the angry left never will."

Bush also praised McCain's pledge to continue his tax cuts and declared, "John is a steadfast opponent of wasteful spending."

He lauded McCain for supporting the troop surge last year to Iraq, despite the potential political cost. "That is the kind of vision and judgment we need in the next president of the United States," he said.

And the president said McCain understands the need to stay on the offensive in the war on terror. "The man we need is John McCain," he said.

The president was introduced by First Lady Laura Bush, who highlighted her husband's record on education reform, Supreme Court appointments, faith-based partnerships, AIDS in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan, and the war on terror.

"Let's not forget, President Bush has kept the American people safe," she said.

"One thing has stayed constant. George remains a man of strong values with enduring love for the United Sates of America," she added.

Laura Bush also declared the Republican ticket to be strong, with a war hero in McCain and a "strong executive and proven reformer" in Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

"I'm proud that the first female vice president will be a Republican woman," Bush said.