Cindy McCain's introduction

Cindy McCain vouched for her husband as a man of "judgment and character" with the capacity to forgive in her introduction tonight to John McCain's acceptance speech.

"It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character - someone exactly like my husband - to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel," she said.

She also paid tribute to vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

"But you know what, I've always thought it's a good idea to have a woman's hand on the wheel as well," Cindy McCain said.
"John has picked a reform-minded, hockey-mommin', basketball shootin', moose huntin' salmon-fishin', pistol-packing mother of five for vice president. And as a fellow hockey mom myself and a western conservative mother, I couldn't be prouder that John has shaken things up as he usually does."

"No one can do the job alone," she added. "And that's why I'm glad John will have Governor Palin by his side."

Cindy McCain cited his work to open diplomatic relations with Vietnam, where he was held for 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war, as leading by example.

"Forgiveness is not just a personal issue: it's why John led the effort to normalize relations with Vietnam retrieve the remains of our MIAs: to bring closure to both sides. That's leadership - national leadership. And it's leading by example," she plans to say.

"If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain, a man tested and true.who's never wavered in his devotion to our country,.a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider,.who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost,.a man of judgment and character,.a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father."