T. PAUL, Minn. -- Defending his policies, President will tell fellow Republicans tonight that John McCain understands the dangers of the modern world and can lead the nation.

In excerpts distributed by the White House, Bush will praise McCain via satellite. The long-distance appearance solves a political problem for the presumed GOP presidential nominee, who has sparred with Bush in the past.



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..."
"We live in a dangerous world," Bush will say. "And we need a president who understands the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001: that to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen, and not wait to be hit again. The man we need is John McCain."

Bush will be part of a parade of speakers tonight at the Republican National Convention, which was slimmed down Monday in the face of Hurricane Gustav's lashing of the Gulf Coast.

With party regulars eager to resume the business of the convention -- nominating McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate -- the GOP is focused on establishing differences between their candidates and the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. ..."

(LAT)

"You'd think the 9-11 button would have had the paint worn off of it by now, George."

"Oh, yeah, but I touched it up with some of Laura's cherry-toenail-enamel stuff. Hard as nails, that stuff. And a nice Danger color, don't yew thank?"