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ELECTIONS
What differences? Bush, Boehner praise McCain
President Bush, Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and former 2008 GOP presidential rival Fred Thompson are slated to speak out forcefully for John McCain at the Republican National Convention Tuesday. Bush and Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner both have been at odds with McCain in the past. Lieberman has consistently sung his praises.
President Bush:
THEN
Asked if McCain is more qualified to be commander in chief:
"No, he's not. I mean, he can say that he's been a United States senator in Washington, D.C., for a period of time, and he's been a committee chairman.... I think I've been in a position where I've been called upon to lead, and I have done so." -- Jan. 25, 2000 on NBC's "Today Show."
NOW
"We live in a dangerous world. And we need a president who understands the lessons of September 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." -- Sept. 2, 2008
Lieberman:
THEN
"I'd ask John McCain to be my secretary of defense ....I have total trust in him. He's strong, he's independent and, you know, he's a hero." -- Oct. 24, 2003 on "Imus in the Morning" during his campaign for president.
NOW
"Especially at a time of war, we need a president we can count on to fight for what's right for our country -- not only when it is easy, but when it is hard. When others were silent, John McCain had the judgment to sound the alarm about the mistakes we were making in Iraq." -- Sept. 2, 2008.
Boehner
THEN
"I've had my differences with John McCain over the years on, you know, a handful of issues. But at the end of the day, when I think about what I believe in as a Republican, John McCain shares those same principles." -- June 19, 2008 on PBS's "The Newshour with Jim Lehrer." Boehner has disagreed with McCain on immigration, campaign finance reform and drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
NOW
"Under the leadership of Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin, Republicans are returning to our roots and reclaiming our mantle as the party of reform ... the party America needs us to be."
"With John McCain, Republicans have fought for an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy to lower gas prices and end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil." -- Sept. 2, 2008.
