President George Bush Speaks from the White House to the GOP Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

(APPLAUSE)

We have seen John McCain's commitment to principle in our nation's capitol.

BUSH: John is a steadfast opponent of wasteful spending.

As president, he will stand up to the high tax crowd in Congress and make the tax relief permanent.

(APPLAUSE)

He will invest in the energy technologies of tomorrow and lift the ban on drilling for America's offshore oil today.

(APPLAUSE)

John is an independent man who thinks for himself. He's not afraid to tell you when he disagrees. Believe me, I know.

(APPLAUSE)

No matter what the issue, this man is honest and speaks straight from the heart.

Last year, John McCain's independence and character helped change history. The Democrats had taken control of Congress and were threatening to cut off funds for our troops.

In the face of calls for retreat, I ordered a surge of forces into Iraq. Many in Congress said it had no chance of working. Yet, one Senator above all had faith in our troops and the importance of their mission, and that was John McCain.

(APPLAUSE)

Some told him that his early and consistent call for more troops would put his presidential campaign at risk. He told them he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.

That is the kind of courage and vision we need in our next commander in chief.

(APPLAUSE)

My fellow citizens, we live in a dangerous world and we need a president who understands the lessons of September the 11th, 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. (APPLAUSE)

When he takes office next January, John will have an outstanding leader at his side. America will have a strong and principles vice president in the governor of the great state of Alaska, Sarah Palin.

(APPLAUSE)

In the time the Oval Office has been in my trust, I've kept near my desk reminders of America's character, including a painting of a west Texas mountain, lit by the morning sun. It reminds me that Americans have always lived on the sunrise side of the mountain.

We are a nation that looks to the new day with confidence and optimism. And I'm optimistic about our future, because I believe in the goodness and wisdom of the American people.

I am optimistic because I have faith in freedom's power to lift up all of God's children and lead this world to a future of peace.

And I'm optimistic about something else. When the debates have ended and all the ads have run and it is time to vote, Americans will look closely at the judgment, the experience and the policies of the candidates and they will cast their ballots for the McCain-Palin ticket.

(APPLAUSE)

While I'm not with you in the Twin Cities on this wonderful night for our party, with Laura Bush speaking, you have clearly traded up. I am so proud the American people have come to know her gracious presence, her determined spirit, and her loving heart.

Laura has been a fantastic first lady.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you, Laura. And thanks to all of you in the hall tonight. God bless you and God bless America.

LAURA BUSH: Thank you all very much.

For the past eight years, I've seen the burdens of the presidency up close. John McCain has what it takes to face the challenges that lie ahead and he has the support of America's next first lady, Cindy McCain.

(APPLAUSE)

This year alone, Cindy has discussed land mine removal with Kosovo's president and prime minister. She's met with children undergoing reconstructive surgery in Vietnam.

She's listened to stories from survivors of genocide in Rwanda and she's comforted Georgian refugees who've fled their homes in South Ossetia.

If Cindy can do all of this just in the last eight months, imagine what she can do in next four years in the White House.

(APPLAUSE)

The American people can expect great things from John and Cindy McCain. And President Bush and I can tell John and Cindy that they can expect great things from the American people.

We leave the White House with deep gratitude for your support. Our lives have been enriched by the generosity of citizens across our country, the children who welcomed us to their schools with songs and signs, the volunteers, church pastors and city mayors who shared stories of caring for those in need, the members of the military and their families who answered our nation's call to serve, and those who've approached us with the simple and humbling words, "We're praying for you."

Thank you very much for your encouragement and your prayers. Thank you for your support of the next president and first lady of the United States, John and Cindy McCain.

(APPLAUSE)

May God bless you and may God bless America.

END