Bush promises a safer world

By John Whitesides

NEW YORK - President George W. Bush has promised the Republican convention "a safer world" and said he launched the war against terror "not for pride, not for power, but because the lives of our citizens are at stake."

In prepared excerpts released ahead of his speech, Bush said on Thursday, "The freedom of many and the future security of our nation, now depend on us."

"We are staying on the offensive — striking terrorists abroad — so we do not have to face them here at home," he said. "This moment in the life of our country will be remembered. Generations will know if we kept our faith and kept our word."

Bush’s nationally televised speech, the biggest of his campaign, will conclude the convention in New York, the city where his presidency was transformed by the September 11, 2001, attacks.

The prime-time address will kick off the final two months of a neck-and-neck race for another term in the White House against Democratic challenger John Kerry.

"I am running for president with a clear and positive plan to build a safer world and a more hopeful America," said Bush, who revived his "compassionate conservative" theme from the 2000 election and promised changes in domestic policies.

Bush has said his speech will look to the future, and aides said he would call for a simplified tax system and make a broad appeal for Social Security reform. He also will offer some small proposals that represent an expansion or a repackaging of existing proposals.

"Many of our most fundamental systems — the tax code, health coverage, pension plans, worker training — were created for the world of yesterday, not tomorrow," Bush said in the excerpts.

"We will transform these systems so that all citizens are equipped, prepared — and thus truly free — to make your own choices and pursue your own dreams," he said.

GAINING GROUND

Recent polls show Bush gaining ground on Kerry, and some show him moving into a small lead. They also show him building his advantage over the Massachusetts senator in areas that have moved to the top of the campaign agenda, such as national security.

Kerry’s campaign manager, Mary Beth Cahill, fired off a quick response to the excerpts of Bush’s speech and said "40 minutes of a speech can’t make up for four years of failure."

"Tonight George Bush will tell us that this is a moment in history that will be remembered. But it will be remembered for the failures and divisiveness of his leadership," Cahill said.

"George Bush squandered our unity and our prosperity. These four negative nights have confirmed the obvious — this country can’t take four more years of George Bush’s callous presidency."

Bush’s speech follows a stinging assault against Kerry on Wednesday by Vice President Dick Cheney and convention keynote speaker Zell Miller, a Democratic senator from Georgia. The pair questioned Kerry’s credentials to be commander in chief and his Senate record, with Cheney accusing Kerry of "a habit of indecision."

Anti-Bush protests continued around the city, with about 200 activists swarming into Grand Central Station at the height of the morning rush hour to hang banners and chant "Fight AIDS, not war."

Police said 19 people were arrested after the sat down around the station’s main information booth and refused to move. Nearly 1,800 people have been arrested in anti-Bush demonstrations in New York over the past week.

Convention organisers worked through the night to prepare for Bush’s coronation, feverishly overhauling the Madison Square Garden convention hall to accommodate a theatre-in-the-round stage. When Bush accepts the Republican nomination, he will be standing on a new circular stage surrounded by delegates and audience.

Bush attended a morning prayer service at a Park Avenue church, where he heard a sermon on "Courage in the Face of Evil." He later visited the convention hall to familiarise himself with the set-up.

"My fellow members of the press corps, especially the cameramen, tax relief is on the way. Don’t spend it all in one place. Save it," Bush said as he checked his microphone.

Bush will leave New York immediately after the speech for the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania, where he plans a morning rally on Friday. Kerry holds a midnight rally in Springfield, Ohio, just an hour after Bush’s speech concludes. (Reuters)

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=575954§ion=news