John McCain and George W. Bush have always had a relatively awkward relationship, especially given the Bush team’s willingness to smear McCain during their 2000 primary fight. (They got along far better in 2004.)
But this afternoon at the White House, with Bush formally endorsing McCain, the relationship took yet another turn.
In a press conference in the White House Rose Garden Wednesday, President George W. Bush was supposed to pass the baton, after a fashion, to presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain. But instead Bush looked very much like a man not quite ready to give up that baton and its attendant spotlight; on more than one occasion, he interrupted McCain, who could only stand and look awkward.
But Bush did manage to deliver his endorsement to McCain. “It’s been my honor to welcome my friend John McCain as the nominee of the Republican Party,” Bush said. “John showed incredible courage and strength of character and perseverance in order to get to this moment. And that’s exactly what we need in a president: Somebody who can handle the tough decisions, somebody who won’t flinch in the face of danger… [H[e’s going to be the president who will bring determination to defeat an enemy and a heart big enough to love those who hurt.”
In thanking Bush for the endorsement, McCain was similarly full of praise. “I’m very honored and humbled to have the opportunity to receive the endorsement of the president of the United States, a man who (sic) I have great admiration, respect and affection,” McCain said. “I appreciate his endorsement. I appreciate his service to our country. I intend to have as much possible (sic) campaigning events and — together, in keeping with the president’s heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity… I hope that the president will find time from his busy schedule to be out on the campaign trail with me.”
At which point, Democrats everywhere quietly said to themselves, “I hope so, too.”
When the two opened the floor to questions from reporters, we actually heard a couple of interesting responses.
First, Bush assured everyone that McCain would keep his current approach to foreign policy in place.
Q I wanted to ask about the — the voters, according to a lot of the exit polls, seem to be searching for change this year. And I’d like to ask both of you — excuse me — I’d like to ask both of you how the Republican Party, which has been here for eight years, is going to make the case that you’re going to provide the change that the voters seem to want, both on Iraq and the economy?
BUSH: Let me start off by saying that in 2000 I said, vote for me, I’m an agent of change. In 2004, I said, I’m not interested in change — I want to continue as President. Every candidate has got to say “change.” That’s what the American people expect. And the good news about our candidate is, there will be a new President, a man of character and courage — but he’s not going to change when it comes to taking on the enemy. He understands this is a dangerous world, and I understand we better have steadfast leadership who has got the courage and determination to pursue this enemy, so as to protect America.
Shortly thereafter, a reporter asked McCain where he’d want the president to campaign for him. Bush barely let the senator get a word in edgewise.
McCAIN: Could I start out with —
BUSH: I’m focusing on, you know, protecting America, and succeeding in Iraq, and dealing with the North Korean [sic], and dealing with the Iranian[sic], and dealing with the issues around the world where we’re making a difference in terms of keeping peace. I want to get this in as good as a position as possible so that when John McCain is the President — and he will be — he can deal with these issues in a way that yields peace.
On Fox News, the National Review’s Rich Lowry said Bush was making the case that McCain would be just like him.
[Lowry said] Bush is framing McCain as embracing his old platforms, “someone determined absolutely to take on our enemy and someone with a big heart who cares for those who hurt.” Lowry said McCain was shaping up to be Bush’s “successor”:
Who does that sound like? A ‘compassionate conservative’ who wants to take on our enemies. It sounds like George W. Bush…. That’s obviously the way he views John McCain, as a successor to himself.
These guys are going to make tying McCain to Bush pretty easy, aren’t they?