Straight Talk For Dubya
The endorsement dance is over at last.
George W. Bush got what he wanted in Pittsburgh - a formal endorsement from his erstwhile rival, John McCain.
And McCain got what he wanted - respect, a chance to sound off, a likely prominent role at this summer's Republican National Convention in Philadelphia and yet another dose of glowing media attention.
The two Republicans appeared relaxed and jocular during their brief press conference on Tuesday morning, held in a hotel lobby after a private meeting that lasted an hour.
McCain began with kind words for Bush, the GOP presidential hopeful who vanquished him in this year's primaries. The Arizona senator said he looks forward to campaigning with Bush and other Republican candidates for the November general election.
"I endorse Governor Bush," said McCain, who milked the anticipated moment by then repeating that sentence several times to smiles and laughs from reporters. Bush chimed in quickly with, "By the way, I enthusiastically accept the endorsement."
How big a boost will McCain's blessing be for Bush?
And yes, the running mate question was asked, too.
"I asked his advice about the vice presidency," said Bush with a twinkle. McCain added, "I asked that I not be considered," then listed other likely prospects for the number two spot on the GOP ticket.
Both McCain and the Texas governor were vague about whether the senator might take some other job in a Bush administration, such as, say, Secretary of Defense. McCain joked about serving as "Secretary of Reform."
Remember that word - "reform" - from the GOP primaries? McCain said in Pittsburgh that he'd keep pursuing his reform agenda. Bush, in turn, talked about how "helpful" it is "to have John embrace reform." And the senator may be able to embrace it even more this summer in Philadelphia. Bush said he hoped McCain "would play a key role" at the GOP convention.
The body language and the tone of the Pittsburgh event stood out, too. Bush talked easily about "John," but McCain referred to "Governor Bush." As he has in the past, Bush proclaimed "John's a friend," while McCain didn't offer as reciprocal a sentiment. No bear hugs and no arms around shoulders between the two, but a mere rushed handshake as the pair left the podium.
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But if McCain still has any qualms about Bush, he clearly decided to swallow them, as he did his party duty conscientiously and thoroughly. The senator said, as Bush hoped he would, that he and the governor have more agreements than disagreements. And McCain, the man who vowed during the primaries to "beat Al Gore like a drum" if he were the Republican nominee, said Bush was best able to "restore dignity and honor" to the White House, citing the governor's "vision, his knowledge and his expertise."
Bush eagerly pointed out that he and McCain agree on military reform, education, health care and Social Security. Even on campaign finance reform, Bush stressed common ground. Both men want to eliminate soft money contributions from corporations and labor unions.
"John's a plainspoken fella," Bush said, "and I'm a pretty good listener. On all issues, I spoke my mind and he spoke his. And that's the way I like my relationships." In dry tones, McCain said, "It would be fair to say this was a useful and helpful conversation, as we envisioned when we set up this meeting."
McCain added he hoped his next meeting with Bush wouldn't attract as much attention. Whether it does has everything to do with how he performs his new role as a Bush supporter.