Bush, McCain Ride Roller Coaster to Rose Garden

March 5, 2008 — -- It has been a rocky path that has led to President Bush's Rose Garden embrace of the newly anointed Republican presidential nominee John McCain but today at the White House the former competitor presented a united front for the party.

"John showed incredibly courage, strength of character and perseverance," Bush said his endorsement, "And that's exactly what we need in a president. Someone who can handle the tough decisions. Someone who won't flinch in the face of danger."

Acknowledging the bumpy road behind them in his remarks, Bush said "I have got to know John well in the last eight years. I've campaigned against him and I've campaigned with him...he's going to be the president who will bring determination to defeat an enemy and a heart big enough to love those who hurt."

McCain's decision to visit the White House the day after securing the GOP nomination is a dicey one. He needs Bush's help with the party's conservative base, but any ties to Bush could alienate moderate Republicans and independent voters who are key to a possible McCain victory in November.

Today, McCain invited the president to join him on the campaign trail "both from raising money and the much-needed finances for the campaign and addressing the challenging issues that face this country."

Bush said "there's an appropriate amount of campaigning for me to do" and dismissed the notion that his low approval ratings would hurt McCain's White House ambitions come November.

"They're not going to be voting for me," Bush said. "I've had my time in the Oval Office."

With the Democratic race raging with no end in sight, McCain has the comparative luxury of time to raise money, heal wounds and bring the Republican party together.