Thursday RNC Convention Wire Archive

ByABC News
September 2, 2004, 5:42 PM

— -- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

DAY FOUR OF THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION:

Bush: "I am running for President with a clear and positive plan to build a safer world, and a more hopeful America. I am running with a compassionate conservative philosophy: that government should help people improve their lives, not try to run their lives. I believe this Nation wants steady, consistent, principled leadership -- and that is why, with your help, we will win this election."

"This changed world can be a time of great opportunity for all Americans to earn a better living, support your family, and have a rewarding career. And government must take your side. Many of our most fundamental systems -- the tax code, health coverage, pension plans, worker training -- were created for the world of yesterday, not tomorrow. 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."

President Bush: "Mr. Chairman, delegates, fellow citizens: I am honored by your support, and I accept your nomination for President of the United States." 10:11 pm ET.

President Bush appears on stage at 10:07 pm ET.

New York Gov. George Pataki: "You know, as Republicans we're lucky. This fall we're going to win one for the Gipper. But our opponents - they're going lose one with the Flipper."

"Senator Kerry says, "America should go to war not when it wants to go to war but when it has to go to war." Well, Senator: the fire fighters and cops who ran into those burning towers and died on September 11th didn't want to go to war, they were heroes in a war they didn't even know existed. America did not choose this war. But we have a President who chooses to win it."

SPOTTED: SNL's Daryl Hammond wearing a cowboy hat and standing directly below Vice President Cheney's box.

Florida Senate Candidate, Mel Martinez: "I believe in George Bush's idea of "compassionate conservatism." From the time I first heard him talk about it, I said "compassionate conservatism is the story of my life."