George W. Bush Vows 'New Beginning'

P H I L A D E L P H I A, Aug. 4 -- Texas Gov. George Bush wrapped up the GOP convention Thursday night pledging that he and his party were ready to take over the nation’s leadership from Democrats who had squandered their chance to lead.

Just one night after running mate Dick Cheney charged up the Republican National Convention with a speech that took jabs at the Clinton administration, Bush echoed Cheney’s themes, accepting the party’s nomination and telling delegates in the hall and a national television audience, “My fellow citizens, we can begin again.

“Our current president embodied the potential of a generation. So many talents. So much charm. Such great skill,” Bush said. “But in the end, to what end? So much promise, to no great purpose.”

The Texas governor set out with this tightly scripted convention to make the case that he embodies just such purpose. In the biggest speech of his life, Bush needed to quiet concerns about his lack of experience, and prove that he has what it takes to lead the nation.

“As governor, I’ve made difficult decisions, and stood by them under pressure,” Bush said. “I’ve been where the buck stops — in business and in government. I’ve been a chief executive who sets an agenda, sets big goals, and rallies people to believe and achieve them.I am proud of this record, and I’m prepared for the work ahead.”

Political Jujitsu

Bush also moved to capitalize on concerns that his limited experience — having served only two terms as governor in Texas — is more an asset than a liability. Acknowledging that his resume “may lack the polish of Washington,” Bush boasted that he also does not have “a lot of things that come with Washington experience.”

“I don’t have enemies to fight. And I have no stake in the bitter arguments of the last four years,” Bush said. “I want to change the tone of Washington to one of civility and respect.”