Think Progress
February 18, 2008

McCain Embraces Third Bush Term: ‘I’d Be Honored To Be Anywhere With Him’

The New York Times writes that Sen. John McCain will ask George W. Bush to fundraise for him, but does not “want the president to appear too often at his side.” U.S. News reports:

President Bush is increasingly confident that John McCain, as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, will be an effective defender of the major Bush policies such as cutting taxes, fighting terrorism, and winning the Iraq war, according to White House aides.

Standing at an event this morning with former President George H.W. Bush to receive his and Barbara’s endorsement, McCain was asked whether he “would be in effect carrying out a third Bush term.”

“I’d be honored to have President George Bush’s support, his endorsement,” McCain responded. “And I’d be honored to be anywhere with him under any circumstances.” He added, “I am proud of this president’s strategy in Iraq.”

McCain tried to qualify the strength of his ties to Bush. McCain said, “I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to work with him on many issues,” but added, “obviously, as any president who follows one has different views on particularly specific issues.”

One McCain adviser told the NYT that “that while there were risks for Mr. McCain to appear with Mr. Bush, it would be a bad idea to keep Mr. Bush entirely at arm’s length.”

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