First Lady Laura Bush speaks at the 2008 Republican National Convention on Sept. 2
Always a crowd favorite, she never overplays her hand. Resplendent in First Lady Red, Bush confidently welcomed another popular woman to the Republican stage with her warm words about Sarah Palin. She remains her husband's best surrogate and a beloved figure who transcends party lines — and the president's dismal poll numbers. Putting the best face on the Bush record at home and, especially, abroad, she could do no wrong in the eyes of this adoring crowd. They welcomed her with thunderous applause and kicked off the primetime portion of the night with a positive jolt.
— by Mark Halperin