Texans salute President George W. Bush during his live satellite address to the 2008 Republican National Convention on Sept. 2
Speaking remotely from the White House, he started with a Hurricane Gustav update and then kept things low-key and on message. He offered his signature line about John McCain ("He is ready to lead this nation.") and was careful to highlight the Senator's maverick record and heroic past. A little stiff, and a little awkward — and limited by his own stumbles and poll numbers when selling the man he hopes will succeed him. Bush finished with warm praise for wife Laura (milking her unflagging popularity), and then it was over and out. A far cry from Bill Clinton's camera-hogging looooooong walk in 2000.
— by Mark Halperin