Bush promises safer world, says will not relent
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-03 10:26

U.S. President Bush vigorously defended the invasion of Iraq and his leadership in the war on terror on Thursday, promising to create a safer world and vowing: "I will never relent in defending America -- whatever it takes."

U.S. President Bush stands at the podium in front of Chief of Staff Andrew Card at Madison Square Garden in New York during a walk-through and sound check Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, before accepting the party's nomination later at night during the Republican National Convention in New York. [AP]

"We are staying on the offensive -- striking terrorists abroad -- so we do not have to face them here at home," Bush said in accepting the Republican nomination for another term in the White House.

"We will build a safer world and a more hopeful America -- and nothing will hold us back," he said.

In a prime-time televised address that concluded the Republican convention and kicked off a two-month race to the Nov. 2 election, Bush offered sharp criticism of his Democratic challenger John Kerry -- but in much less scathing language than earlier Republican attacks at the convention.

"My opponent's policies are dramatically different than ours," Bush said, describing diverse stances on taxes, the war in Iraq and support for U.S. troops.

"His policies of tax and spend ... are the policies of the past," said Bush, who mentioned Kerry by name once but made at least 10 other references to him. "We are on the path to the future -- and we are not turning back."

Anti-Bush protestors hold up signs outside New York's Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, where the New York delegation to the Republican National Convention were holding a reception on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004. [AP]

Kerry quickly fired back, saying he would make the United States more respected in the world and stronger at home.

"The election comes down to this. If you believe this country is heading in the right direction, you should support George Bush," Kerry said. "But if you believe America needs to move in a new direction, join with us."

Standing at Madison Square Garden, less than four miles from the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, Bush reminded Americans of the grim days afterward and said he had to go to war in Iraq.

"Do I forget the lessons of Sept. 11 and take the word of a madman, or do I take action to defend our country? Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time," Bush said of the war in Iraq, where nearly 1,000 U.S. troops have died.

"Because we acted to defend our country, the murderous regime of Saddam Hussein and the Taliban are history, more than 50 million people have been liberated and democracy is coming to the Middle East."

He recalled his visit to the rubble of Ground Zero to stand "where Americans died" and said the world saw the spirit of America.

'HERE A NATION ROSE'

"For as long as our country stands, people will look to the resurrection of New York City and they will say: Here buildings fell, and here a nation rose."

Bush was interrupted at least twice by shouting protesters who were led out of the hall. Republican delegates drowned out the protesters' shouts with chants of "Four more years."

The president touted his tax cuts and said they were rejuvenating the economy and restoring lost jobs. More than 1 million U.S. jobs still have been lost since Bush took office.

He also revived his "compassionate conservative" theme from the 2000 election and promised to simplify the tax system, allow private investments of Social Security funds and push policies that would make it easier to own homes and go to college.

Bush, however, offered no details.

"Many of our most fundamental systems -- the tax code, health coverage, pension plans, worker training -- were created for the world of yesterday, not tomorrow," Bush said.

"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," he said.

Recent polls show Bush gaining ground on Kerry, and some show him moving into a small lead. They also show him building his advantage over the Massachusetts senator in areas that have moved to the top of the campaign agenda, such as national security.

Bush castigated Kerry for voting against an $87 billion package to pay for the war and for calling U.S. allies in Iraq "a coalition of the coerced and the bribed."

He said Kerry's policies of "tax and spend" were a thing of the past, and hinted repeatedly that a vote for Kerry was a vote for the unknown. "Even when we don't agree, at least you know what I believe and where I stand," he said.

KERRY FIRES BACK

Kerry also readied a sharp response to attacks from Cheney and other Republicans that he was indecisive and unfit to be commander in chief.

"I'm not going to have my commitment to defend this country questioned by those who have refused to serve when they could have and by those who have misled the nation into Iraq," the decorated Vietnam War veteran said in prepared remarks he will deliver at a midnight campaign appearance in Ohio.

Neither Bush, who served in the Texas Air National Guard, nor Cheney went to Vietnam. The vice president obtained five deferments and has since said he had "other priorities" at the time.

Anti-Bush protests continued around the city with a crowd estimated by police at 10,000 gathering outside the convention site before the president spoke. Many in the crowd which stretched about three blocks south of Madison Square Garden wore black or white "Stop Bush" armbands and headbands.

Bush was to leave New York immediately after the speech for the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania, where he planned a morning rally on Friday.

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