Republican National Convention: First lady defends husband

Published 9:31 am Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Giving Republicans a little bit of “straight talk” Tuesday night, first lady Laura Bush defended her husband George W. Bush’s record as president, saying she knows about the burdens the next president of the United States will face.

Talking about his accomplishments during his eight years in office, she said: “A lot has changed over the last eight years, but one thing remains constant. George remains a man of strong values and enduring love for the United States of America.”

While in office, President Bush initiated one of the most important education reforms, she said, referring to the No Child Left Behind Act, she said.

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“Today student achievement is rising across the board,” she said. “Test scores for minority students are the highest they’ve ever been.”

The first lady talked of the newest U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.

She also explained how practically 2 million more Africans are receiving help for HIV/AIDS and how about 50 million people in Iraq and Afghanistan are now living in freedom.

“You might call that change you can really believe in,” she said. “George is using America’s influence to lift up lives around the world.”

Laura said she and her husband will leave the White House with deep gratitude for the support they’ve received.

“The American people can expect great things from John and Cindy McCain,” she said.

In between her remarks, President Bush spoke via satellite from the White House, giving his support of the presumed Republican candidate.

“No matter what the issue, this man is honest and speaks straight from the heart,” he said of McCain.