Republicans launch bid to send McCain to White House

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

ST PAUL, Minnesota (AFP) — Republicans belatedly launch their effort Tuesday to showcase John McCain to millions of American voters, after first trying to quell a storm over his shock running mate pick Sarah Palin.

The Republican National Convention here will spotlight McCain's heroic biography as a Vietnam war hero and proclaim him as the "original maverick" in a bid to position him for victory over Democrat Barack Obama on November 4.

President George W. Bush, after eight turbulent years in the White House will be only a sideshow, given less than 10 minutes via video link from the White House for his swansong with his party.

The president, broadly unpopular, but still a hit with core conservatives, was to have addressed the convention in person on its...