ST. PAUL, MINN. — Republicans shifted forcefully back to politics Tuesday on a convention night that drew sharp contrast between John McCain's military service and maverick traits and a Democratic opponent who they said would bring only inexperience and flowery rhetoric to the White House.
The day after Hurricane Gustav led to an abbreviated opening session of the Republican National Convention on Monday, the GOP's effort was two-pronged: to reintroduce McCain to the country after a rocky few days and to denigrate Democratic nominee Barack Obama.
In remarks via satellite, President Bush lauded McCain, with whom the president has shared an erratic relationship. But Bush's speech -- originally scheduled for Monday, from the Xcel Energy Center stage -- was brief and overshadowed by Obama critics.
Chief among those critics was Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut and the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee, who used his cross-party reach to make an aggressive appeal to Democrats and independents who he said might be tempted to vote for McCain.
"Both presidential candidates this year have talked about changing the culture of Washington, about breaking through the partisan gridlock and special interests that are poisoning our politics," said Lieberman, a close McCain friend who was among those considered for his running mate. "But, my friends, only one of them has actually done it. . . .
"Sen. Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead. But eloquence is no substitute for a record -- not in these tough times."
Lieberman cast his break with the Democrats as a matter of principle.
"I'm here to support John McCain because country matters more than party," said Lieberman, for whom Obama once campaigned. "I'm here tonight because John McCain is the best choice to bring our country together and lead our country forward. . . . Being a Democrat or a Republican is important. But it is not more important than being an American."
Fred Thompson, the actor and former Tennessee senator who briefly ran for president, gave the night's most partisan speech. The Republican cast McCain as a rebel, a reformer and a war hero "who feels no need to apologize for the United States of America."
Thompson mocked what he called the Democrats' "history-making nominee for president." "History-making in that he is the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for president," he said.
