NEW YORK (AP) - For months, President Bush has been courting his core conservative supporters. Now, in a New York minute, he's shifting his focus to moderates, independents and Democrats not entirely sold on John Kerry. He wants to be known as the "compassionate conservative" again.
That slogan from his first presidential race lost its meaning to many people shortly after Bush's bitterly contested victory four years ago, when he moved like a man with a mandate to install a right-leaning Cabinet with an agenda to match. Facing an electorate no less divided than in 2000, Bush hopes to reclaim a slice of the political center with a week-long convention script designed to highlight the moderate parts of his program while reminding swing voters why they once found him so likable.
The lineup of speakers includes prominent moderates such California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Another prime-time speaker, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, is a social conservative with widespread appeal among independents. Sen. Zell Miller of Georgia, a Democrat, was given the keynote address.
"I joined your party because of the conservative values of Republican Party. They're my values and the values of the constituents I represent," said Rep. Rodney Alexander of Louisiana, who switched parties this summer and addressed the convention before it was two hours old.
http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20040830/D84PMROO1.html
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