Former President Bush backs McCain

Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, on Monday got the endorsement of former Commander in Chief George H.W. Bush and both stressed party unity as the key to defeating the Democratic candidate in November.

{mosads}“I believe now is the right time for me to help John in his effort to start building the broad-based coalition it will take for our conservative values to carry the White House this fall,” the former president said at a Houston press conference.

Though McCain does not have the nomination locked up, the party establishment is increasingly uniting behind the senator. Last week, the Republican House leadership strongly came out in his support.

“In the coming election, we do not have the luxury of taking a pass on our unique role and responsibilities in the world,” the father of the current president said. “And the indisputable fact that unites the greatest number of Republicans, most independents and many good Democrats is the fact that no one is better prepared to lead our nation at these trying times than Senator John McCain.”

Bush said the Arizona senator has “the right values and experience” to lead the country.

“His character was forged in the crucible of war,” Bush stated. “His commitment to America is beyond any doubt.”

McCain responded to the endorsement by saying that the support of the former president is an honor.

“I also think it is very helpful in continuing our effort to unite our party,” McCain said. “In the conversations I had with President Bush, he made it very clear that we, as a party, must unite and move forward and attract, not only members of our own party, but independents and the so-called Reagan Democrats.”