Bush endorses former rival McCain

US President George Bush has finally endorsed fellow Republican Senator John McCain's presidential bid after he clinched the Republican nomination. It would be interesting to recollect that McCain's candidature had earlier been crushed by Bush during the 2000 presidential election campaigns. Now the one-time rivals claim to be 'friends'. "I've got to know him well, I've campaigned against him and with him," the president revealed.

McCain received the endorsement in a brief visit at the Rose Garden at the White House. Bush believes that his former rival would be an able president with the "determination to defeat an enemy and a heart big enough to love those who hurt". Bush added that McCain was "going to win."

McCain returned the compliment by divulging his "great admiration, respect and affection" for the US president. Since Bush is quite unpopular with many voters, McCain was questioned regarding the worth of Bush's endorsement. Regarding the prospect of the damage that this support could mete to his campaign, McCain simply said: "I hope he'll campaign for me as much as is in keeping with his busy schedule."

He also corroborated the promise to fight a "respectful" campaign that he made in his victory speech.