Forbes declares support for Bush

MANVILLE, N.J. — Steve Forbes '70 endorsed former Republican presidential opponent George W. Bush in an appearance at the Somerset County Republican Convention last night.

"I unequivocally and fully support George W. Bush for the presidency of the United States," Forbes said. "I will do everything I can to help him win."

Forbes dropped out of the 2000 primaries Feb. 10 after a third-place finish in Delaware. Speaking to 405 delegates and members of the public in a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall last night, Forbes praised his former rival.

"As the American people are learning and will learn, he's a good man," Forbes said of Bush. "He's been tested — I tried to test him — and he emerged the stronger for it."

Bush vs. Gore

Forbes contrasted Bush with Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore.

"Al Gore represents the status quo," Forbes said. "George W. Bush has a contrasting vision of integrity and character, reform and renewal."

Forbes poked fun at Gore and expressed confidence that Bush will be elected president in November.

"In 298 days, Bill Clinton will leave the office of the presidency of the United States," Forbes said. "In 298 days, Vice President Al Gore will become president of the environmental defense fund."

Forbes also criticized what he described as a lack of integrity in the Clinton-Gore administration.

"It's high time we had a president who respects [the Constitution] instead of one who trashes it," Forbes said. "That's why tonight I wholeheartedly endorse George W. Bush for the presidency of the United States."

Bush is continuing to seek additional support from his former opponents for the Republican nomination. Just hours before his appearance with Forbes, he called John McCain to set up a meeting to gain McCain's support for his presidential bid.

But as Bush primes for the upcoming general campaign with Gore, he said yesterday he was honored to have Forbes' support.

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"He is a tough competitor," Bush said of Forbes. "He ran a good race. He interjected some really interesting ideas."

"He reminds us that ideas make good politics," Bush added. "I appreciate his intellect, his love of his family. I appreciate his love for America, and I'm glad he's on my team."