WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush's speech to the Republican convention will not define his legacy, will not bid farewell to the US public, and will not attack Democratic nominee Barack Obama, the White House said Friday.
"Above all, the speech reflects on the role of the presidency and the qualities that are demanded by the job and makes the case that John McCain is the best qualified to be our next leader and commander-in-chief," said spokeswoman Dana Perino.
Bush is scheduled to address the gathering set to anoint Senator John McCain as the party's White House champion on Monday at 9:40 p.m. (0240 GMT Tuesday) -- though Hurricane Gustav, forecast to slam the US Gulf coast early next week, could change those plans, officials say.
"Do not expect the speech to define the president's legacy," Perino cautioned. "This is not an opportunity to recap accomplishments over the past seven-and-a-half years.
"It will not serve as a farewell to the American people, and it certainly will not attack Barack Obama," she underlined.
If true, that would place Bush's speech in stark contrast to his remarks at the 2004 Republican convention, when he savaged Democratic rival John Kerry, accusing him among other things of undermining US troops in Iraq.
Bush will discuss "the major issues facing the country, from terrorism and war, to the economy and the direction of our culture," but the speech also "expresses gratitude" for his two terms in office, said Perino.
"The president will thank his family, his administration, and, most of all, the friends, supporters, and volunteers in the convention hall who have supported him and the Republican agenda for these past eight years."
Perino also took aim at Democrats assailing Bush at their own nominating convention this week, charging "some of the attacks are just out-and-out false, for example, suggesting that the Bush administration hasn't invested in alternative or renewable energies."
"We're in high political season. We're not going to let it get to us. We're going to focus on the big picture," she said.
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