Bush courting moderates, independents

NEW YORK — 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 weeklong 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 as 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.

The Rev. Jerry Falwell? No room at the podium. Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson? No role. Conservative commentator Pat Buchanan? No way.

Scores of other speakers will testify to Bush's humor and humanity. First lady Laura Bush, who speaks Tuesday, will offer her take on her husband's accomplishments, with a dose of personal insight — "the funny side of George. He has a great sense of humor. The compassionate side. He's very compassionate. Those are the sides of him I've seen."

An entire day, the convention's second, is set aside to spotlight Bush's efforts on health care, education and getting religious groups involved in federally funded community service. On Thursday night, Bush accepts the nomination and unveils a second-term agenda pitched toward the political middle.

Voters won't buy it again, Democratic Party leaders say.

"This week the Bush-Cheney team will turn Madison Square Garden into a political Potemkin village, all shiny and happy in appearances but not connected to reality," said Democratic strategist Craig Smith, who worked for Bush's rival four years ago, Al Gore.