Meet Bridget... the McCains introduce adopted Bangladeshi daughter

The 17-year-old appeared as her life story was told at the Republican National Convention.

Bridget was brought to the U.S. 17 years ago by the Republican presidential candidate's wife after she saw the girl in an orphanage run by Mother Teresa's nuns.

Warm welcome: Cindy McCain introduces her adopted Bangladeshi daughter Bridget to the Republican convention in Minneapolis

Family unity: Mrs McCain and Bridget embrace as McCain's mother Roberta applauds

Wes Gullett, a former aide to Mr McCain, told the convention that Cindy McCain, now 54, was in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when she saw Bridget and another girl among 160 abandoned newborns.

Bridget had a cleft palate. The other girl a heart condition. Fearing both would die without medical attention, Mrs McCain argued with officials until their visa papers for the U.S. were signed.

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The first her husband knew about it was when he met her at the airport in Arizona. She had a baby in each arm. 'Where is she going?' he asked her.

'To our house,' she replied. They adopted one girl and Mr Gullett and his wife adopted the other.

'I remember John's face. That day he was not the tough war-hero senator.

'He was like every other new father, full of love.'

Campaigners hope the multiracial story will help gain votes. It may also shift attention from revelations about Mrs Palin's daughter.