President George Bush declared John McCain ready to lead America as a man with "courage and vision" - but pointedly did not travel to Minneapolis to address the Republican convention.

He was almost overshadowed by a speech by Joseph Lieberman, the former Democratic vice-presidential candidate who in 2000 ran beside Al Gore. Mr Lieberman appeared at the convention to back Mr McCain.

In a televised statement Mr Bush said Mr McCain should take over as commanderin chief, hinting that his support-for the Iraq war was a key factor. He said: "We live in a dangerous world. We need a president who understands the lessons of September 11, 2001. The man we need is John McCain." Mr Bush said Mr McCain was the "one senator above all" who had faith in the importance of the US military mission in Iraq.

The use of Iraq, and even the backing of Mr Bush, is a double-edged sword to Republicans desperate not to have Mr McCain tainted by the unpopularity of the Bush White House.

Mr Bush had been due to address delegates in person but, to the relief of many Republican campaigners, pulled out to oversee relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. But there was delight at the speech by Mr Lieberman, a Democrat until he split with the party over the troop "surge" in Iraq.

He endorsed Mr McCain as an experienced choice to lead the country and launched a severe attack on his Democrat rival, Barack Obama.

"Senator Barack Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead," said Mr Lieberman, now an independent senator for Connecticut. "But eloquence is no substitute for a record - not in these tough times."

In an appeal for the votes of backers of Mr Obama's former rival Hillary Clinton, Mr Lieberman said: "Let me contrast Barack Obama's record to that of the last Democratic president Bill Clinton, who stood up to some of those same Democratic interest groups and worked with Republicans and got some important things done, like welfare reform, free trade agreements, and a balanced budget."

He said the comparison "may make history at this Republican convention" but it drew only a lukewarm response.

Seeking to reach beyond the Republican faithful, Mr Lieberman said anyone who has contemplated voting Republican should do so this year.

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