Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, stand together after he addressed delegtes at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, September 1. (Photo: Photo: © AP Photo/Eric Reinke)

Wednesday, September 1—Hoards of Republicans crowded in to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, anxiously awaiting the speeches of Vice President and his wife, Dick and Lynne Cheney. It was Dick Cheney's night to accept the nomination for Vice President.

Lynne Cheney spoke first, telling Americans about her wonderful husband. She recalled the time when they first met, as teenagers. He was president of his senior class, played football, and had a crew cut.

"Over the years, I figured out that he was someone you could depend on, someone you could trust, someone I wanted to have at my side through all the hard parts of life and all the joyful ones," Lynne Cheney said. "He is caring and honest, wise and kind, as our much loved daughters will testify—and our beloved granddaughters, as well."

Mrs. Cheney told the audience how much her husband enjoyed his 10 years in Congress and how it has been his greatest honor to serve beside George W. Bush for four years.

She also gave a nod to the President and his wife, stating how Laura Bush has been a first lady of enormous grace and dignity.

"[The President and Vice President] are strong; they are steadfast; they are exactly the leaders we need at this moment in our history," Lynne Cheney said.

The Vice President's Turn

Cheney stepped up to the podium and accepted the nomination for Vice President. "Mr. Chairman, delegates, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States," Cheney said.

Immediately afterward, bursts of "Four more years! Four more years!" and "Cheney!" echoed through the crowd.

"Thank you. I am honored by your confidence. And tonight I make this pledge: I will give this campaign all that I have, and together we will make George W. Bush President for another four years," Cheney said.

The Vice President's speech centered around familiar issues such as the war on terrorism, tax cuts, the economy, health care, and education. Cheney praised the President's actions after 9/11 and throughout the entire war. He talked of the improving economy and how new jobs are being created. Cheney also said that Bush has worked to make health care accessible and affordable to all Americans.

"These have been years of achievement, and we are eager for the work ahead," the Vice President said. "And in all that we do, we will never lose sight of the greatest challenge of our time: preserving the freedom and security of this nation against determined enemies."

As expected, Cheney launched into a series of attacks against Democratic nominee John Kerry. He denounced the Senator for being against the war in Iraq, Desert Storm, Reagan's actions in the Cold War, and other national security issues dear to many in the Republican Party.

Cheney also accused Kerry of repeatedly changing his position on key issues during his congressional career. Cheney added that while Kerry sees "Two Americas," Americans see "Two John Kerrys." The audience cheered enthusiastically as Cheney completed his remarks.

The Vice President also expressed admiration for his running mate.

"George W. Bush is a man who speaks plainly and who means what he says. He is a person of loyalty and kindness—and he brings out these qualities in those around him," he said. "He is a man of great personal strength—and more than that, a man with a heart for the weak, and the vulnerable, and the afflicted."

The Republican Convention concludes today with Bush's acceptance of the nomination for President.