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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Even a hurricane, as it turned out, couldn't stop the most imposing figure in the Republican Party — two-term President Bush — from appearing before delegates in St. Paul via satellite from the White House.

But what was equally clear on Tuesday night is that Bush's star has dimmed

After canceling his Monday kickoff speech to the convention, Bush was given just seven minutes on Tuesday evening — and not during live network coverage — and was bookended by live appearances from his more popular spouse, first lady Laura Bush.

The night's key spotlight was reserved, instead, for Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., a close friend and confidant of McCain's who eight years ago helped Al Gore head the Democratic ticket.

MORE INSIDE:

RALLYING CRY: Tuesday speakers laud McCain's life experiences. Page A4 UNCOVERED: Campaign money hurts Gov. Sarah Palin's image. Page A4

On StarNet: Be sure to check go.azstarnet.com/politicalblog to get the latest news and guest blogs from the floor of the Republican National Convention.

President Bush

"I've sat at the Resolute desk and received the daily intelligence brief-ings, the threat assessments and the reports from our commanders on the front lines. I know the hard choices that fall solely to a president. John McCain's life has prepared him to make those choices."

Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson

"This is the kind of character that civilizations from the beginning of history have sought in their leaders. Strength. Courage. Humility. Wisdom. Duty. Honor."

Conn. Sen. Joe Lieberman

"What you can expect from John McCain as president is precisely what he has done this week: which is to put country first. That is the code by which he has lived his entire life, and that is the code he will carry with him into the White House."

House Republican Leader John Boehner

"Under the leadership of Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin, Republicans are returning to our roots and reclaiming our mantle as the party of reform . . . the party America needs us to be."