In his speech Bush sought to reinforce the McCain campaign's theme that the Arizona senator is a maverick who has been willing to buck his own party's leadership.
CNN: Bush praises McCain as 'the man we need'
2.
"We're going to sit down and map out a strategy where John can get the best bang for the party's buck, " said Rep. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) on Tuesday.
CNN: McCain to campaign for House Republicans this fall
3.
Vice President Joe Biden recently urged the party's base to "stop whining" and "buck up, " a message echoed by Mr. Obama in his Rolling Stone interview.