Bush campaigning

The Republican party's convention opens today in New York to nominate George Bush as its candidate in November's presidential election. The polls indicate that the race to win the election is still very close. This report from Justin Webb in New York:

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Rudi Guiliani, who was mayor of New York at the time of the attacks of 2001, will compare the President to Winston Churchill and John McCane, the Republican Senator who is so moderate that he was talked of as a possible Democratic vice-presidential choice, will throw his considerable weight behind the Bush campaign, saying the President has not flinched in the war on terrorism. Mr Bush himself is due to address the convention and the nation on Thursday.

Justin Webb, BBC, New York

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band
group

undecided voters
people who have not yet decided which party they are going to vote for

to that end
in order to achieve the desired result

platform
the platform of a political party is what the party say they will do if they are elected

dominated by social liberals
social liberals will be the largest and most influential group

inclusive characters
people who will accept many different ideas

to give their blessing to
to support

throw his considerable weight behind
support with all his power and influence

flinched
moved back in fear

convention
a large meeting of an organization or political group

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