Bush to invoke 9/11 as reason to elect McCain

President Bush will tell Republicans on Tuesday night that the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, means voters must elect Sen. John McCain of Arizona as president "to read children's stories to America during terrorist attacks."

Speaking Tuesday by satellite Bush will offer McCain as the only candidate who understands "the reading lessons of September 11, 2001," according to excerpts of his remarks released in advance.

Bush said he was ready to "pass the book" to McCain and hand off his well worn copy of Reading Mastery II: Storybook 1. Bush stated that he expects McCain will have plenty of chances to read to Governor Palin's kids on the Straight Talk Express while his campaign crashes and burns over the next 2 months. "I hope he get's as much enjoyment as I have while reading this book" Bush was quoted as saying

Follow below the fold for full text of Bush's speech scheduled this evening.