The Republican Convention got off to a rousing start yesterday before thousands of cheering delegates with the party chairman, Mr Jim Nicholson, proclaiming "today begins day one of the Bush-Cheney era".
He said that "we are more united, more enthused, more excited about our prospects this fall than I can ever remember".
But the Democrats were not lying down in front of Republican rhetoric as they started a series of television advertisements in 17 key states attacking the ultra-conservative voting record of Mr Dick Cheney. Mr Bush's running mate had spent the weekend trying to defend such votes when he was in Congress in the 1980s. He had voted then against the release from jail of Mr Nelson Mandela.
Mr Bush rallied his troops from a distance by satellite as he made a triumphal procession to the Convention by campaigning in key states. "We're on our way to Philadelphia and we're on our way to victory," he exulted at a rally in Ohio.
At the Convention on the first night, his wife, Mrs Laura Bush, a former librarian, addressed delegates on the theme of "Leave No Child Behind" and the need to improve literacy. This was part of a calculated effort to soften the harder edge of Republicanism and more in tune with her husband's slogan of "compassionate conservatism".
Another high-profile speaker was Gen Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and of Jamaican origin, who spoke of the need for community and volunteer service. He has obvious appeal to minority voters who up to now have largely voted for Democratic candidates. Gen Powell refused Mr Bush's invitation to be his running mate but has indicated he would like to serve as Secretary of State in the event of a Republican victory in November.
Delegates at this year's event, crammed into the huge sports arena in southern Philadelphia, were also treated to a "Profile in Compassion" video advocating school programmes that "promote values that transcend socio-economic, ethnic, racial and religious lines".
But the Republican platform, or policy document, approved several hours beforehand included a strong anti-abortion position which would allow of no exceptions for rape, incest or of danger to the life of the mother, although this is Mr Bush's personal position. Attempts by pro-choice Republicans to moderate this policy failed.
The policy document also strengthened the language of the anti-gay rights section although there are more openly gay delegates present than at any previous convention. A daughter of Mr Cheney is also noted for her public openness about being a lesbian.
Senator John McCain announced he was releasing his delegates to vote for Mr Bush. Police arrested at least eight protesters on the streets of Philadelphia. The arrests came during a protest by several hundred people demanding the closure of the US Army's notorious School of the Americas in Georgia, where Latin American military officers allegedly learned torture tactics later used on civilians.
The police said they had proceeded with arrests for "disorderly conduct" after some protesters sought to block traffic in downtown Philadelphia.