Republicans: John McCain finds himself in a delicate dance with the shadow of President Bush

STRATEGY: The campaign must craft a convention that defines McCain as a choice that offers a new direction. By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG, New York Times Republicans: John McCain finds himself in a delicate dance with the shadow of President Bush. WASHINGTON - What if your family was planning a big end-of-summer bash (a Grand Old Party, so to speak) but preferred that you not be seen -- or heard? That is the question hanging over President Bush, with eight weeks to go until Republicans gather in St. Paul to nominate Sen. John McCain as his successor. Convention planners, the White House and the McCain campaign are wrestling with how to choreograph a proper send-off for Bush -- sure, his poll numbers are in the tank, but he is still the party leader and president of the United States -- while hustling him out the door in time for... [read full story]