President Bush arrives in New York Wednesday, a day before he accepts his party's nomination for another four-year term at the Republican National Convention in New York City. Economic issues will dominate the convention's agenda.
Among the speakers Wednesday will be Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, who will talk about President Bush's record on job creation.
Democrats say Mr. Bush's economic policies have resulted in jobs lost to cheaper labor in such countries as India and China.
In a preview of Wednesday's convention theme, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger dismissed such criticism in an address to delegates Tuesday night. "Now they say India and China are overtaking us. Don't you believe it! We may hit a few bumbs, but America always moves ahead! That's what Americans do!," he said.
Other speakers Wednesday will tout Mr. Bush's tax cut policy, something First Lady Laura Bush did a day earlier. "I could talk about the small business owners and entrepreneurs who are now creating most of the new jobs in our country?women like Carmella Chaifos, the only woman to own a tow truck company in all of Iowa," he said. "The President's tax relief helped Carmella to buy the business, and modernize her fleet, and expand her operations."
Democrats say Mr. Bush's tax cut policies benefit the wealthy at the expense of the middle class.
Mrs. Bush and Mr. Schwarzenegger spoke on a day that was meant to highlight a softer and more compassionate side of the Republican party. Convention organizers are seeking to show the party has a broad appeal.
In keeping with that effort, a Democrat, Senator Zell Miller of Georgia, is to deliver the keynote address Wednesday night.
Also speaking will be the late President Ronald Reagan's son, Michael, who will pay tribute to his father's legacy. Mr. Reagan died earlier this year from complications relating to Alzheimer's disease.
For his part, President Bush, shortly after his arrival in New York late Wednesday, will go to a neighborhood fire station and meet with some of the city's firefighters to thank them for their service.
Mr. Bush's Democratic Party challenger, Senator John Kerry, who was nominated by Democrats in Boston last month, plans Wednesday to deliver a speech to military veterans in Nashville, Tennessee.