Video: 'George W. Bush Accepting the Presidential Nomination, 2004'

(Thursday, September 2, 2004, 10:09 p.m. EDT; during the 2004 Republican National Convention) — President George W. Bush formally accepted the Republican nomination for a second term tonight, promising to create jobs, expand healthcare, and improve educational opportunities.

In his acceptance speech, Bush sharply criticized his Democratic challenger, Senator John Kerry, for what he described as a weak and inconsistent record on national security and the economy.

Speaking at the conclusion of the four-day Republican National Convention, Bush repeatedly invoked the memory of the September 11 attacks, presenting his first term as being profoundly shaped by that national tragedy.

He framed his presidency as a crucial period in history, suggesting that Kerry would be inadequate in responding to ongoing threats against the United States.

Video: 'Dick Cheney VP Nomination Acceptance Speech 2004 RNC'

“We will build a safer world and a more hopeful America, and nothing will hold us back,” Bush declared. “Generations will know if we seized this moment and used it to build a future of safety and peace. The freedom of many and the future security of our nation now depend on us.”

Bush’s nomination was confirmed last night (Sept. 1, 2004) through a “rolling roll call” that concluded with Pennsylvania’s delegation casting the decisive votes. He received 2,508 votes, with one abstention.

Vice President Dick Cheney was re-nominated by voice vote earlier today and delivered his acceptance speech the evening before.

The Bush-Cheney ticket is set to face the Democratic nominees, John Kerry and John Edwards, in the upcoming 2004 general election.