A View From The Top

CENTER STAGE The President addresses delegates at New York City's Madison Square Garden

READY, SET ... The President pauses in the control room just before taking the stage. In his 62-min. speech, he will lay out a modest domestic agenda and a vigorous defense of his foreign policy--and crack a few jokes

PUMPED Bush and adviser Karl Rove clasp hands as they meet in a holding room. With them are Bush's personal aide Blake Gottesman, far left; director of communications Dan Bartlett; and friend Roland Betts, far right

NEED A LIFT? Shortly after finishing his speech and basking in the spotlight with his family, Bush heads for a heliport. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg rides along. Bush is off to the swing state of Pennsylvania