September 4, 2008 Ridge: McCain is ready to lead, serve and deliver Play video

(NECN: St. Paul, MN) - Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge spoke ahead of John McCain at the RNC Thursday. He spoke with "enormous pride" about his friend John McCain.

He said that McCain is a "proven leader... a world statesman... an untiring and effective public servant."

Ridge spoke of McCain's ability to battle through adversity and make good out of any situation. "Where some people see a crisis, John McCain creates an opportunity. Where some people see defeat, John McCain pursues victory."

He also distinguished McCain's career from that of his opponent. "Who but John McCain has the experience... the sheer will... the steady hand... and the informed judgment to advance our economic and political interests during these perilous 21st century times?"

He said that it is not just who can answer a phone call at 3 a.m., but who has answered the phone call his whole life. Ridge closed by saying John McCain, "the next commander-in-chief, ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to deliver."