Bush calls McCain 'a true conservative'

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush indicated in a televised interview Sunday he supports Republican presidential hopeful John McCain.

Bush said on Fox News the Arizona Republican senator is a "true conservative."

Bush said McCain, who has emerged as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, "is very strong on national defense" issues.

"He is tough fiscally," Bush said. "He believes the tax cuts ought to be permanent. He is pro-life. His principles are sound and solid as far as I'm concerned."

McCain -- who has clashed with some conservatives on his support for embryonic stem cell research, immigration reform and campaign finance reform -- might have some work to do to get some conservatives' support, Bush said.

"I think that if John is the nominee, he has got some convincing to do to convince people that he is a solid conservative and I'll be glad to help him if he is the nominee," Bush said.

Bush warned Republicans they would not find a candidate who would appeal to everyone in the GOP.

"You'll never find that person," Bush said.