McCain vows to change what needs changing

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- John McCain praised his Democratic opponent Thursday in a speech to Republican delegates in St. Paul, Minn., then promised they'd "go at it" until November.

"(A) word to Senator (Barack) Obama and his supporters: We'll go at it over the next two months," McCain said when he accepted the GOP presidential nomination. "That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us."

McCain acknowledged Obama's nomination as the first black major-party presidential candidate as historic, then pointed out the differences between him and the Illinois senator on issues such as taxes, energy, healthcare, trade and job creation.

"In America, we change things that need to be changed. Each generation makes its contribution to our greatness," McCain said. "The work that is ours to do is plainly before us. We don't need to search for it."

McCain said he has the record that demonstrates bipartisanship and "Senator Obama does not."

"Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed," he said. "That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again."

He said he couldn't wait to introduce his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, to Washington and issued words of caution about a McCain-Palin administration.

"And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: Change is coming," he said.

McCain called upon the delegates in the Xcel Energy Center and people either watching or listening to his speech to "stand up and fight."

"We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit," McCain concluded. "We never hide from history. We make history."