The Republican presidential nominee will "negotiate from the position of strength and proven ability, because he's already earned the trust and admiration of our friends and allies around the world," Ridge said during the Republican National Convention Thursday. "I suspect he's already caught the attention of those who would oppose us."

Ridge, the Homeland Security secretary from 2003-2005, called McCain a consensus-builder, a diplomat and a reformer.

"America's go-to guy -- that's John McCain," said Ridge.