In quotes: Republican convention

A selection of quotes from day two of the Republican Party convention in New York's Madison Square Garden.California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:

Message to immigrants:

"To my fellow immigrants listening tonight, I want you to know how welcome you are in this party. We Republicans admire your ambition. We encourage your dreams…

"America gave me opportunities, and my immigrant dreams came true. I want other people to get the same chances I did, the same opportunities. And I believe they can.

"That's why I believe in this country, that's why I believe in this party – and that's why I believe in this president."

On President Bush:

"We are one America – and President Bush is defending it with all his heart and soul. That's what I admire most about the president. He's a man of perseverance. He's a man of inner strength. He is a leader who doesn't flinch, doesn't waiver, does not back down."

On Iraq and terrorism:

"The president didn't go into Iraq because the polls told him it was popular. As a matter of fact, the polls said just the opposite. But leadership isn't about polls.

"It's about making decisions you think are right and then standing behind those decisions. That's why America is safer with George W Bush as president. He knows you don't reason with terrorists. You defeat them."

First Lady Laura Bush:

On the war on terror:

"We are living in the midst of the most historic struggle my generation has ever known. The stakes are so high. So I want to talk about the issue that I believe is most important for my own daughters, for all our families, and for our future: George's work to protect our country and defeat terror so that all children can grow up in a more peaceful world..

"As we do the hard work of confronting today's threat – we can also be proud that 50 million more men, women and children live in freedom thanks to the United States of America and our allies."

On recent years in the Bush household:

"These have been years of change for our family as well. Our girls went off to college and graduated, and now they are back home… We are so happy they are campaigning with us this fall and so proud they will be pursuing their own careers soon.

"My mother moved out of my childhood home and into a retirement community. We lost our beloved dog Spotty, and had our hearts warmed by the antics of Barney.

"People ask me all the time whether George has changed. He's a little greyer – and of course, he has learned and grown as we all have. But he's still the same person I met at a backyard barbecue in Midland, Texas and married three months later. "

On George W Bush:

"He'll always tell you what he really thinks. You can count on him, especially in a crisis. His friends don't change – and neither do his values. He has boundless energy and enthusiasm for his job, and for life itself. He treats every person he meets with dignity and respect – the same dignity and respect he has for the office he holds. And he's a loving man, with a big heart."

President George W Bush, speaking via video-link from Pennsylvania, was introduced by his twin daughters Barbara and Jenna:

"Thank you Barbara and Jenna, you make me so very proud. I have really enjoyed being on the campaign trail with both of you. It's kind of like the camping trip I promised to take you on.

"Tonight, I have the best and easiest job of this convention: introducing our first lady…

"She's been a voice of calm and comfort in difficult times. I'm a lucky man to have Laura at my side, and America would be fortunate to have her in the White House for four more years."

Jenna Bush:

"We spent the last four years trying to stay out of the spotlight. Sometimes we did a little better job than others."

On her parents:

"They do know the difference between mono and Bono. When we tell them we're going to see OutKast, they know it's a band and not a bunch of misfits."

George P Bush, nephew of the president:

"No matter how often I visit New York, I never tire of looking at the Statue of Liberty.

"I can't help but reflect upon the impression she must have made on our weary but hopeful ancestors whose first glimpse of America was that inspiring silhouette…

"Although many immigrants could not read the words, the outstretched arm that pierced the heavens was clear affirmation that they had found what they were seeking – the land of freedom and opportunity.

"In return, these immigrants, and those who followed them, made this country stronger through their labour, safer through their sacrifice in defending its shores, and richer through diversity.

"Our party has always represented the interests of all people seeking opportunity.

"We are the home of entrepreneurs.

"Men and women who want to know the pride of accomplishment. The honour of self-sufficiency.

"We meet in New York to reaffirm our commitment to these individuals – whether new to our country or born in the heartland."