THE 'SHADOW CONVENTION'

PHILADELPHIA -- Catcalls nearly forced John McCain from the stage Sunday
when he proclaimed his support for George W. Bush at the "shadow
convention" of political activists.

The alternative gathering on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania
offered McCain a clear illustration of the tension he faces in trying to
stay true to the reform message of his presidential campaign while pledging
loyalty to the man who defeated him.

At another event later, McCain got a far different reception -- prolonged
applause from his supporters when he thanked them one last time with a
catch in his throat. With two top Bush aides in attendance as a show of
unity, McCain formally released his convention delegates and asked them to
work for Bush's election.

The Arizona senator won about 240 convention delegates before ending his
campaign under the weight of Bush's bigger victories in March. Much of
McCain's support had come from moderate Republicans, independents and
ticket-switching Democrats.

About 70 of his delegates had been replaced by Bush loyalists, and many
among the 170 or so he had left had said they would fall in line behind the
victor.

"John McCain is a great candidate," Connecticut delegate Benjamin Davol
said. "But George Bush is our standard-bearer, and it is time to rally
behind our nominee and get going."

But other "McCainiacs" seemed ready to fight on.

"I will still vote for John McCain even if Bush gets the nomination," said
Chris Stanley, a delegate from Rhode Island.

Although cheers greeted McCain earlier when he took the stage at the shadow
convention and called for change, some in the audience of several hundred
people turned on McCain when he praised Bush "as the candidate who offers
change."

He heard scattered hisses and boos when he said, "I am obliged not by party
loyalty but by sincere conviction to urge all Americans to support my
party's nominee, Governor George Bush of Texas."

McCain said his principal mission in Philadelphia is to encourage
independents and his supporters to get behind Bush's campaign.

At the same time, McCain delivered a blistering attack on politicians in
general. "It is we who have squandered the public trust," he said to applause.

McCain said that he will utter similar words when he addresses the
Republican convention Tuesday night.

Some of McCain's critics Sunday praised him for showing up at the shadow
convention, but they also expressed disdain for his stands on a range of
issues.

McCain was jeered over his support for legislation that critics said
unfairly takes Navajo Indians off their ancestral lands in New Mexico.
McCain later said his critics are misinformed.

Dana Zurich, 24, of Philadelphia, said she was glad McCain showed up Sunday.

"He had to see what people are thinking about," said Zurich, who said she
supports Ralph Nader for president.

You may contact Mark Sherman at marks@coxnews.com.