Bush , occasionally criticized for his lack of eloquence when compared to Reagan , delivered a well-received speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention . Known as the " thousand points of light " speech , it described Bush 's vision of America : he endorsed the Pledge of Allegiance , prayer in schools , capital punishment , and gun rights . Bush also pledged that he would not raise taxes , stating : " Congress will push me to raise taxes , and I 'll say no , and they 'll push , and I 'll say no , and they 'll push again . And all I can say to them is : read my lips . No new taxes . " Bush selected little-known Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate . Though Quayle had compiled an unremarkable record in Congress , he was popular among many conservatives , and the campaign hoped that Quayle 's youth would appeal to younger voters
1988 Republican National Convention
1988 Republican National Convention
Presidency of George H. W. Bush