McCain edges away from Bush but seeks his help

By Tim Gaynor

DENVER (Reuters) - Republican candidate John McCain edged further away from U.S. President George W. Bush on foreign policy on Tuesday even as he accepted Bush's help in raising much-needed campaign dollars for his White House bid.

The Arizona senator said in a speech that he would pursue nuclear arms reduction talks with Russia and China as part of a foreign policy vision that brings back "broad-minded internationalism and determined diplomacy."

"It is a vision not of the United States acting alone, but building and participating in a community of nations all drawn together in this vital common purpose. It is a vision of a responsible America, dedicated to an enduring peace based on freedom," McCain said.

Bush has often been accused of going to war against Iraq without broad international support and participation, a policy that his critics charge has damaged the U.S. image abroad.

It was the latest attempt by McCain to separate himself from Bush and chart an approach with appeal to independent voters who could play an important role in the November election.

Republican strategists believe McCain as the party's presumptive presidential nominee needs to put as much distance as possible between himself and Bush when the president's low approval rating threatens to drag down the Republican brand.

NEEDS BUSH'S FUND-RAISING

At the same time, McCain needs to employ the president's significant fund-raising prowess to try to keep pace with Democratic front-runner Barack Obama's money machine, which has raised millions of dollars from small donors.