Former President George H. W. Bush (Bush 41) called criticism of John McCain's conservatism "absurd," following his endorsement of John McCain today in Houston, Texas. Here is an NBC Nightly News report on the endorsement, which includes video of Bush making that statement. It also includes reaction by Mike Huckabee to Bush's veiled suggestion that it can be difficult for a losing candidate to "see the handwriting on the wall" and drop out. Let's say Huckabeee did not accept the hint graciously!