Novak doesn't have to make ties between McCain and Bush. Those ties already exist. Novak is just reporting what his reliable sources are telling him. John McCain could very well be the Republican nominee in 2008. The President wants his policy in the WOT and specifically, he wants his Iraq policy carried out. Who better to do that then John McCain. Bush and McCain also are in agreement on continuing with an open borders policy and illegal immigration.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1573177/posts
George Bush's Campaign Team Joining John McCain