Sen. McCain said Thursday that he's ready to lead the Republican ticket.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – John McCain vowed Thursday to "shake up Washington" and said he's prepared to reach across the aisle to get the country "back on the road to prosperity and peace."

"We need to change the way government does almost everything," he told the Republican National Convention.

"Fight with me. Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people."

He said his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is "just the right partner" to help lead the change.

"She's tackled tough problems like energy independence and corruption," he said. "She stands up for what's right and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down."

He added, "Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: Change is coming."

Full story

Schneider: McCain's tribute to Bush was risky.

Bill Schneider has covered political conventions for more than 30 years and has covered them for CNN since the 1992 election.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - It's odd to present yourself as a maverick to the most partisan audience imaginable, as John McCain did Thursday night.

But the real audience wasn't sitting in the Xcel Center this evening to watch the Arizona senator accept the Republican Party's presidential nomination; it was the independents at home looking for a reason to vote for him.

It wasn't that long ago that McCain was the Republican most admired among Democrats. He retains some residual popularity with Democrats and particularly independents.

But some of that glow has faded.

He's certainly doing his best to regain some of that luster. He didn't talk much at all about divisive social issues: a brief reference to his support for life, no talk of gay issues, a brief reference to judges that don't legislate from the bench but no extended focus on social issues. That's not the core of his agenda.

But in a moment sure to be featured in campaign ads from now to November, he paid tribute to the sitting Republican president, George W. Bush. A risky move.

Full story

Sen. McCain said Thursday that the 'do-nothing' Washington crowd is in for a change.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – John McCain accepted the Republican nomination for president Thursday night "with gratitude, humility and confidence" as thousands of delegates chanted his name.

"Let there be no doubt, my friends, we're going to win this election," he said.

In a speech before a giant screen showing an American flag waving against a blue background, McCain promised to put the people first.

"I understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you," he said, to cheers from the crowd.

McCain portrayed himself as a fighter, saying he had fought corruption and big spenders, regardless of which party they came from.

"I've fought to get million dollar checks out of our elections. I've fought lobbyists who stole from Indian tribes. I fought crooked deals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers, drug companies and union bosses."

But, he said, he had learned through a lifetime of fighting "it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test."

"I fight for Americans. I fight for you," he said.

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John McCain and Sarha Palin are the 2008 Republican presidential ticket. (Photo: Mike Roselli/CNN)

A few thoughts as John McCain takes his bows: one cannot leave that speech without having enormous respect for him as a war hero and patriot. His retelling of his story tonight was extremely moving. I have long been a fan of John McCain the human being and I came away even more impressed tonight. It is worth remembering that a McCain has fought in every American war since 1776.

In terms of addressing America's big challenges, however, I found the speech much less compelling. It was a very general recitation of fairly standard Republican approaches (how is he really different from Bush on policy?), and it did not address many issues such as getting us out of an economic ditch, heading off the worst financial crisis since the Depression, exploding health care costs, and more. Overall, I thought that part of the speech was thin.

Kudos to McCain for leaving personal partisan rancor out of the speech. Personally, I wish that he had curbed some of that earlier in the convention.

Overall, I came away believing that the McCain-Palin ticket will be very formidable this fall. And even though the speech was long, I thought that when one judges its political impact, I would give it an A.

Cindy McCain spoke about her husband at the GOP convention Thursday night.

St. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Cindy McCain praised her husband, Republican presidential nominee John McCain, as "someone of unusual strength and character" in a speech to the Republican National Convention on Thursday.

"You can trust his hand at the wheel," she said, adding: "But you know what - I've always thought it's a good idea to have a woman's hand on the wheel as well. So how about Gov. Sarah Palin!" Delegates erupted in cheers at the mention of McCain's running mate, the governor of Alaska.

Cindy McCain said her husband's run for the White House "is not about us. It's about our special and exceptional country."

She called Americans the most generous people in history, and said "our hearts are still alive with hope and belief in our individual ability to make things right if only the federal government would get itself under control and out of our way," prompting cheers from the delegates.

Full story

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – Two protesters tried to disrupt Republican presidential nominee John McCain's speech behind and to the right of the podium.

One took off an outer garment to reveal a pink garment underneath and held a banner in front of her.

The banner was snatched away by a man nearby who threw it to the floor and the protester tried to pick it up and struggled with several people for it.

One of the protesters flashed a peace sign while being led away by a single man. The other struggled with several men before being carried up the stairs and out of the auditorium.

ST. PAUL (CNN) - When McCain talks about change, he talks about changing Washington – when the Democrats talk about change, they’re talking about changing the way things are going in the country.

It’s amazing how much animus there is against public education in this audience. That’s a controversial position – popular with this crowd, but not necessarily the country at large.

He follows that with a universally popular theme: stop giving money to countries that don’t like us. This is something that goes way beyond partisanship.

Finally, an oblique reference to his stand on an issue that’s popular outside the convention hall: global warming, where he parts ways with his party.

One thing interesting about this speech – he’s not talking much at all about social issues – a brief reference to his support for life, no talk of gay issues, a brief reference to judges that don’t legislate from the bench, but no extended focus on social issues. It’s not the core of his agenda.

McCain’s very aggressive response to the war in Georgia worried a lot of people; now he’s going out of his way to say he doesn’t want another Cold War. The worry: McCain is a neocon, with neocon advisers. He’s trying to address that now.

There’s a debate in the foreign policy community about whether he’s a realist, a neocon – or a bit of both.

McCain worked to calm the crowd after protestors interupted Thursday night.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – In response to early rumors that demonstrators might try to interrupt Republican presidential nominee John McCain's acceptance speech Thursday night, a number of delegations agreed to chant "U.S.A." in order to quell the sound of protesters.

"There's word of a possible demonstration coming. If it does, the chant is 'USA, USA'," a floor whip was overheard telling members in the New York delegation.

Similar whispers were heard from the Alaska delegation clear across to the Louisiana delegation on the other side of the hall only moments before McCain began speaking.

On at least three occasions during the early part of his speech, members of the audience began chanting "U.S.A." in response to protesters, who were then escorted out of the hall.

In one such case, McCain weighed in telling the crowd not to be distracted “by the static…Americans want us to stop yelling at each other.”

Police were on guard Thursday at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – Police arrested about 200 people after using tear gas and percussion grenades Thursday night to disperse a crowd of protesters who had gathered near the State Capitol, about a mile from the site of the Republican National Convention.

Minnesota State Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion said the arrests were made at an Interstate overpass that separated the marchers from the Xcel Center, where Sen. John McCain was preparing to address the GOP faithful.

He said the objective was to contain the protestors and keep them from reaching the convention hall.
Police fire gas when dozens of marchers - most of them in their 20s, some chanting "F...... the police! F...... the police! F...... 'em!" - tried to cross the overpass after being warned not to.

As a line of police clad in riot gear and walking with bicycles approached a woman who refused to get out of their way, several sprayed her with a liquid. She covered her eyes with one hand and raised two fingers of the other hand in both hands in a vee.

A man standing nearby yelled, "I love you! Why are you doing this?" as the woman was shoved to the pavement.

Each time the protesters attempted to cross the highway that separated them from the convention center by about a mile, police attempted to stop them.

At one point, police on horses, motorcycles and bicycles followed marchers on a street-to-street chase that led through a shopping mall parking lot.

Cindy McCain spoke Thursday night in St. Paul.

(CNN)–Cindy McCain is giving a long, personal speech - as did Michelle Obama. And she's doing a fine job, as did Michelle.

I don't think even Hillary Clinton gave such a long and substantial speech on behalf of her husband in 1992. We have entered a new era in politics, and Michelle and Cindy are a big part of it.

Watch: Cindy McCain's entire speech Thursday

I will note that Democrats have not attacked Cindy the way Republicans have attacked Michelle. Even mild-mannered Mitt Romney bitterly and unfairly attacked Michelle last night.

Attacking the wife is clearly a Republican thing - recall how Bush supporters smeared Cindy McCain during the 2000 South Carolina primary, then how they bitterly attacked Teresa Heinz Kerry in 2004. It's a classic double standard and a typical Republican philosophy: do as I say, not as I do.

Cindy McCain's sons joined her on stage Thursday night.

CINDY MCCAIN: Thank you everyone.

John and I are so proud of them and so happy to have them here with us tonight.

Nothing has made me happier or more fulfilled in my life than being a mother.

But while John and I take great joy in having been able to spend time together this week as a family, our hearts go out to the thousands of families who have had to leave their homes once again due to devastating weather.

It is not only our natural instinct to rally to them, to lift them up with our prayers and come to their aid, it is also our duty to our country.

That duty is what brings me before you tonight. And it's much larger and more important than just me or John or any of us: It's the work of this great country calling us together – and there is no greater duty than that, no more essential task for our generation - right now.

That's been very much on my mind these last few months as I traveled our country.

Each day, after the bands packed up, the speeches were done, and the camera lights darkened, I always came back to how blessed and honored I was to be part of our national conversation.

And in these times, when so many of our fellow Americans face difficult situations, what I saw moved me deeply.

Families worried about losing their homes.

Towns deserted by industries once at their center.

Mothers with no choice but to send their children to unsafe and underperforming schools.

But I have also seen the resilience of the American people. I've heard stirring stories of neighbor helping neighbor, of cities on one end of the country offering help to fellow citizens on the other.

Despite our challenges our hearts are still alive with hope and belief in our individual ability to make things right if only the Federal government would get itself under control and out of our way.

So tonight is also about renewing our commitment to one another.

Because this campaign is not about us. It's about our special and exceptional country.

And this convention celebrates a special and exceptional Republican Party ... the hand we feel on our shoulder belongs to Abraham Lincoln.

Our country was born amidst the struggle for freedom ... and our party arose from a great battle for human rights, dignity, and equality for all people. We give way to no one and no other party in that cause.

From its very birth, our party has been grounded in the notion of service, community and self-reliance ... and it's all tempered by an uniquely American faith in – and compassion for – each other's neighbors.

A helping hand and friendly support has always been our way. It's no surprise that Americans are the most generous people in history.

That generosity of spirit is in our national DNA. It's our way of doing things. It's how we view the world.

I was taught Americans can look at the world and ask either: what do other countries think of us ... or we can look at ourselves and ask: what would our forefathers make of us and what will our children say of us? That's a big challenge. In living up to it, we know the security and prosperity of our nation is about a lot more than just politics.

It also depends on personal commitment, a sense of history and a clear view of the future.

I know of no one who better defines how to do that ... whose life is a better example of how to go about that than the man I love and with whom I have shared almost 30 years of my life:

My husband, John McCain.

From the beginning of time, no matter how accomplished in other fields, women have always sought a husband with an eye to what kind of father that man would be.

Well, I hit a home run with John McCain!

I got the most marvelous husband and friend and confidant ... a source of strength and inspiration ... and also the best father you could ever imagine.

In that most sacred role, he brought to our children his great personal character ... his life-long example of honesty... and his steadfast devotion to honor.

He has shown the value of self-sacrifice by daily example and, above all... John showers us with the unconditional love and support every family dreams of. I know what his children say of him.

And his courageous service to America in war and peace leaves no doubt what our forefathers would make of him!

It's these virtues of character that led him to this campaign, to this moment.

John McCain is a steadfast man who will not break with our heritage ... no matter how demanding or dangerous the challenges at home or abroad.

And let's not be confused: these are perilous times, not just for America, but for freedom itself.

It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character – someone exactly like my husband – to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John.

You can trust his hand at the wheel.

But you know what, I've always thought it's a good idea to have a woman's hand on the wheel as well.

So how about Governor Sarah Palin!

John has picked a reform-minded ... hockey-mommin' ... basketball shootin' ... moose huntin' ... fly-fishin' ... pistol-packing ... mother of five for vice president. And as a fellow hockey mom myself and a western conservative mother, I couldn't be prouder that John has shaken things up as he usually does!

No one can do the job alone. And that's why I'm glad John will have Governor Palin by his side.

We all to have work together ... build consensus – the way John has done all his life.

His leadership inspires and empowers ... and places ultimate success in all our hands.

Ronald Reagan was fond of saying, "with freedom goes responsibility - a responsibility that can only be met by the individual himself."

I have been witness to great service and sacrifice – to lives lived with humility and grace.

In World War II, my father's B-17 was shot down three times. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

But he was quiet about that... and never claimed to have done more than his small share.

Just like my husband.

I think John was a hero in Vietnam.

But he thinks it was just his turn.

Our son, Jack, will graduate from the United States Naval Academy next year – fourth generation – ready to do his service.

And our son Jimmy – a lance corporal in the Marine Corps – served honorably in Iraq ... as hundreds of thousands of other young men and women just like him are doing for America and freedom everywhere.

The stakes were never more clear to me, than the morning I watched my son Jimmy strap on his weapons and board a bus headed for harm's way.

I was born and raised in the American West and will always see the world through the prism of its values.

My Father was a true "Western Gentleman."

He rose from hardscrabble roots to realize the American dream.

With only a few borrowed dollars in his pocket, a strong back and a can-do spirit, he built a great life for his family.

His handshake was his solemn oath. He looked you straight in the eye and he always believed the best of you unless you gave him good cause not to.

Modest and good-natured, he had deep roots in our American soil.

He taught me life is not just about you – it's also about nurturing the next generation ... preparing a better world for all our children and helping them find the right way up.

We all come to that knowledge in different ways. For me, the great moment of clarity came when I became a mother.

Something changed in me, and I would never see my obligations the same way.

It was after that, I was walking through the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, surrounded by terrible poverty and the devastation of a cyclone.

All around me were the children, and the desperate faces of their mothers. The pain was overwhelming ... and I felt helpless.

But then I visited an orphanage begun by Mother Teresa, and two very sick little girls captured my heart.

There was something I could do. I could take them home.

And so I did.

Today both of those girls are healthy and happy. And one of them you just met: our beautiful daughter, Bridget.

Much is expected of a country as blessed as America ... and our people are at work all over the globe ... making it a better planet ... doing their part.

It was my privilege to work with the men and women of the American Voluntary Medical Teams in places like Zaire, Micronesia and Vietnam ... watching as they relieved whole towns from disease ... and rescued countless children from sickness.

The reward for sharing in that work is truly indescribable.

To see a child rescued from a life in the shadows by Operation Smile is to witness and share a joy that is life-changing.

And the challenges go on.

I just returned from the Republic of Georgia, where HALO Trust – an organization specializing in clearing the debris of war – and others, are rescuing innocent victims from landmines and missiles.

Sometimes the courage of others leaves me breathless.

I only need to speak the word Rwanda and the images it conjures are beyond description.

In my box tonight is Ernestine, a woman, a friend, a mother like myself, whom I met in Kigali.

She suffered unimaginable horrors and was made to watch appalling havoc wreaked on her family.

Yet, as the violence in her country subsides, she doesn't seek retribution - instead, she offers love and seeks reconciliation for her people.

She says, simply, "It's time to move on for me and my country."

Ernestine, would you please stand up?

Your courage is humbling. Your forgiveness is healing. You are my hero.

Forgiveness is not just a personal issue: it's why John led the effort to normalize relations with Vietnam ... to retrieve the remains of our MIAs... to bring closure to both sides.

That's leadership – national leadership. And it's leading by example.

The Presidential contest will begin in earnest when this convention closes.

If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain ... a man tested and true ... ... who's never wavered in his devotion to our country ... ... a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider... ... who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost... ... a man of judgment and character ... ... a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!

This is a good man, a worthy man ... I know.

I have loved him with all my heart for almost 30 years ... and I humbly recommend him to you tonight as our nominee for the next President of the United States!

I'm so grateful to have had the chance to speak with you tonight ... and for the honor you are about to grant my husband - and, indeed, our entire family. I promise you I will work every day to help John strengthen our freedom ... to serve this great country with the honor, dignity and the love it deserves ... from each and every generation it blesses.

May God bless all of you: ... our beloved America ... the citizens of the Gulf Coast ... and all the sons and daughters serving this great country around the world tonight.

Thank you.

The crowd cheered for Cindy McCain and her family Thursday night.

ST. PAUL (CNN) - The people closest to John McCain are beginning to appear on the podium as we approach prime time and the Arizona senator's acceptance speech. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has been there since the beginning, turns the subject to Iraq and the surge. The Iraq war overwhelmingly unpopular in the country - but largely supported in this room of GOP activists.

Tom Ridge spoke Thursday night at the Republican National Convention.

FORMER PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR TOM RIDGE: Thank you. Tonight I speak to you with a grateful heart and enormous pride.

I speak to you as one friend about another.

About a proven leader... a world statesman... an untiring and effective public servant. I speak to you about a warrior...who has sometimes stood alone... or shown the way... in fighting for the most vulnerable of our citizens... for the country he so dearly loves... and for the founding principles we all so deeply cherish.

I speak to you about a friend – who was first pointed out to me – in the same way he is proudly pointed out wherever he goes today – "That's John McCain."

John and I have been friends for 26 years.

Both of us got elected to Congress in 1982 and both of us are Vietnam veterans.

Some might say that is our common bond. For certainly the Vietnam experience is a uniting one.

But I would also say that our friendship blossomed over many a laugh as we told jokes that only we thought were funny.

Over many a moment boasting about our children.

And over many a conversation about our country and the world in which we both feel so privileged to live and to serve.

It was only a little more than a year ago – in August of 2007 – that I drove to John's office to offer an encouraging word.

You all remember that time.

It was really rough going for the campaign. Some were ready to count John out.

Some questioned his resolve.

Some wondered and waited for the white flag of surrender.

Having rehearsed my pep talk... I walked into John's office... put my arm around him... and asked,
"Hey – how are you doing?"

He paused for a moment.

From his shoulders came a quick shrug.

Then he looked at me and said, "Tom, you and I both know I've been through worse."

We sat down... he spread some papers across a table... and said, "NOW – let me tell you how I think we can win."

He talked strategy... a way forward... next steps.

And later I would leave my friend's office thinking what I share with you tonight – "That's John McCain."

Where some people see adversity, John McCain accepts a challenge.

Where some people see a crisis, John McCain creates an opportunity.

Where some people see defeat, John McCain pursues victory.

John knows – the purpose of elections is not merely to win.

You run to win... but you win to govern.

So who of our two candidates is the most qualified to govern the freest, strongest, most blessed nation on Earth?

Who but John McCain understands that America's security and prosperity will – now and forever more – be tied to the security and prosperity of the rest of the world?

Who but John McCain has the experience... the sheer will... the steady hand... and the informed judgment to advance our economic and political interests during these perilous 21st century times?

And who but John McCain – and only John McCain – can negotiate from a position of strength and proven ability – because he's already earned the trust... respect... and admiration of our friends and allies around the world? And I suspect he has the attention of those who would oppose us.

Now more than ever we need a leader who fits the times – not a candidate who merely thinks it's his time to lead.

For the consideration before us is not about who can take a 3 a.m. call.

It's about who has answered the call throughout his life.

It's not about building a record.

It's about having one.

It's not about talking pretty.

It's about talking straight.

The challenge of our times is not simply to change.

The challenge of our time is to leave nothing to chance.

More than 230-plus years ago, a group of leaders – some people called them mavericks – dared to
think differently, dared to act boldly and dared to believe its future leaders would preserve, honor and protect the great land of the free.

Today – we have a leader – some people call him a maverick – who for his country, has put his life on the line.

Who for his country, leads with his conscience.

Who for his country, has worked to preserve, honor and protect the great land of the free.

That's John McCain.

John dares to think differently, to act boldly and to put country before self.

He dares to believe that we are all called to serve as long as we call ourselves free.

He dares to embrace the founding principle that our responsibility to one another extends from a national crisis to an individual need – from nation to nation – community to community – in this, the greatest community ever formed.

So may we rise to the occasion, to the moment, to the vision of our Founding Fathers.

May we summon ourselves to our best efforts and call this maverick forward.

Let us elect a man who has firmly and unequivocally laid out his vision of where this country can go.

Who offers a better way...a better day...and a greater say – for all who call this great country home.
That's John McCain.

Let us elect a public servant who refuses to think in terms of red versus blue – but only in terms of red, white and blue.

That's John McCain.

An artful leader... a diplomat... a tenacious legislator.

Say it with me!

That's John McCain!

Someone who speaks truth to power, truth to the American people, and rises above politics to get
things done.

That's John McCain.

A consensus builder, a reformer – the patriot who always puts his country first.

That's John McCain!

A Reagan conservative...an optimist...

America's go-to guy.

That's John McCain!

That's John McCain.

That's John McCain.

I am so very proud to say... 'that is my friend – John McCain.'

The next president of the United States.

The next Commander-in-Chief.

Ready to lead.

Ready to serve.

Ready to deliver.

God bless you, John.

God bless you all.

And may God continue to bless our brave troops who serve our country so well.

Thank You.

Eugene Mirman and friends visit the CNN Grill.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – Comedian Eugene Mirman would have arrived at the “CNN Grill” earlier had he not been detained by the U.S. Secret Service for his pants – apparently puffs of smoke were pouring out of one of his pockets.

“I was wearing a helmet and some goggles, and then I had some instant food that when you pulled the cord, the food heated up. What I didn’t know about the food I bought, which is my fault, is that it starts smoking,” he explained.

Mirman is at the Republican convention producing a series of funny, original videos for a Web site. If you’re trying to place the face: think the landlord in HBO’s “Flight of the Conchords.”

The comedian had rave reviews for the Secret Service, however, who he described as “extremely polite.”

The helmet and goggles are still a mystery.

Sen. Graham spoke Thursday night in St. Paul.

(CNN)– I'm trying so hard to care about what Lindsey Graham has to say.

"Thank God," he said, "for Joe Lieberman." Well, okay. Sure, Lindsey. You can have him. But I love the notion that the Republicans would cheer for a pro-choice (including supporting so-called "partial birth abortion"), pro-gay-rights, anti-tax cut member of the eastern elite.

Graham is a pleasant man, but he should leave the rough stuff to folks like Governor Palin. Poor Lindsey is miscast as an attack dog, more like a pit puppy. Even McCain calls him "Lindsey-boy." But nice try Senator Graham.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty addressed the Republican convention Thursday night, but it was a far cry from the VP address that many once thought he would give.

His address Thursday came early - around 7 p.m. local time. Delegates were still filing in as he was speaking, and many inside the Xcel Center talked throughout his speech.

The delegations seated close to the stage were paying attention and chanting "John McCain," but in other parts of the room, it was hard to hear what he was saying over all of the chatter.

Pawlenty was considered one of the top contenders for John McCain's VP slot on the GOP ticket.

Gov. Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday night fired up Republican delegates.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin came out swinging Wednesday night, but it's going to take more than just fighting words to win over the independent and undecided voters who hold the election in their hands.

Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention marked her first major address as the Republican vice presidential candidate.

The Alaska governor tore into Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama as two-faced, arrogant and unable to lead while she painted Republican candidate John McCain as courageous reformer who is ready to take charge.

Her prime time address was full of humor and sarcasm. Her tone was a hit with delegates watching in St. Paul, Minnesota, but it didn't resonate well with everyone outside of the Republican circle.

"She came across as angry and overconfident," said Kuntal Warwick, an independent voter from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Palin had little to say about policy, and her speech was full "of smugness and mockery," Warwick said.

Independents like Warwick, combined with voters who have yet to make up their mind, are the ones who could decide who ends up in the White House.

"The base of the Democratic and Republican parties - their votes are predictable," said John Avlon, author of "Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics." "It's the swing voters who decide who's going to carry the balance of power, who will ultimately win that election state-by-state and even nationwide."

Avlon didn't have a problem with Palin's tone. He said her humor and confidence will probably appeal to the independents, but it's the lack of substance that will leave that group in search of something more.

Full story

Watch: Sen. Graham's entire speech.

U.S. SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM: By every measure, the surge of troops into Iraq has worked.

Sectarian violence and coalition casualties are at record lows.

15 of the 18 political benchmarks have been met.

The Iraqi's have a larger, more capable Army. Oil production is dramatically increasing.

This week, Anbar Province, once an Al Qaeda stronghold, was turned over to the Iraqis. And all American combat brigades who made up the surge have returned home.

We know the surge has worked. Our men and women in uniform know it has worked.

I promise you - above all others - Al Qaeda knows it has worked.

The only people who deny it are Barack Obama and his buddies at MoveOn.org.

Why won't they admit it?

Because Barack Obama's campaign is built around us losing in Iraq. Without John McCain's courageous leadership there would be no surge.

I know.

I was there with John McCain and Joe Lieberman every step of the way.

In our visits to Iraq, we saw the situation deteriorate.

The troops we met – the sergeants, captains, and colonels – had such respect and admiration for
Senator McCain they felt comfortable giving him something he knows a lot about - Straight Talk.

They said - Senator McCain, this ain't working. John heard their message and put their interests ahead of his own. He came back to Washington and told everyone, including Republicans, – we must change course.

For his honesty, some accused him of being disloyal. But John McCain's loyalties have always been to his country and to our men and women in uniform.

Not a political party.

Calling for more troops to be sent to Iraq was one of the most unpopular things John McCain could have done. Some said it was political suicide. But you know what?

It WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

Because losing in Iraq would have been a nightmare for America. Al' Qaeda would have claimed victory over our nation. Sectarian violence would spread throughout the region. And Iran would fill the vacuum.

Last summer, we came within 2 votes of a congressionally mandated surrender. One Democrat broke with his party to support the surge.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank God for Joe Lieberman.

It was John McCain's voice and credibility that stopped Congress from losing this war.

The Petraeus plan will be a model for generations to come, and our troops will be heroes for the ages.

Those who predicted failure, voted to cut off funding for our troops, and played politics with our national security will be footnotes in history.

There's no doubt about it, we are on the road to victory.

America is safer by winning in Iraq – A Muslim nation in the heart of the Arab world that rejects Al Qaeda.

A nation where the rule of law replaces the rule of gun.

A place in the Middle East where a woman can finally have a say about her children's future.

While Barack Obama expresses appreciation for our troops' service, he refuses to acknowledge their success.

They have worked too hard and sacrificed too much for a patronizing pat on the back.

Barack Obama went 2 and a half years between visits to Iraq and never once sat down with General Petraeus. If Barack Obama cannot appreciate that our troops are winning in Iraq, he should not be their Commander in Chief.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying Barack Obama doesn't care.

I'm just saying – he doesn't get it.

Not once was Barack Obama's eloquent voice ever raised in support of Victory in Iraq. Not once was it used to rally our troops in battle. Instead, he inspired those who supported retreat and would have accepted our defeat.

We should all be grateful that Barack Obama was unable to defeat the surge. The surge was a test for Barack Obama.

He failed miserably.

Our troops deserve a Commander in Chief who acknowledges their success. Has walked in their shoes. Speaks their language. Shares in their sufferings. And will lead them to victory in a war we cannot afford to lose.

That person is my dear friend John McCain.

John often says he would rather lose a campaign than lose a war. Here's the good news.

We are going to win this war.

And John McCain will be our next President of the United States.

But wait, it gets even better. Because John McCain has one of the toughest and most talented political reformers in America as his running mate.

Let's watch to learn more about the phenomenal Governor of Alaska, Sara Palin.

Gov. Palin waved to the crowd, that greeted her with a long standing ovation, before she spoke at the GOP convention Wednesday. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Republicans nominated Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be their vice-presidential candidate, making her the first woman ever to run for the office as a Republican.

Palin was nominated on a voice vote which Sen. Mitch McConnell recognized as unanimous approval, prompting chants of "Sarah! Sarah!"

Watch: The GOP officially nominates Palin as VP

Palin thrilled the convention Wednesday night with a barnstorming speech attacking Democratic nominee Barack Obama, touting her credentials as a reformer, and praising her running mate, Sen. John McCain.

Outside the convention hall, reactions to her speech have been mixed, if generally powerful.

The Republican National Committee said Thursday it had raised $1 million since the speech. The Obama campaign said it had raised $8 million in the same period.

Cindy McCain will speak Thursday.

(CNN) – The Republican National committee has released excperts of Cindy McCain's speech Thursday night:

On Americans' duty to their country:
"That duty is what brings me before you tonight. And it's much larger and more important than just me or John or any of us: It's the work of this great country calling us together – and there is no greater duty than that, no more essential task for our generation - right now."

On John McCain's character:
"It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character – someone exactly like my husband – to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel."

On John McCain leading by example:
"Forgiveness is not just a personal issue: it's why John led the effort to normalize relations with Vietnam retrieve the remains of our MIAs... to bring closure to both sides. That's leadership – national leadership. And it's leading by example."

Personal reflections on John McCain:
"If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain...a man tested and true...who's never wavered in his devotion to our country...a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider...who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost...a man of judgment and character...a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!"

Gov. Pawlenty spoke Thursday night at the Republican Convention.

MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TIM PAWLENTY: Thank you. We're so glad we're in Minnesota.

How do we measure the content of a person's character? How do we recognize their fitness to serve?

Barack Obama gives a good speech.

But the best sermons aren't preached, they're lived.

John McCain's whole life is a testimony to service, duty, courage and common sense. John McCain has walked the walk, and he has always put our country first!

When he showed guts and courage as a Prisoner of War, John McCain put our country first!

When he stood up to special interests, and fought against earmarks and pork-barrel spending in Congress, John McCain put our country first!

When he saw the need to change strategy in Iraq and boldly called for the surge, John McCain put our country first!

When he responded to our energy crisis with an all-of-the-above energy plan, John McCain put our country first!

And when John McCain is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, we know he will always put our country first!

We've seen in this man the very best our country has to offer.

I recently traveled with John to Iraq, a nation whose destiny he helped change.

I saw first-hand how he loves and admires our troops.

And I saw how they love and admire him.

They know how he personally understands the costs of war.

They also know how committed he is to doing whatever it takes to ensure they come home with honor and victory.

We live in a dangerous world.

With John McCain as President, there will be no misunderstanding about where America stands and what we stand for.

John McCain is tough - but he's also compassionate. I've gotten to know John, and I can tell you he is a Purple Heart recipient with a heart of gold.

He understands the concerns of everyday Americans like you and me.

What I like to call "Sam's Club Republicans."

These voters are on a tight budget.

They're looking for value and accountability at the store. And they're looking for value and accountability from their government.

John McCain connects with Sam's Club voters.

He gets it.

He will force government to live within its means, just like families do.

He knows that small businesses are the job growth engine for our country.

He knows the last thing they need is MORE taxes.

John also understands that health care costs are budget busters for too many American families.

He'll provide help but will put consumers and their doctors in charge, not the federal government.

John also knows it's getting tougher for us to afford to fill-up at the pump.

His energy plan is classic McCain – bold and aggressive.

In this time, we don't need a president who can just read a poll or momentarily thrill a crowd.

We don't need rhetoric or empty promises.

We need a president who has the integrity and courage to make the tough choices so America will be stronger and safer.

I believe the times call out great leaders.

This time, our time, calls out for John McCain.

Mark Salter, left, helped write McCain's speech.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - John McCain promises "change" in his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention Thursday, according to excerpts of the speech released by the party.

"Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country second Washington crowd: Change is coming," the Republican presidential candidate says.

Republicans have been trying to lay claim during their convention to the theme of "change," a key part of Democrat Barack Obama's message, and one which appears to be resonating with voters.

(Released excerpts after the jump)

"I’m very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can’t wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming."

"The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn’t a cause, it’s a symptom. It’s what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you. Again and again, I’ve worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That’s how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not."

"I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn’t my own man anymore. I was my country’s.”

Gibbs said a lack of specifics at the RNC would hurt the McCain campaign.

ST. PAUL (CNN) – Obama senior adviser Robert Gibbs told reporters Thursday he thought the tough tone of Republican convention speeches the night before — including Sarah Palin’s speech - “came at some cost,” and would take a political toll on John McCain's campaign.

“A lot of people came in not knowing who she was - and I think whenever a political candidate makes a speech that is heavy with contrast like last night’s was, that is going to move people to your side, and it’s going to move people away from you,” he said at a Christian Science Monitor lunch Thursday. “That’s not a zero sum game. It comes at some cost.

“I would guarantee that whatever you thought of her last night, if you didn’t have an opinion of her, some people thought more positively of her, but also some more negatively of her,” he added. “I have no doubt a lot of voters had critiques about that speech. Because I think voters are hearing and watching far different things than a group of delegates are.”

He said he thought the truncated convention schedule might have taken a toll on GOP messaging - and suggested that Republican speakers had gone over the line last night with veiled swipes at Michelle Obama. “I think there’s one camp that’s serious about leaving family out of this and one that’s less so, I’ll let you decide.”

The McCain campaign has spent the week on an offensive against what they believe to be unfair coverage of Sarah Palin. Gibbs said discussing both campaigns’ occasionally strained relationship with reporters this cycle was “dangerous territory” – but that the mainstream media could not be ignored.

“This week is a perfect example that if there’s a narrative going in the media, a lot of people are going to hear about it and come to their own conclusions about it,” said Gibbs “I think [the McCain team is] a very tactical campaign that worries about sun-up to sundown on each day rather than maybe a little bit of a longer view. But I’m not going to run their campaign…

He said the reporters should expect more of the tactical media-bashing that took center stage Wednesday night from both campaigns. “I think everyone works the referees,” he said. “I’ve probably sent nasty emails to a lot of people in the room. and I probably will send more…I’m going to continue to work the refs, I think everyone is going to continue to work the refs to some degree.”

Gibbs insisted that the Obama team would not be boxed in by the sexism charges the McCain campaign had used to try to short-circuit some Democratic criticism of the VP nominee. “I don’t think it boxes us in,” said Gibbs. “…I don’t think anyone would want a double standard where someone could question your candidate, but you could not question their candidate,” he said, adding later that voters were going to learn that “a lot of things about Palin are not as they seem.”

Gibbs said Palin was not a significant “game changer,” other than the theory that her candidacy meant the experience argument against Obama was dead.

“I think her speech played well inside the hall last night. I think the jury is definitely still out on …how it plays in a lot of suburban counties throughout the country where we think swing voters will ultimately decide this election.

“But it doesn’t change our strategy at all, we’re still focusing on a much larger political map than John McCain and Sarah Palin are.”

He said the Obama camp believed Palin’s selection would not translate into greater support from Hillary Clinton’s supporters.

“Obviously there are a lot of up for grab women voters - one thing I think I would say about Hillary Clinton voters… Simply having a woman on the ticket doesn’t mean you have or you’re directly going to inherit Hillary Clinton voters.”

Gibbs conceded that Palin would hold a lot of appeal for traditionally Democratic blue-collar voters, a “cultural connection” – and that in response, the Obama camp would be sharpening its economic attacks on the McCain-Palin ticket in the coming days.

“Look, if I was them I’d probably park her in working-class counties in the states where we’re all going to be spending a lot of time in the next few months, whether it’s in the West or the Midwest, or even some of the Southern states that they find surprisingly that they need to contest.

“But I do think they’re going to need more than that and, I think John McCain has yet to make a genuine connection with those people [that] I think they have to do that in order for them to seal the deal, just like we have to as well.”

Gibbs said embracing the culture war rhetoric of Wednesday night had “always been the game plan” for Republicans.

“I think for a long time this is an argument they’ve wanted to set up…[but] I think in this election you have to make more than a cultural connection."

Sen. Obama spoke with reporters Thursday about attacks leveled against at the GOP convention.

YORK, Pennsylvania (CNN) – Barack Obama said Thursday that attacks on him at this week’s Republican National Convention were no big deal: “I’ve been called worse on the basketball court,” he told reporters at an afternoon press conference.

“What did you guys expect?” he asked, smiling, “This is what they do. They don't have an agenda to run on. They haven't offered a single concrete idea so far in two nights about how they would make the lives of middle class Americans better. They've spent the entire two nights attacking me or extolling John McCain's biography, which is fine. They can use their convention time any way they want.”

Watch: "I've been called worse," says Obama

Wednesday night on stage in St. Paul, both Sarah Palin and Rudy Giuliani belittled Obama’s work as a community organizer in Chicago in the 80s. Obama called the reaction “curious,” as if he were trying to jump from a post-college job to the presidency.

“The question I have for them is that why would that kind of work be ridiculous? Who are they fighting for?” he said. “I think maybe that's the problem – that's part of why they're out of touch and they don't get it because they haven’t spent much time working on behalf of those folks.”

Obama dismissed accusations from Republicans that comments and reports from Democrats and the media about Palin are sexist, saying that digging into her record can only be expected.

“I assume that she wants to be treated the same way that guys want to be treated, which means that their records are under scrutiny. I've been through this for 19 months. She's been through it, what, four days so far?”

But Obama isn’t treating Palin the same way he is McCain — he’s not going after her with nearly the same ferocity. Since the Alaska governor was tapped to be McCain’s running mate, Obama has only mentioned her twice in speeches - and only to criticize her for supporting McCain’s position on equal pay for women.

“I’m running against John McCain and as far as I can tell, I don’t get a sense that Governor Palin has ideas that are different from John McCain’s,” said Obama.

So if the Republicans blows are glancing off of him, what’s he used to being called on the basketball court? “You’d have to bleep it out.”

The RNC will air a video Thursday night highlighting Palin's biography.

(CNN) – A video highlighting Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin's biography and record as Alaska's governor is set to air at the party's convention Thursday night, senior McCain aides tell CNN.

The three-minute video was originally slated to air Wednesday night before Palin's speech at the convention but was postponed due to time constraints. McCain aides said the video makes a "compelling" case for why John McCain chose Palin as his running mate.

"Mother, moose hunter, maverick," the video's narrator states. “Mayor, governor, maverick. The original maverick made an astute choice when he asked Governor Palin to join him in his effort to remake Washington.

"Alaska, a far corner of America that accounts for 20 percent of our domestic oil, has produced a remarkable woman who's never been afraid to put her city, state, or country first - regardless of consequences," the narrator continues.

Ridge toured the convention stage in anticipation of his speech to the GOP convention Thursday night.

The Republican National Committee has released excerpts of the remarks, as prepared for delivery, of former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge:

"I speak to you about a warrior who has sometimes stood alone ... and always shown the way ... in fighting for the most vulnerable of our citizens, for the country he so dearly loves and for the founding principles we all so deeply cherish."

"Where some people see adversity, John McCain accepts a challenge. Where some people see a crisis, John McCain creates an opportunity. Where some people see defeat, John McCain insists on victory. John knows – the purpose of elections is not merely to win. You run to win... but you win to govern."

"I am so very proud to say, 'That is my friend, John McCain.' The next president of the United States. The next commander-in-chief. Ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to deliver.

Former reality star Rachel Campos-Duffy at the CNN Grill during the Republican National Convention.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – “Now we have a race,” Rachel Campos-Duffy said of McCain’s “excellent choice” for vice president, Sarah Palin.

The ‘Real World’ reality star and Republican activist was dining at the CNN Grill Wednesday evening with her three-month old newborn in tow. Campos-Duffy, like Palin, is a mother of five.

“I think before, maybe we could’ve won, but I think that now we have a real, really good shot at it. I really do,” Campos-Duffy said of Palin on the ticket.

“I don’t really have a lot in common with Hillary Clinton. I have a heck of a lot more in common with this woman, and I think that most people I know, Democrat or Republican, would say the same thing.”

The conservative blogger, a frequent contributor to a parenting site, says 17-year-old Bristol Palin’s decision to have her baby only puts a “stamp on [the family’s] pro-life credentials.”

“They say that pro-choice is sort of the women’s position, but I think that women’s positions on choice are really softening,” Campos-Duffy said. “When [women] have had 40 ultrasounds, had babies, and seen spina bifida operations done in utero, I think there’s a lot more softening about women’s decisions.”

Duffy is married to fellow “Real World” alum, Sean Duffy, now a Republican delegate from Wisconsin. Oh, if you are wondering, Rachel starred in Season Three, "Real World San Francisco."

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Two Navy SEALs attending the Republican National Convention were there in a private capacity only and should not have been publicly recognized during the event, a Navy spokesman told CNN Thursday.

The men were acknowledged from the podium at the Xcel Energy Center Wednesday evening by Orson Swindle, a former POW cellmate of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who pointed them out and asked them to stand.

They did so, but appeared to be visibly uncomfortable.

The men, wearing civilian clothes, had been given permission to attend the St. Paul, Minnesota, event to support the family of their close friend and fellow SEAL Michael Mansoor, who was killed in action in Iraq, said Navy spokesman Cmdr. Jeff Davis.

There are very strict rules about active duty military personnel not attending political events or appearing to publicly support candidates.

The men, Lt. Leif Babin and Special Warfare Operator First Class Tom Deshazo, were legally on leave and had been granted permission to go to the convention as long as they were not in uniform and refrained from all public or media statements, Davis explained.

They were only allowed to escort the sister of Mansoor, who had asked them to be there for emotional support, the spokesman said.

Swindle's public recognition of them was a mistake, Davis said.

"The RNC was asked and agreed not to recognize or identify the SEALs at the convention," he said, adding that the Navy believes Swindle ad-libbed when he pointed them out.

Meanwhile, McCain's two active-duty sons also were granted permission to attend the convention by the Navy, the spokesman said.

"The campaign of Sen. John McCain asked the Department of the Navy to allow his sons - one a Marine, one a Naval Academy midshipman - to participate at the party's national convention this week.

"Lance Cpl. James H. McCain and Midshipman 1st Class John S. McCain IV requested and were authorized leave for the event," Davis said.

The Navy allows them to attend as spectators but they cannot give speeches or presentations, other than to appear on stage with their family - and they must be in civilian clothing.

They must also be in civilian clothing in any kind of biographical presentation about the McCain family, in any interviews or in family photographs that may be published, Davis said.

The Army also gave the same orders to Pfc. Track Palin, the son of McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Track is scheduled to leave for Iraq with his unit on September 11.

Separately, a senior Pentagon official said it is expected that the children of McCain; his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden will continue with all their expected military duties and deployments to war zones without interruption or any special treatment.

Beau Biden is a JAG in the Delaware National Guard and will be deploying to Iraq this fall.

A Republican delegate holds up a 'Hockey Moms 4 Palin' sign during Gov. Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Modern day political conventions are choreographed to the minutest detail - but the key to organizers is to make it all look effortless and natural. One of the tools used to do that are the signs delegates hold throughout the evening. Each party decides in advance which signs to show which evening, when to show them during a session, and at what moment they will appear.

The overwhelming majority of the signs were professional ones with "McCain-Palin" on one side and "Prosperity" on the other. In Denver, Democrats displayed a greater variety of signs, with some coinciding with individual speakers, such as Sen. Edward Kennedy.

But there were also far less formal signs that appeared to be hand-painted, including one with the slogan "Hockey Moms 4 Palin." These were not necessarily made by die-hard delegates: convention aides could be seen handing them the same exact one throughout the arena.

Organizers assigned to various sections of the convention floor not only mapped out where different signs should be shown, but when. One worker instructed delegates with signs for Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin: "don't raise them until Sarah talks." Later in the evening a convention whip - one of the party operatives working throughout the convention to help manage the event - was shouting "no video - signs up!" after a video regarding Palin was pulled from the program for time. Delegates are also instructed which way to point a sign.

Signs obviously are not the only part of the action on the floor being orchestrated. There was an order for the order of pre-arranged chants: "Country First, Country First" followed by "John McCain, John McCain" followed by "USA USA USA USA."

After John McCain came on stage with the Palin family and people were cheering a whip could be heard saying "keep going." A more unconventional chant was "Drill Baby Drill" - playing off both McCain and Palin's support for offshore oil drilling.

Axelrod took Palins speech in stride.

PITTSBURGH (CNN) – Senior Obama adviser David Axelrod appeared unfazed by Sarah Palin’s tough speech in St. Paul Wednesday night, telling reporters Thursday Barack Obama watched a bit of her speech and took it in stride.

“To be very honest with you, I don’t think he expected gingerly treatment,” Axelrod told reporters on the campaign plane. “I think he understands that they don’t really have a record to run on and this is what politicians do when they don’t have a record to run on.”

Asked if it was harder to respond to attacks from Palin because she’s a woman, Axelrod said they were happy to respond to any “blatant distortions of fact” and that despite selling herself as someone not from Washington, she’d do well there.

“She’s a skilled politician. As she proved last night she’s deft at going on the attack,” said Axelrod. “For someone who makes the point that she’s not from Washington, she looks very much like she’d fit in very well there. When you see how she brings these attacks, it all felt very familiar to Americans who are used to this kind of thing from Washington.”

As for the repeated attacks from speakers like Rudy Giuliani and Palin on the community organizing chapter of his life Obama often touts, Axelrod said he thought everyday people viewed the position as real work.

“It may not pay the millions of dollars Rudy gets for shilling for pharma but it’s significant work,” said Axelrod.

Watch Thursday's episode of CNN=Politics Daily, the Best Political Podcast from the Best Political Team.

(CNN) – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made her much-anticipated debut on the national political stage Wednesday in an address to the Republican convention.

In the latest episode of CNN=Politics Daily, Dana Bash reports on Palin’s speech, and Kyra Phillips is in Alaska with reaction to the speech from the GOP vice presidential nominee’s hometown.

Plus, Jessica Yellin sits down with American Morning’s John Roberts to discuss Palin’s debut and to look ahead at Sen. John McCain’s acceptance speech Thursday night.

Finally, Suzanne Malveaux is with the Obama campaign and has a report on how the Democratic nominee is reaching out to women voters in the wake of Palin’s selection for the VP spot on the Republican ticket.

Click here to subscribe to CNN=Politics Daily.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and Cindy McCain will all have significant roles in the lead up to Sen. John McCain’s speech Thursday evening when he will formally accept the Republican presidential nomination.

Graham is one of McCain’s closest friends in the Senate, while Ridge was said to be on the Arizona senator’s short list of vice presidential prospects.

Workers began building a new stage on the floor of the Republican convention Thursday morning. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - In preparation for Sen. John McCain's acceptance speech Thursday night, a new stage with an extended walkway is being constructed at the Xcel Energy Center.

The new stage will extend farther into the seating area for delegates and will give McCain's speech more of a town-hall feel - a campaign setting that has become one of the Arizona senator's trademarks.

The Ohio delegation will be seated around the extended walkway; the state is one of the battlegrounds that is expected to be hard-fought in the general election matchup between McCain and Sen. Barack Obama.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin introduced herself to the world Wednesday by calling herself a "hockey mom" and then asking what the difference was between a hockey mom and a pit bull.

"Lipstick," the Republican vice-presidential nominee said.

She promptly went on to prove the point, tearing into Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama as two-faced, inexperienced and intoxicated by the sound of his own voice.

Full story

The Obama campaign said Gov. Sarah Palin's speech sounded just like Pres. George W. Bush.

(CNN) - Democrats accused Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin of mirroring "divisive" attacks by President Bush Wednesday night and said showed she wasn't qualified to be on the ticket.

"The speech that [Alaska] Gov. Palin made was well delivered, but it was written by George Bush's speechwriter and sounds exactly like the same divisive, partisan attacks we've heard from George Bush for the last eight years," said Bill Burton, the campaign spokesman for Sen. Barack Obama.

"If Gov. Palin and John McCain want to define 'change' as voting with George Bush 90 percent of the time, that's their choice, but we don't think the American people are ready to take a 10 percent chance on change."

In her speech, Palin drew large applause for attacking Obama for writing two memoirs, but no major laws or reforms.

Full story

Sen. McCain joined Gov. Palin and her family onstage after her speech at the GOP convention Wednesday.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - For the second night in a row, a lot of the rhetoric at the Republican convention Wednesday evening seemed left over from the last cycle, when the fight against terrorism dominated the race.

The economy is the biggest voter concern this cycle, and the theme of the evening - but it didn’t top the agenda Wednesday night. The policy prescriptions were minimal; the party-issued signs proclaiming “prosperity” made for a jarring sight.

The language and terror focus were left over from 2004. The evening’s tone was vintage 1992, with just a hint of culture war.

Surveys suggest Democrats hold the advantage on the dominant issue this year, so Republicans looked to redirect the anger and with base-pleasing swipes at the media and liberal elites.

Former primary season rivals Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani set the evening’s tone with sarcastic broadsides that brought the crowd to life; Sarah Palin followed the trend, her scorn layered under a sunny smile and small-town demeanor.

After a week of enduring tough headlines and dodging the spotlight, the Alaska governor re-emerged and delivered a speech that thrilled the crowd. Palin also proved she inherited President Bush’s gift for sprinkling speeches with Biblical references – like her claim of a “servant’s heart” - that won’t register with much of the population, but resonate deeply with evangelicals.

Her adoption of the evening’s bitter tone may have fallen a bit flat. A focus group of white married women who watched the speech didn’t care for her sarcasm.

But these same voters found her impressive and authentic. They wanted to know more about her personally. And McCain senior adviser Carly Fiorina, who has been at the forefront of outreach efforts to former Hillary Clinton voters, can claim some success: More than one woman in the focus group said Palin reminded them of the New York senator.

The top targets of the night were Barack and Michelle Obama and the news media, with the Democratic Congress close behind. The outsider language that dominated the evening might have struck a dissonant chord: this is, after all, the party that had controlled the White House for the past eight years, and Congress for 12 of the last 14.

But the GOP seemed at times to be struggling with its identity.

So far this convention, praise of Bill Clinton, a VP family connection to the Steelworkers Union, and attacks on Wall Street have all drawn cheers. President Bush’s appearance was barely longer than a commercial break; beyond that, his name has been mentioned in prime time fewer than half a dozen times.

And on the night the party nominated its vice presidential hopeful, the man who currently holds the job didn’t rate a reference.

Musician Pat Boone says the McCain-Palin ticket will be a strong one for Republicans.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – With more top 40 hits than Madonna or Billy Joel, rock and roll legend Pat Boone is considered by many as “The Original American Idol.”

So when the squeaky clean singer-songwriter waltzed into The CNN Grill at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul for a bite to eat, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to ask the lifelong conservative how he thinks the race is shaping up and whether he has an apropos song for this year’s historic election.

Click here for the entire interview.

Cindy Adams spoke with CNN.

ST. Paul, Minnesota (CNN) – After rubbing shoulders with Susan Sarandon, Danny Glover, Charlize Theron, and Charles Barkley at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, New York Post celebrity gossip columnist Cindy Adams jetted off to “one of the dullest towns in America,” according to her latest column, to sniff out politically-inclined celebs in St. Paul.

What does McCain running mate Sarah Palin have in common with an Alaskan salmon? And who will win November? Just a few of the five questions we put to the woman famous for knowing famous people over dinner at The CNN Grill.

Click here for the entire interview.

LISTEN to Cindy Adams compare Palin to an Alaskan salmon

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani says Gov. Sarah Palin represents a new generation.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani joined the chorus of former Republican presidential hopefuls who praised John McCain at the GOP convention Wednesday.

Giuliani's speech came after spirited talks by Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, who both squared off against McCain in the presidential race.

Just like Huckabee and Romney, Giuliani fired pointed attacks at the Democratic ticket while pushing traditional Republican themes of security, freedom and smaller government.

Giuliani, who ended his own bid for the Republican presidential nomination in January after a disappointing finish in Florida, also defended presumptive nominee McCain's selection of a running mate.

Full story

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin stepped into the national spotlight Wednesday at the Republican convention.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) - Sarah Palin accepted the Republican Party's nomination for vice president following a lengthy standing ovation as she took the stage at the Republican National Convention Wednesday.

In her speech, she praised John McCain as a leader who "refused to break with those troops in Iraq who now have brought victory within sight. That is exactly the kind of man I want as commander-in-chief."

Palin presented herself as both a mother and as an outside-the-Beltway reformer in the McCain mold, saying she "took on the old politics as usual in Juneau" and "stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network."

She tied oil - a major industry in her home state of Alaska - to foreign policy and national security on a night when convention delegates repeatedly burst into chants of "Drill now, baby, drill now!"

Full story

Palin wowed the RNC Wednesday, but how will she play in suburbia? (Photo credit: E.M. Pio Roda / CNN )

It is clear from tonight's national debut that Sarah Palin may connect extremely well in rural, small-town America. And no doubt, Republicans will be sending her there in key states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and the like. Her pit bull style, combined with her humor and presence along with her roots, will likely draw people to her. Lots of people there will look forward to hearing her in person.

The question for me is whether she will also appeal in suburban America. I am not at all certain that she will: her combative, anti-elitist style - along with her staunch conservatism on issues like abortion - may just leave a lot of voters cool if not cold.

The answer to that question could have a big bearing on the election. What do you think?

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) – The Republican Party officially nominated Sen. John McCain for president at their national convention Wednesday. McCain's home state of Arizona cast the ballots that put McCain over the top.

McCain will give a speech accepting the nomination on Thursday night.

Palin addressed the RNC Wednesday.

Republicans got everything they could possibly want from Sarah Palin tonight: she was a large, confident personality - one Democratic friend ruefully wrote that she reminded him of Ann Richards - and she delivered an extremely well crafted speech. Before the speech, Republican strategists told Dana Bash of CNN that they hoped that she would show viewers "a common touch with executive presence", and she definitely succeeded at that.

Three things in particular stood out:

1. She joked that the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is ...lipstick. Clearly, in the next few weeks, she will play the role of a pit bull with lipstick. My sense is that she will very likely connect with blue collar America but may be much less successful in suburban America.

2. Her personal story is also one that will relate well to people. She has a quality of seeming like the girl next door.

3. She showed a lot of confidence in addressing energy toward the end of the speech, which gave her more substantive depth.

Now let us be clear: there will be tons of Democrats and others who will disagree with her and will take sharp exception with her views. Her jabs at Barack Obama and the Democrats were surprisingly personal at times. And she will face tough questioning ahead from the press. After all, there are still some serious questions about what kind of president she might be. We are going to have a rough and tumble race down the home stretch.

ST. PAUL (CNN) – Democrats who thought Sarah Palin would be an easy, soft target are in for a surprise: this is not a woman to be trifled with. Her opponents may have thought she’d be a deer in the headlights, like Dan Quayle. They were wrong.

(McCain’s appearance at the end of her speech wasn’t quite as surprising – that kind of pre-speech convention appearance has become almost expected.)

Here’s what Republicans got out of the evening:

1: They proved that Palin’s no pushover. They clearly established that.

2: They established a tough, even bullying tone to this night of the convention which bordered on the ugly, mocking their opponents.

3: Speakers gave strong testimony to McCain’s character.

Here’s what they didn’t accomplish: An answer to what they will do to solve this country’s economic problems. Without that, they’re not going to get anywhere.

And now it rests with McCain.

ST PAUL (CNN) –- Palin is giving an effective speech –- if a very long one - that puts her family life on the table.

She seems very comfortable on stage, as she becomes the latest speaker of the night to take a swipe at Michelle Obama.

Watch: Palin says she has 'actual responsibilities'

Her experience on the energy issue is very valuable in this campaign – it’s an issue on which she can speak with some authority, and holds a lot of appeal for voters this cycle.

But she’s going out on a limb here – it’s a little risky for her to go after Obama on experience, as she’s doing right now.

Watch: Giuliani says Obama 'got it wrong' on Iraq.

ST. PAUL (CNN) – This speech is about mockery – and I wonder whether that’s appealing to voters. I really think this tone is going to turn a lot of voters off – it’s ugly, it’s bitter, it’s nasty. There is a bullying tone to this speech, and to Romney’s speech, and I just don’t think it works.

Watch: Giuliani says this is 'no time for on the job training'

Even less appealing: “When they gave up on Iraq, they gave up on America”? Now that’s insulting.

What they’re doing is re-running the 2004 campaign, which the Republicans won on the issue of terrorism. He’s saying the war on terror should be the supreme issue – but for most voters it’s the economy

ST. PAUL (CNN) - They cut out the video introducing Sarah Palin – she was getting squeezed out of prime time.

Two points about John McCain’s pick here:

By naming her to the ticket, he may have been trying to do two things that are very difficult to do at the same time: rally the base, and make himself look like a maverick. It’s pretty tough to pull off both simultaneously.

Watch: Giuliani says Palin has more experience than the Democratic ticket combined

He did rally the Republican base. Whether he reclaimed his image as a maverick remains to be seen.

McCain may also have been trying to win over women – but the polls so far seem to indicate that did not happen.

Watch: Sarah Palin says she 'accepts the challenge'.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: Mr. Chairman, delegates, and fellow citizens: I am honored to be considered for the nomination for Vice President of the United States...

I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.

I accept the challenge of a tough fight in this election... against confident opponents ... at a crucial hour for our country.

And I accept the privilege of serving with a man who has come through much harder missions ... and met far graver challenges ... and knows how tough fights are won – the next president of the United States, John S. McCain.

Watch: Palin says she's 'an outsider'

It was just a year ago when all the experts in Washington counted out our nominee because he refused to hedge his commitment to the security of the country he loves.

With their usual certitude, they told us that all was lost – there was no hope for this candidate who said that he would rather lose an election than see his country lose a war.

But the pollsters and pundits overlooked just one thing when they wrote him off.

They overlooked the caliber of the man himself – the determination, resolve, and sheer guts of Senator John McCain. The voters knew better.

And maybe that's because they realize there is a time for politics and a time for leadership ... a time to campaign and a time to put our country first.

Our nominee for president is a true profile in courage, and people like that are hard to come by.

He's a man who wore the uniform of this country for 22 years, and refused to break faith with those troops in Iraq who have now brought victory within sight.

And as the mother of one of those troops, that is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief. I'm just one of many moms who'll say an extra prayer each night for our sons and daughters going into harm's way.

Our son Track is 19.

And one week from tomorrow – September 11th – he'll deploy to Iraq with the Army infantry in the service of his country.

My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.

My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.

In our family, it's two boys and three girls in between – my strong and kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family ever seems typical.

That's how it is with us.

Our family has the same ups and downs as any other ... the same challenges and the same joys.

Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.

And children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters.

I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House. Todd is a story all by himself.

He's a lifelong commercial fisherman ... a production operator in the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope ... a proud member of the United Steel Workers' Union ... and world champion snow machine racer.

Throw in his Yup'ik Eskimo ancestry, and it all makes for quite a package.

We met in high school, and two decades and five children later he's still my guy. My Mom and Dad both worked at the elementary school in our small town.

And among the many things I owe them is one simple lesson: that this is America, and every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.

My parents are here tonight, and I am so proud to be the daughter of Chuck and Sally Heath. Long ago, a young farmer and habber-dasher from Missouri followed an unlikely path to the vice presidency.

A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.

I grew up with those people.

They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.

They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.

I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better.

When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too.

Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown.

And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves.

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities. I might add that in small towns, we don't quite know what to make of a candidate who lavishes praise on working people when they are listening, and then talks about how bitterly they cling to their religion and guns when those people aren't listening.

We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.

As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment.

And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone.

But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion – I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people.

Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests.

The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it.

No one expects us to agree on everything.

But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and ... a servant's heart.

I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States. This was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau ... when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network.

Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve.

But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up.

And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.

I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law.

While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.

That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay.

I also drive myself to work.

And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef – although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her. I came to office promising to control spending – by request if possible and by veto if necessary.

Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest – and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works.

Our state budget is under control.

We have a surplus.

And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.

I suspended the state fuel tax, and championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress.

I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.

If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue back where it belonged – directly to the people of Alaska.

And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, who kind of liked things the way they were, we broke their monopoly on power and resources.

As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people.

I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history.

And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly forty billion dollar natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.

That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart.

The stakes for our nation could not be higher.

When a hurricane strikes in the Gulf of Mexico, this country should not be so dependent on imported oil that we are forced to draw from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

And families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil.

With Russia wanting to control a vital pipeline in the Caucasus, and to divide and intimidate our European allies by using energy as a weapon, we cannot leave ourselves at the mercy of foreign suppliers.

To confront the threat that Iran might seek to cut off nearly a fifth of world energy supplies ... or that terrorists might strike again at the Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia ... or that Venezuela might shut off its oil deliveries ... we Americans need to produce more of our own oil and gas.

And take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska: we've got lots of both.

Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems – as if we all didn't know that already.

But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all.

Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more new-clear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources.

We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers. I've noticed a pattern with our opponent.

Maybe you have, too.

We've all heard his dramatic speeches before devoted followers.

And there is much to like and admire about our opponent.

But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform – not even in the state senate.

This is a man who can give an entire speech about the wars America is fighting, and never use the word "victory" except when he's talking about his own campaign. But when the cloud of rhetoric has passed ... when the roar of the crowd fades away ... when the stadium lights go out, and those Styrofoam Greek columns are hauled back to some studio lot – what exactly is our opponent's plan? What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet? The answer is to make government bigger ... take more of your money ... give you more orders from Washington ... and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world. America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it.

Victory in Iraq is finally in sight ... he wants to forfeit.

Terrorist states are seeking new-clear weapons without delay ... he wants to meet them without preconditions.

Al Qaeda terrorists still plot to inflict catastrophic harm on America ... he's worried that someone won't read them their rights? Government is too big ... he wants to grow it.

Congress spends too much ... he promises more.

Taxes are too high ... he wants to raise them. His tax increases are the fine print in his economic plan, and let me be specific.

The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes ... raise payroll taxes ... raise investment income taxes ... raise the death tax ... raise business taxes ... and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. My sister Heather and her husband have just built a service station that's now opened for business – like millions of others who run small businesses.

How are they going to be any better off if taxes go up? Or maybe you're trying to keep your job at a plant in Michigan or Ohio ... or create jobs with clean coal from Pennsylvania or West Virginia ... or keep a small farm in the family right here in Minnesota.

How are you going to be better off if our opponent adds a massive tax burden to the American economy? Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election.

In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers.

And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.

They're the ones whose names appear on laws and landmark reforms, not just on buttons and banners, or on self-designed presidential seals.

Among politicians, there is the idealism of high-flown speechmaking, in which crowds are stirringly summoned to support great things.

And then there is the idealism of those leaders, like John McCain, who actually do great things. They're the ones who are good for more than talk ... the ones we have always been able to count on to serve and defend America. Senator McCain's record of actual achievement and reform helps explain why so many special interests, lobbyists, and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency – from the primary election of 2000 to this very day.

Our nominee doesn't run with the Washington herd.

He's a man who's there to serve his country, and not just his party.

A leader who's not looking for a fight, but is not afraid of one either. Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee.

He said, quote, "I can't stand John McCain." Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps no accolade we hear this week is better proof that we've chosen the right man. Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain. That is only one more reason to take the maverick of the Senate and put him in the White House. My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of "personal discovery." This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer.

And though both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have been going on lately about how they are always, quote, "fighting for you," let us face the matter squarely.

There is only one man in this election who has ever really fought for you ... in places where winning means survival and defeat means death ... and that man is John McCain. In our day, politicians have readily shared much lesser tales of adversity than the nightmare world in which this man, and others equally brave, served and suffered for their country.

It's a long way from the fear and pain and squalor of a six-by-four cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.

But if Senator McCain is elected president, that is the journey he will have made.

It's the journey of an upright and honorable man – the kind of fellow whose name you will find on war memorials in small towns across this country, only he was among those who came home.

To the most powerful office on earth, he would bring the compassion that comes from having once been powerless ... the wisdom that comes even to the captives, by the grace of God ... the special confidence of those who have seen evil, and seen how evil is overcome. A fellow prisoner of war, a man named Tom Moe of Lancaster, Ohio, recalls looking through a pin-hole in his cell door as Lieutenant Commander John McCain was led down the hallway, by the guards, day after day.

As the story is told, "When McCain shuffled back from torturous interrogations, he would turn toward Moe's door and flash a grin and thumbs up" – as if to say, "We're going to pull through this." My fellow Americans, that is the kind of man America needs to see us through these next four years.

For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words.

For a lifetime, John McCain has inspired with his deeds.

If character is the measure in this election ... and hope the theme ... and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States.

Thank you all, and may God bless America.

Oilman T. Boone Pickens spoke to CNN.

ST PAUL (CNN) –- John McCain’s running mate Sarah Palin needs to “portray herself as a leader” Wednesday night, if she does that, “she is going to be very popular,” Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens said in a CNN interview inside the Xcel Energy Center at the Republican National Convention.

Pickens – fresh off a visit to the Democratic National Convention – was in St. Paul on Wednesday to push what he modestly calls the Pickens Plan, a scheme to wean the United States off imported oil and instead rely more on renewable energy resources.

“I have a story to tell. My story is the Pickens Plan and that is the plan for energy for America,” he said of his Minnesota visit.

Pickens is particularly interested in hearing what Senator McCain has to say about energy in his address Thursday night.

In 2004, Pickens was among the highest-profile supporters of Swift Boat Veterans and POWs for Truth, giving $1 million to the group that savaged Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry's war record.

He contributed $2.5 million the same year to the Progress for America voter fund, a group closely linked to President Bush and the Republican National Committee, and tens of thousands of dollars to individual Republican candidates for Congress, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

But Pickens says he isn’t taking sides this election and doesn’t haven’t an opinion about which presidential candidate would do a better job of decreasing American dependence on foreign oil.

“I am totally non-partisan in this race,” he said, adding that “both parties are going to have to work like hell” if they want to take the White House in November.

ST PAUL (CNN) - The left wing and Hollywood celebrities are the true stars of the evening, prompting another chant of “USA!” from the crowd.

How did “USA” become a term of defiance and division? It sounds ugly, like they’re saying: “We’re real Americans – and you’re not.”

Giuliani, like Romney, relishes the attack. His language is stinging. The crowd keeps chanting “zero” – as in the talking point that Obama has no executive experience, and has never run anything. Except his own campaign. Obama beat the Clintons, and the inevitable candidacy – that’s not nothing.