Don't be diverted by the ground noise and static.

The feeling on the convention floor changed significantly on Wednesday night during Palin’s speech. The mood seemed to transition from the excitement of participating in a major event, to anticipation of working for a campaign that can win. Senator McCain had the mission of making certain the country knew his story, and knew that he could be trusted to do right by the country.

The intensity on the floor was amazing. We may have been a little too aggressive in trying to drown out a small number of protesters in the hall. I think we made the rhythm of the speech a little difficult to follow at the beginning. By the end of the speech, following the senator’s accounting of his years at the Hanoi Hilton, the crowd almost seemed to be egging him on to show more passion. The applause elevated to the point where we could barely hear the conclusion of his speech.

Even those that had wanted someone else to be the nominee knew that John McCain was a hero. The speech tonight showed that he’s a real gentleman as well. He showed himself to be one that will genuinely work to dissolve partisan gridlock. He showed respect for his opponent, and showed recognition of what his own party’s failings had been. This is a good, thoughtful man that the nation will respect.

This party is as unified as it could be going in to the fall. We left the Xcel Energy Center ready to work hard for our candidates, and realizing that we have a much better shot of making the case to the voters. I think we managed to make some history this week. I’m thrilled to have been allowed to be a part of it.