Almanac: At the Capitol

We were just feet away from Gov. Sarah Palin as she delivered the most important speech of her life. The Minnesota delegation repeatedly said "she knocked it out of the park." The anticipation was huge. The mood was electric. Her tone was friendly, tough, passionate, emotional. It played perfectly in the hall.

Some of the more experienced Minnesota delegates said they hadn't seen that energy at a convention in decades. Minnesotans went nuts again when Gov. Pawlenty delivered the roll call touting Minnesota's lakes, fishing and people. I'm hearing from several sources that Pawlenty could be introducing John McCain tomorrow night in prime time. That would be a well-earned spot for McCain's good soldier.

But what many viewers, delegates and media didn't get a good look at was anti-war protesters dressed in pink being forcefully removed from the hall during Palin's speech. A security official appears to strike the woman in the face. Not a great image as protesters continue to distract from Republican's delivering their message.