Almanac: At the Capitol

John McCain told the thousands of supporters packed in an Anoka/Blaine airport hanger "with this kind of suppport and enthusiasm we will win Minnesota."  Palin picked up a baby on her way in and mixed policy and personality in her remarks.  She took on Iran saying they should not have nuclear weapons.  Palin also said she will have new responsibilities on government reform, energy and kids with special needs.

First Lady Mary Pawlenty said her husband would haved loved to be here but he's in northern Minnesota for groundbreaking of a billion dollar steel plant, an "economic shot Minnesota needs."

McCain and Palin puppets

Inside it's packed and people are excited.

 Senator McCain leaving for the bus.

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.

Republicans and Democrats I've talked to so far think Tim Pawlenty is still going to make a run for president in four years and is still well positioned to do so.  Gov. Palin is a surprise and people like Tim Pawlenty can't really question Obama's experience with Palin on the ticket.  Big nod to my dear friend and colleague Eric Eskola who broke the story this morning that Pawlenty would not be traveling to Ohio.  

Here's some reaction I've gotten so far:

The Selection of Gov. Sarah Palin Has Electrified the Electorate

Minneapolis, MN – “Absolutely brilliant,” Mathew Staver exclaimed when he heard the news that Sen. John McCain chose Governor Sarah Palin as his choice for Vice President. Staver is Chairman of Liberty Alliance Action, Chairman of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law.*

Attending a meeting of national conservative leaders in Minneapolis, Staver said, “The excitement was palpable among conservative leaders when they heard that Gov. Palin was Sen. McCain’s choice for Vice President. There is a high level of optimism among conservative leaders that the McCain-Palin combination is a ticket that will connect with values voters.”

“The selection of Gov. Palin means that this upcoming election will be historic. But beyond making history, Palin brings substance and excitement. She is intelligent, young, attractive and articulate. As a woman and a mother, she can attract women voters, particularly those who feel disenfranchised,” said Staver. “Gov. Palin can work with both parties and has shown she can clean up government corruption. She has not merely talked about the energy crisis, she has actively worked to create solutions,” Staver continued.