The 2008 Republican National Convention is taking place at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota from September 1 until September 4.

St. Paul, Minnesota – At the Republican National Convention September 3, delegates formally nominated Arizona Senator John McCain to be their candidate for the presidency of the United States.

State by state, delegates verbally cast their votes, allowing the Arizona delegation to cast the ballots that gave McCain the majority vote count needed to earn the nomination. Delegates cheered as they named McCain their presidential nominee.

For many, the highlight of the night was the speech by presumed vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Palin, a little-known Alaskan governor making her first speech on a national stage, said, “I accept the call to help our nominee for president to serve and defend America.”

“We are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions and a servant’s heart,” Palin said. “I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as vice president of the United States.”

Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin addresses the Republican National Convention September 3.

Even before she appeared on stage, delegates shouted her name and waved posters reading “Palin power” and “hockey moms 4 Palin.” In the quiet halls surrounding the Xcel Energy Center, people gathered around televisions to watch the governor’s speech.

Palin told delegates and American television viewers her personal and political story. A 44-year-old mother of five, she told delegates about her family and upbringing, and described her family as one that has “the same ups and downs as any other, the same challenges and the same joys.”

Palin also told delegates about her achievements as governor, saying that she passed ethics reform legislation, fought lobbyists and cut wasteful spending. Palin said that as Alaska’s governor she oversees a state rich in gas and oil resources, implying a strong understanding of energy issues.

PARTY LEADERS DESCRIBE VISION FOR JOHN McCAIN PRESIDENCY

Palin and other party leaders outlined what a McCain presidency would look like. Convention speakers said McCain would seek alternative energy sources, lower taxes, create jobs, promote free trade and limit government involvement.

Rudy Giuliani says John McCain has the leadership experience necessary to be president.

Rudy Giuliani says John McCain has the leadership experience necessary to be president.In a McCain administration, Palin said, “We’re going to lay more pipelines, build more nuclear plants, create jobs with clean coal and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal and other alternative sources.”

“Families cannot throw away more and more of their paychecks on gas and heating oil,” Palin said.

As delegates shouted “drill, baby drill,” former New York City mayor and presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani said “our economy and our sovereignty depend” on oil drilling to lessen American dependence on foreign oil. McCain favors drilling off U.S. coastlines.

On the economy, Giuliani said, “McCain will bring about the change that will create jobs and prosperity. … He will reduce government spending to strengthen our dollar. He will expand free trade so we can be even more competitive.”

Carly Fiorina, former chief executive officer of Hewlett Packard, said that if Americans “make the right choice … they will keep more of their hard-earned money. Small and large businesses alike will be creating jobs here and spurring robust economic growth, because America will once again be a great place to build a business.”

Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said McCain would limit government’s involvement in American lives. “John McCain doesn't want the kind of change that allows the government to reach deeper into your paycheck and pick your doctor, your child's school,” Huckabee said.

Many convention speakers also criticized the proposed policies of McCain’s opponent, Democrat Barack Obama on taxes, foreign policy and national security.

Obama’s leadership has not been tested, according to Giuliani. “John has been tested. Barack Obama has not. Tough times require strong leadership, and this is no time for on the job training.”

Much of Palin’s speech focused on Obama, particularly criticizing his proposed energy policies and his positions on the U.S. military involvement in Iraq.

“In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers,” Palin said, referring to Obama’s commonly used campaign slogan. “And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change.”

Palin is scheduled to be nominated officially as the Republican vice presidential nominee September 4. McCain briefly appeared on stage to congratulate Palin and wave to cheering delegates. He is scheduled to accept the Republican nomination September 4.