Most of those who came to hear John McCain were in the room by 11 a.m. and the speech started just after noon. In the meantime, a rambunctious crowd listened to young women belt out patriotic songs from “Little Pink Houses” to “Sweet Home Alabama” to “Born in the U.S.A.,” which is more of a protest song than a patriotic one, but few ever get past the title.

People, young and old, from all over have come. Some tote babies strapped to their chests in bulky carriers, others, with McCain/Palin stickers on their chests, have strollers and meander throughout the back of the convention center room trying to keep the tykes distracted. Bleachers are set up on two sides, with the podium in the middle. An organizer said earlier that 4,000 to 5,000 were expected, but it appears fewer than that.

A man walks by amid deafening music and the roar of the crowd. He has a red, white and blue top hat and is draped in a faded flag.

Media takes up raised platforms on the east side of the podium.

McCain is introduced, along with his wife, Cindy, and Florida U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, who then introduces Cindy McCain, who then introduces her husband.

“Between you, me and the wall,” she says, “I am so proud of my husband and what he stands for.”

The crowd roars, McCain takes the podium, before him an expanse of blue and white McCain/Palin placards mixed in with white and blue signs saying “Country First.”

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