Day 4 has come and gone, and it seems safe to say that the delegates, Sarah Palin, and John McCain can break out the banner that reads "Mission Accomplished", and have it mean something this time...

The overview for today's theme of "Peace - A Safer and More Secure America" was again trumpeted by the speakers. The Republicans have a remarkable ability to stay on message. There were addresses by Sen. Mel Martinez (FL), Gov. Tim Pawlenty (MN), and coach Joe Gibbs, and tonight's superstars were Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC), Gov. Tom Ridge (PA) and Cindy McCain. All echoed the theme and how John McCain was the best man to guarantee Peace (with a capital P)

There were also some well produced  videos designed to appeal to the emotional level - "World Stood Still" - a piece on terrorism; another feelgood introductory on Sarah Palin - just in case you were off the planet last night; and "America's Place in the World" - a fine appeal for American leadership. There were also two protesters that had TV time. One sat up in the nosebleeds wearing a shirt saying "Veterans Against Iraq War" and holding a banner saying that "You Can't Win An Occupation".  He sat quietly, and was left alone. A second protester, who's beef is still unknown was escorted from the floor for trying to disrupt the convention and charging down the steps of the Excel center towards the stage. It was hard to tell, but she appeared to be the same woman removed last night at about the same time. If anyone has any news on her we will at least acknowledge what her cause was. 

The big question was could John McCain close the sale, and close ranks behind him. He addressed the crowd for about an hour, sharing more details of his time in VietNam, his family and how they helped shape him, and of course his maverick image. He spoke in generalities of policy differences between him and Sen. Obama, as well as of the "experience gap". McCain was respectful of Sen. Obama, but he pulled no punches. He then gave an emotional appeal (who says you can teach an old politician new tricks...) to stand with him for changing America the right way, and he carried it off well. In a night where he had to give a great speech, he was up to the task. 

The analysts will be picking this apart as the delegates head home, but the conclusion we can draw here is that come November a unified, energized Democratic Party will be going head-to-head with a unified, energized Republican Party. This may be the one time when there is no exaggeration in saying that every vote will count.

RLB