A fairly liberal friend of mine sent me this response to McCain’s speech:

THAT was the best speech of either convention.

He wasn’t the most polished - his listeners were rude at times - but fuck, I believed that he believed in what he said.

It was short on policy where Obama was long, and I thought his party responded least when he made his most conciliatory remarks, but I was totally drawn into it - compelled  by his personal story.  He was humble and magnanimous - I really appreciated it.

Home run, no doubt.

Game on!

If he can actually impress her, that says something.

Finally, we have a real campaign.   McCain was solid even if it was not as charasmatic or flashy as many before him.  And he kept his poise as he was interrupted several times by protestors.

End result:  My friend was right:  Game on!

Transcript:

Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans — the privilege of accepting our party’s nomination for President of the United States. And I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence.

In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this nomination wasn’t any different. That’s a tribute to the candidates who opposed me and their supporters. They’re leaders of great ability, who love our country, and wished to lead it to better days. Their support is an honor I won’t forget.

I’m grateful to the President for leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history, and keeping us safe from another attack many thought was inevitable; and to the First Lady, Laura Bush, a model of grace and kindness in public and in private. And I’m grateful to the 41st President and his bride of 63 years, and for their outstanding example of honorable service to our country.