Melissa Golden

NEWS & POLITICS: Inside the RNC

President George Bush addresses the Republican National Convention via jumbotron. He was scheduled to appear in person, but cancelled with Hurricane Gustavthreatening the Gulf Coast.
   
President George Bush Sr. and Barbara Bush are seen seated in the VIP area of the Xcel Center.
  
Former Arkansas governor and former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee leaves the stage after speaking on the third day of the Republican National Convention.
     
  
Former senator and Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson speaks and endorses former rival John McCain during the second night of the Republican National Convention.
  
Republicans celebrated the first day of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Monday, September 1, 2008. Since Hurricane Gustav made landfall in Louisiana the same afternoon, festivities were muted and the emphasis of the first day was placed upon disaster relief. President Bush and Vice President Cheney cancelled scheduled appearances, but first lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain filled in.
   
A convention-goer is seen in a McCain-themed yarmulke.
     
  
Colorado delegates sing along as "America the Beautiful" is performed on the third day of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.
  
Arizona delegates listen as Cindy McCain speaks on the final night of the Republican National Convention.
   
Cindy McCain is seen seated in the VIP area of the Xcel Center.
     
  
John McCain walks on stage on the final night of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Thursday, September 4, 2008. Republicans rejoiced as John McCain accepted the Republican Party's presidential nomination.
   
A delegate and military veteran salutes President George Bush Sr. after watching a tribute to his career.
  
Words scroll down a tele-prompter during Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist's (R-TN) speech.
     
  
John McCain waves to the crowd after walking on stage on the final night of the Republican National Convention.
   
Missouri delegate George Engelbach waves his top hat on the final night of the Republican National Convention.
   
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. The night was full of appearances by Republican luminaries Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, and Rudy Giuliani before keynote speaker and Vice Presidential nominee Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin spoke to an enthusiastic crowd.
     
  
John McCain speaks on the final night of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul on Thursday, September 4, 2008.
  
Balloons fall from the rafters at the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN. John McCain accepted his party's nomination and his running mate, Sarah Palin was successfully introduced to an adoring crowd.
   
Confetti is seen on the floor of the Xcel Center after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention.