Ka-P.O.W.!

O P I N I O N

Before Sen. John McCain made his acceptance speech tonight at the Republican National Convention, the arena went dark. Former presidential candidate Fred Thompson read dramatically McCain’s own words. And then, the candidate himself stepped out onto the stage. In case you missed the speech, here’s the “in a nutshell” version:

Waving flag.
Growing up Navy. Lovin’ the military.
“You can’t turn a blind eye to threats.”
“I’m not afraid.”
“I’m prepared.”
“I hate war.”
Odd inappropriate laughter when he talks about being captured in Vietnam.
What I learned as a P.O.W.
“Fight with me! Fight with me!”
As Gov. Palin joins him on stage, the song “Barracuda” blasts from loudspeakers.
Balloons & confetti

Other observations:

• I saw 18 people of color in the audience during his speech.
• At least five protesters interrupted his train of thought. One held the poster “McCain votes against vets”; some of the women stripped to reveal pink outfits. Code Pinkers, no doubt.
• Trig was not within spitting distance of Piper.