Republicans had a lot to cheer about on Tuesday at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The mood was certainly more uplifting than the opening day when everyone was concerned about Hurricane Gustav. 

But yesterday’s speeches led by former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson and Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman sent a clear message to the Democratic team of  Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden.  Republicans want America to know that this is their week in the national Spotlight and they plan to battle for the presidency with  everything they can muster.

Thompson delivered his sharp remarks with Hollywood-style “Law & Order” passion.   He triggered emotion and excitement in the Xcel Energy Center.  Lieberman, Obama’s Democratic colleague in the U.S. Senate, softly but firmly raised a campaign theme that Obama, the gifted orator from Illinois, will have to defend himself against.  When Lieberman said, “Eloquence is no substitute for a record,” the delegates responded with roaring approval. 

Get ready for tonight when former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, McCain’s surprise pick for Vice-President, attempt to define why the GOP deserves four more years in the White House.