It was Tuesday night and finally it began to feel like a real convention.
That's what Brian Krolicki said Tuesday night, following the second day of the Republican National Convention at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
With the Nevada delegation perched near the stage, the Nevada lieutenant governor and state chairman of Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign said addresses by two key Republican senators brought some of the enthusiasm back to an otherwise cautious crowd.
But it was former Republican Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman who brought the house to, at times, quiet reflection and and other times uproarious delight as the men championed John McCain, Krolicki said.
Thompson's speech took on a biographical tone, telling the story of a young McCain who endured years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
"To endure and thrive tells you that (John McCain) is an extraordinary person," Krolicki said. "It is a testament to strength."
Later, convention-goers were treated to a rousing speech by McCain's friend and colleague in the senate, Joe Lieberman, who was Al Gore's vice presidential running mate in 2000. Lieberman split with the Democratic Party in 2006 and became an independent largely due to his unwavering position of continuing the Iraq War.
Of Lieberman's speech, Krolicki said his appearance was "courageous" and noted the independent streaks of both men.
"He wasn't addressing the convention really but all of those out there who are disillusioned. Some are Democrats. Some are Republicans. Some are disillusioned Democrats and Republicans. Some are independents," Krolicki said of Lieberman. "Walking away from this speech you really get the sense that John McCain has the experience and capacity to lead the western world."