Tampa Convention Opens with a One-Two Punch

Ann Romney, wife of nominee Mitt Romney:

"I know this good and decent man for what he is. He's warm, and loving, and patient. He has tried to live his life with a set of values centered on family, faith, and love of fellow man. From the time we were first married, I have seen him spend countless hours helping others. I've seen him drop everything to help a friend in trouble, and been there when late-night calls of panic come from a member of our church whose child has been taken to the hospital."

Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey:

"The greatest lesson Mom ever taught me, though, was this one: she told me there would be times in your life when you have to choose between being loved and being respected. She said to always pick being respected, that love without respect was always fleeting — but that respect could grow into real, lasting love. Now, of course, she was talking about women.

But I have learned over time that it applies just as much to leadership. In fact, I think that advice applies to America today more than ever. I believe we have become paralyzed by our desire to be loved."

Ann Romney makes the hard sell:

"This is the man America needs. This is a man who will wake up every day with the determination to solve the problems that others say cannot be solved, to fix what others say is beyond repair, this is the man who will work harder than anyone so that we can work a little less hard.

I can't tell you what will happen over the next four years. But I can only stand here tonight as a wife and a mother and a grandmother, an American, and make you this solemn commitment. This man will not fail."

Chris Christie makes the closing argument:

"Let us choose a path that will be remembered for generations to come. Standing strong for freedom will make the next century as great an American century as the last one.

This is the American way. We have never been victims of destiny. We have always been masters of our own. I won't be part of the generation that fails that test and neither will you. It's now time to stand up. There's no time left to waste."

Wednesday night features speeches by Senator John McCain, Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Vice President nominee Paul Ryan. I've discovered the trick to avoiding the awful commentary is to watch on C-Span during the early part of the evening, and switch over to HD for the major network coverage of the main speeches.