2008 Republican National Convention: Wednesday

McCain hugs his running mate Palin after her speech.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

McCain bends down to talk to Palin’s youngest daughter, Piper, after the Palin family joined the Republican ticket onstage.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Palin’s husband, Todd, joined her onstage, along with their daughter Piper and their baby, Trig.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Palin’s family joins her and McCain onstage after her speech: son Track; daughter Bristol; Bristol’s fiance, Levi Johnston; daughters Willow and Piper; and husband Todd with baby Trig.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Palin pulled no punches during her speech, taking several swipes at Democratic nominee Barack Obama: “I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities.”  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Delegates cheered enthusiastically during Palin’s speech.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Palin blows a kiss to her family during her speech.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Palin drew an enthusiastic response with her speech. “What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?” she asked the crowd. “Lipstick.”  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Palin’s daughter, Bristol, 17, was in the audience with her fiance, Levi Johnston.  (Paul Sancya / Associated Press)

Palin introduced her family from the stage, including her husband, Todd, and their baby Trig, born in April with Down’s syndrome.  (Paul Sancya / Associated Press)

A protester, reportedly with the antiwar group Code Pink, shortly before being removed by security guards during Palin’s speech.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Radio producer James Grisham takes a nap at the Republican National Convention.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani spoke before Palin.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissenger, left, speaks with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at the Xcel Center.  (Craig Lassig / EPA)

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee spoke, as did Romney and Giuliani; McCain’s former rivals for the Republican nomination all endorsed the Arizona senator.  (Win McNamee / Getty Images)

Phelps Anderson of Roswell, N.M., cheers with the rest of his state delegation.  (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole makes an appearance at the Xcel Center.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A woman sits in the delegate section, ready for the action to begin.  (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

John Weis, 28, of Minneapolis is seen through glass that reflects a projection of the flag.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A bird’s-eye view of the proceedings.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Steve Kuhn uses fellow Tennessee delegate Jerry Bowen to balance his camera.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Augustus Shaw, a delegate from Phoenix, places his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), center, greets a young delegate.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A fan of the GOP vice presidential nominee.  (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

John Rich of the band Big & Rich rehearses for his scheduled Wednesday night performance.  (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

McCain visits volunteers at the delegates’ hurricane relief activity center.  (Stephan Savoia / Associated Press)

Presumptive nominee John McCain greets Bristol Palin, daughter of his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin; and Levi Johnston, Bristol’s fiance, who had just arrived in St. Paul. The convention’s third day was under way Wednesday.  (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)