John McCain accepted his partyâÄôs nomination Thursday night at the Xcel Energy Center , telling supporters heâÄôs got the American peopleâÄôs best interest in mind. In his acceptance speech on the final night of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, McCain emphasized his experience as the candidate who could best lead the country during perilous times. Although he vowed to win, McCain said he respects and admires Barack Obama. âÄúWe are fellow Americans, and thatâÄôs an association that means more to me than any other,âÄù he said. Earlier in the day, convention organizers altered the stage to create a town-hall atmosphere, which McCain is more comfortable with. However, the large crowd at the Xcel Energy Center distracted the candidate multiple times by chanting âÄúU-S-A.âÄù Cindy McCain said her husband represents many uniquely American qualities. She spoke about him as a husband, a father and a politician. âÄúLetâÄôs not be confused, these are perilous times,âÄù Cindy McCain said. âÄúItâÄôs going to take someone with unusual strength and character.âÄù The McCainâÄôs seven children were on hand on Thursday as well. Gov. Tim Pawlenty spoke earlier in the night. He took a shot at Barack Obama and emphasized that McCain has the character and experience to be president. âÄúBarack Obama gives a good speech, but the best sermons arenâÄôt preached, theyâÄôre lived,âÄù he said. âÄúJohn McCain has walked the walk and he has always put our country first.âÄù Pawlenty also said McCain offers what âÄúSamâÄôs Club RepublicansâÄù want in a politician and a store: Value and accountability. Several delegates in the crowd held signs supporting the governor during his speech. Throughout the night, speakers, delegates and other attendees shared their enthusiasm for McCainâÄôs running mate, Sarah Palin. âÄúShe stands up for whatâÄôs right, and she doesnâÄôt let anyone tell her to sit downâÄù McCain said of Palin. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said McCain stopped the Democratic Congress from losing the War in Iraq. During the few minutes he was at the podium, he stressed the success of the surge and the war. âÄúBarack ObamaâÄôs campaign is built around us losing in Iraq,âÄù Graham said. âÄúLet there be no doubt about it, we are on the road to victory in Iraq.âÄù McCain said he supported putting more troops in Iraq at a time when the idea was unpopular, but he did it because he cares about the country. âÄúIâÄôd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war,âÄù he said. âÄúIâÄôm running for president to keep the country I love safe.âÄù