One difference between the three other acceptance speeches and McCain’s, last night, was that I didn’t need to watch his.  I know him.  I know what he’s about.  And you probably do, too, whether you like him or not.  Here’s the highlights:

ON SARAH PALIN: “[Governor Palin has] balanced a budget, cut taxes, and taken on the special interests. She’s reached across the aisle and asked Republicans, Democrats and Independents to serve in her administration. She’s the mother of five children. She’s helped run a small business, worked with her hands and knows what it’s like to worry about mortgage payments and health care and the cost of gasoline and groceries.”

ON IRAQ: ”I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn’t a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I’d rather lose an election than see my country lose a war.”

ON EDUCATION: “Education is the civil rights issue of this century [...] When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them. Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have that choice and their children will have that opportunity.”

ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIM AND OBAMA: “I’m not running for president because I think I’m blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.”

He’s a doer, not a talker, and that much was clear.  But impressive nonetheless, as were speeches on both sides over the last two weeks.  Great job, America.