Now it's the Republicans' turn. Sen. John McCain of Arizona accepts nomination as his party's presidential candidate this Thursday. But first, thousands of party faithful from every corner of the country are turning an arena in St. Paul, Minn., into a political theme park for four days.

In the official business at the Xcel Energy Center, normally the site of hockey games and rock concerts, Republican delegates formally elect McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, to oppose the freshly nominated Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Just as importantly, party leaders want to suggest a new era is dawning. After first-day appearances Monday, for example, the current president and vice-president won't be seen and likely won't be mentioned.

As part of the "new faces" strategy, Republican speakers include a Louisiana governor whose parents immigrated from India and an African-America former lieutenant governor of Maryland. They're showcased in prime time during the televised event that began Monday.

McCain says: "I'm very proud and grateful to have the opportunity to accept the nomination of the party of Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan."

Tuesday speaker says: "I'm honored to be a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention and tell the American people why John has the experience, character and courage to lead the country." - Rudy Giuliani, ex-mayor of New York

Professor says: "They are clearly offering a graceful exit for President Bush and Vice President Cheney. They want to introduce a new product line." -- Larry Jacobs, University of Minnesota political scientist