On the down side, most of it was rather poorly delivered. He didn't talk about the economy and jobs at all I don't think. Almost too repetitive on the "I will protect America" angle.

On the positive, he talked a lot about alternative energy and its importance. His personal story at the end was an angle I'd not heard. Quite moving actually. The image of McCain at the end there saying "my country saved me, and I'll never forget it..." and shouting out for everyone to stand up and serve seemed authentic and admirable.

Surprisingly, he took his own party to task. He pointed out they were the party of fiscal responsibility and had drifted away from that: A finger pointed directly a Bush. Same with the promise for a transparent administration.

The speech was pointed directly at independents and undecideds. I don't think the democrats are going to successfully make the argument the McCain is Bush's third term. Basically, because it's not true. McCain may do some things the same but he is his own man with his own ideas.