The Republican National Convention in Tampa came to a climactic end last night with only one goal in mind: to tell Mitt Romney's story to the nation.
Thousands of balloons rested in netting hanging from the ceiling of the Tampa Bay Times Forum, waiting to be dropped in celebration of Mitt Romney's acceptance as the Republican presidential nominee.
At the convention shortened by the potential threats of Hurricane Isaac, speakers spent three days casting a vision of Romney as a devoted family man, friend, leader and person of deep faith -- a man suited to decline President Barack Obama a second term in the White House.
Mike Bow, Texas delegate from Sugarland, is convinced about Romney's character and what he can do for America.
"All they have to do is listen to what he said and listen to his examples that were given not only by him, but by the other people," he asserts. "And it's obvious -- how can anyone not believe in America after listening to Mitt Romney?"
Because the nominee has often appeared stiff and distant, Bonnie Wilhelm, a delegate from Minnesota, originally supported Rick Santorum. But she especially appreciated Romney's comments about women.
"I think Governor Romney did a really good job, [as did] all the other speakers, realizing the importance of women not only in the family, but in the workplace and the contributions that we have provided in all different areas of life," she notes. "I think they made a really good case for that."
Only time will tell if enough transparency was given to push independent and undecided voters in Romney's favor for a victory in November.