The best part of John McCain's speech

Many politicians talk about how they love this country. But I've never been as moved by a politician's avowal of patriotism as these words by John McCain tonight.

I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn’t my own man anymore. I was my country’s.

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.

When Senator Obama talked about loving this country he put it in the context of himself saying that only in our country could a story like his be possible. Contrast that with John McCain's simple description about how he found what there was to love in this country while being tortured in Hanoi. This was extremely powerful.

Compared to last night's speeches, McCain's speech started out rather slowly and was even a bit dull, but he build to a very strong crescendo by the end.