Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin accepted John McCain's invitation to be his running mate, but at one time she wasn't certain what a vice president does. Former McCain rivals Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee sung McCain's praises, papering over differences that emerged in the primary. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, a former Democrat, wasn't always as harsh on Barack Obama as he was Tuesday night.

Palin:

On potentially being offered the vice presidential nomination:

"As for that V.P. talk all the time, I'll tell you, I still can't answer that question until somebody answers for me, what is it exactly that the V.P. does every day? I'm used to being very productive and working real hard and in administration. We want to make sure that that V.P. slot would be a fruitful type of position."

On McCain's opposition to oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge:

"Senator McCain is wrong on that issue. He's right on a whole lot of other issues, so thank goodness that he's understanding and evolving with his position on OCS (Outer Continental Shelf drilling). So that's encouraging. I think he's going to evolve into, eventually, supporting ANWR opening also." _ July 31, 2008 CNBC's "Kudlow & Company."

"I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing with the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion _ I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

"The fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all." _ Sept. 3, 2008.

Giuliani:

"I supported the Bush tax cuts. John McCain voted with the Democrats against the Bush tax cuts _ twice." _ Jan. 19, 2008 on CBS News.

"John McCain will bring about the change that will create jobs and prosperity. He will lower taxes so our economy can grow." _ Sept. 3, 2008

"He did vote against the Bush tax cuts. He did vote against drilling in ANWR. He did vote in favor of amnesty for illegals. ... On those particular issues, he's not in the mainstream of the Republican Party." _ Feb. 3, 2008 on CNN's "Late Edition."

"The right course is the one championed by Ronald Reagan 30 years ago, and by John McCain today. It is to rein in government spending and lower taxes, for taking a weed-whacker to excessive regulation and mandates, for putting a stop to tort windfalls, and to stand up to the Tyrannosaurus appetite of government unions." _ Sept. 3, 2008.

"He has indicated support for same-sex marriage in the past. I do not believe in that and in fact would support a constitutional amendment that would affirm marriage as traditional, man-woman relationships." _ Feb. 22, 2008 news conference in Plano, Texas, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

He doesn't want to change the very definition of marriage from what it has always meant throughout recorded human history. It is not above John McCain's pay grade to grasp the simple fact that human life begins at conception, and he is committed to protecting it." _ Sept. 3, 2008.

"He is a blessing to the United States Senate, to America and to our shared hopes for better, safer tomorrows for all our families. As his mentor, as his colleague, as his friend, I look forward to helping him reach to the stars and realize not just the dreams he has for himself, but the dreams we all have for him and this blessed country." _ March 2006, as Obama visited Connecticut during Lieberman's re-election campaign.

"Senator Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who I think can do great things for our country in the years ahead. But, my friends, eloquence is no substitute for a record, not in these tough times for America." _ Tuesday night, at the Republican National Convention.

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