Although somewhat overshadowed by Miller, Cheney's appearance still had rock-star appeal. He has been one of the few GOP conservatives on the prime-time podium and a favorite of the predominately conservative delegates, including those from Utah.

Cheney's address was a positive message filled with hope, optimism and patriotism — and a few digs at Democratic nominee John Kerry.

"Time and again he has made the wrong call on national security," the vice president said of Kerry.

"On Iraq, Sen. Kerry has disagreed with many of his fellow Democrats," Cheney said. "But Sen. Kerry's liveliest disagreement is with himself. His back and forth reflects a habit of indecision and sends a message of confusion."

Cheney also spoke of making decisions now for the future. "People have been able to dream big dreams with confidence they would come true, if not for themselves, then for their children and grandchildren," he said. "And that sense of boundless opportunity is a gift that we must pass on to all who come after us."

Cheney said this election is about more than who will lead the country for the next four years. "Moments come along in history when leaders must make fundamental decisions about how to confront a long-term challenge abroad and how best to keep the American people secure. This nation has reached another of those defining moments," he said.

Stephens said Cheney's speech was "typical Cheney. Very methodical and down to earth. But I like that style."

One of the evening's most rousing moments was a video tribute to the late President Ronald Reagan.

Thousands cheered amid a sea of blue signs reading, "Win one for the Gipper" as Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" thundered in the background.

Outside the heavily defended hall, police watched warily as demonstrators waving pink slips formed a line three miles long in Manhattan to protest the Bush administration's economic policies. Fewer than a dozen arrests were reported, one day after police took into custody more than 1,000 demonstrators who had threatened to march on the convention hall.

A small group of AIDS activists managed to penetrate Madison Square Garden itself during the morning, before the convention session had begun for the day. They blew whistles and chanted, "Bush kills" at a morning session of GOP youths before being hustled from the floor.

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Contributing: Associated Press

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E-mail: spang@desnews.com