ST. PAUL, Minn. — After years of filling the role of political maverick, John McCain became the face of the Republican Party Thursday night.

He accepted the nomination as his party's presidential candidate, one that he started pursuing eight years ago, to a lengthy standing ovation from the packed Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center. In doing so, he brings decades of experience, a reputation for independence and an undisputed record as a war hero to a ticket facing an energized Democratic pairing seeking to cast themselves as the agents of change.

But McCain has designs on owning the "change" franchise this election himself. In his speech, he promised that he was the best chance for change, primarily because of his experience serving Congress as a representative, and now a senator, for the state of Arizona.

"Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: change is coming," he said.

Surprisingly, considering the extensive security at the convention, his speech was interrupted multiple times by Iraq war protesters shouting from the balconies and even on the floor. Each time, the crowd responded with the chant "USA," a tactic that actually seemed to unnerve McCain more than the protesters.

"Please don't be diverted by the ground noise and static," he finally said, to some of the largest cheers of the night.

Throughout this convention, delegates have heard speakers focusing on McCain's readiness to lead the country in a time of war and his military sacrifices. He also talked about his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam as proof that he is ready and willing to do anything for the country.

"I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again," he said. "I have that record and the scars to prove it."

But he also emphasized that simply being a tough soldier and independent thinker isn't enough to be president. What really matters is that you are leading for the right reasons, he said.

"It matters less that you can fight," he said. "What you fight for is the real test."

Although he did discuss foreign affairs, a major portion of the speech was dedicated to domestic issues. That includes his economic and health plans, which he said will reduce taxes, create jobs and prevent growing government.

By contrast, he said that the plans proposed by Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, would increase taxes and create more levels of bureaucracy.