The nomination speech Republican Presidential candidate John McCain gave Thursday at the Republican National Convention highlighted his service to his country and his eagerness to continue serving.

McCain said as a prisoner in Vietnam, he was “blessed by misfortune,” and the experience changed him from a man who put himself first to a man who put his country first.

He said has been a servant for his country “first, last and always.” “Nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself,” McCain said.

He said his running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has executive experience and a record of accomplishments, and he is proud to introduce her to the country. “She stands up for what’s right, and she doesn’t let anyone tell her to sit down,” McCain said.

McCain said he has a record of fighting corruption and suppressing wasteful spending, and helped keep the country safe by fighting for more troops in Iraq even when it was not a popular move. According to McCain, many politicians today go to Washington, D.C., to work for themselves and not for the people, but said he will fight for what is best for the people.

He said his experiences in life have given him the ability lead the country better than his opponent, Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama. “I have the record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not,” McCain said.

UW-Madison senior Katie Nix, state chair of Students for McCain, said she thinks McCain’s chances of winning Wisconsin, which has a close race, will improve after his speech.

She said Obama’s ideas for bigger government would hurt the younger generation in the future.

“I really think when people get the message that McCain is for limiting government, and Obama is for expanding its size … I think that young voters will really be attracted to McCain and what he stands for,” Nix said.

UW Students for McCain Co-President Allison Nelson said she thinks more people who were not previously considering voting for McCain are now thinking of him as an option. “I think he has a pretty good chance,” Nelson said.