Republican National Convention Delegates on leisurely shopping trips at the Mall of America Wednesday gave Bloomington high marks.

They found Bloomington, St. Paul and Minneapolis clean and welcoming cities, though they also suggested that the massive security effort impeded a quick trip into and out of downtown in the host city.

All predicted that the prime-time speech scheduled for later in the evening by John McCain's surprise vice presidential choice Sarah Palin would be a convention highlight.

"What's that called - love at first sight," said Albert McCall, a member of the Tennessee delegation to the convention. "We're all in love with Sarah."

McCall and his troupe of delegates said they'd had no trouble with demonstrators or traffic hang-ups. He said protesters have the right to express their views but shouldn't disrupt the convention.

Donna Windel of Ardmore, Okla., said she expected big things from Palin, but said there would be few surprises Wednesday night.

"This (the convention) is to energize the base," said Windel, a CPA.

She was on her first trip to Minnesota, though she's been a convention delegate before.

Windel saw and heard some of the demonstrators but was unimpeded by them.

"They're exercising their First Amendment rights as long as they don't destroy property," she said. "If it were left to me, I'd let them come closer than they are now."

Bruce Thompson, an executive with the U.S. Small Business Administration, said he expected Palin to deliver a stirring speech. He said the previous evening's speech by Sen. Joe Lieberman had been the high point, to date.

"It's always good to have a member of the other team come on over to your team," said Thompson, of San Diego.

He said his family stayed home this time around, but he would enjoy vacationing with them here.

Jennifer Hatten, from Nashville, Tenn., said she was looking forward to Palin's speech, as well as a performance by country singer John Rich, a strong supporter of McCain. Rich performed "Raisin' McCain,' a theme song he wrote for McCain's campaign.

Country singers Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy joined Rich to play "Our America."

He said his family stayed home this time around, but he would enjoy vacationing with them here.

Jennifer Hatten, from Nashville, Tenn., said she was looking forward to Palin's speech, as well as a performance by country singer John Rich, a strong supporter of McCain. Rich performed "Raisin' McCain,' a theme song he wrote for McCain's campaign.

Country singers Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy joined Rich to play "Our America."