ST. PAUL –Yours truly got closely acquainted with the GOP convention red carpet Wednesday night, as those in the aisle had to hunker down for the hour that Rudy Giuliani and then the star of the evening — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin — commanded the stage.

The Missouri delegation, with its front and center seats, went wild with excitement — sometimes, on command from the informal floor leaders, who’d shout for louder cheers and when to take to the chairs.

The delegation had several favorite cheers:

ZERO — accusing Democratic nominee Barack Obama of no experience

DRILL BABY DRILL — a chant in favor of more drilling for oil.

COUNTRY FIRST — during speeches lauding Republican nominee John McCain’s record

USA, USA — whenever

Those delegates offering speedy praise included:

Retired Sen. John C. Danforth:

“I am enthusiastic about Palin. I think she was a terrific choice. She offers the total contrast between the insider and the outsider….A very clear contrast, domestically and in national security matters.”

Catherine Bleish, delegate from Kansas City: “If someone wasn’t going to vote for John McCain before, they will now.”

Keri Martensen, delegate from Kansas City (and VERY helpful in getting yours truly OFF the floor):

“Sarah Palin is what this country needs. What an example for working women.”