Supporters of Republican US vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin display their support at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St Paul, Minnesota September 1, 2008. [Agencies]

A Muslim girl sits on the grass as an anti-war protester holds a sign in front of the State capitol before marching towards the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota September 1, 2008. Thousands of exuberant, sign-waving protesters took to the streets of St. Paul on Monday, as Republicans opened their presidential nominating convention with an appeal for hurricane relief. [Agencies]