WASHINGTON -- There are few foreign-policy positions more silly than the assertion without context that "deterrence works." It is like saying air power works. Well, it worked for Kosovo; it didn't work over North Vietnam.

Fifteen thousand credentialed media at the 2012 Republican National Convention and it's doubtful even one of them expected to see Thursday night's main attraction stroll out onto the forum stage before dark. Yet, there he was at 4:15 p.m., Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, with running mate Paul Ryan at his side.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton warned Florida delegates to the Republican National Convention on Thursday that if President Obama gets a second term, he will lessen Americas standing as a world power.

Diplomatically blunt, Bolton also cautioned that Obama wont stop Iran from continuing to fund terrorists and from gaining nuclear weapons, something he claimed Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney can do.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told Florida delegates that they have no need to hold back when promoting the partys message of economic recovery or the GOPs presidential standard-bearer, Mitt Romney.

Appearing before the delegates and guests Thursday at the Fresh From Florida breakfast at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, the hard-hitting governor urged members to be boisterous when they hit the floor of the Republican National Convention later today when Romney gives his acceptance speech and to maintain that pitch through the next 70 days of the campaign.

U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens, opened a full slate of speakers at the Fresh From Florida breakfast on Thursday by vowing that a victory for Mitt Romney in the Fall will make Florida a world class technology leader through a rebirth in the aerospace industry.

Instead of focusing on his own re-election campaign in a new South Florida district, West championed the Republican partys national ticket.

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., electrified the convention crowds both inside and in the nearby plazas outside the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Wednesday.

The party's vice presidential candidate drew immediate words of praise from Florida delegates that included "came with conviction," knocked it out of the park, fabulous" and "resounding."

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez also scored high marks from among Floridas contingent as they exited the Republican National Convention.

Ann Romney? Put me in the "she hit it out of the park" column -- but maybe not for the reason you think.

Looking to get into the Republican National Convention in Tampa?

If you havent already been approved, or dont have an in with a GOP party official, expect to pay.

As in "through the nose."

Some guest passes, which were initially sold to delegates for $300 each and others for $400 a pop, were being shopped around for up to $1,000.

At least that was the going rate for some around Tampa on Wednesday, on a night highlighted by vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc.

Halfway through the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., one thing was obvious.