The Republican duo brought back country singer Lee Greenwood, clad in a red, white and blue flag shirt, who sang God Bless the U.S.A., a patriotic song that became popular during the first Gulf War. They evoked memories of President Reagan with his description of America as a "shining city on the hill," and repeatedly questioned how an untested Obama would handle an international crisis.

"I will not be a president that needs to be tested," McCain said. "I have been tested. Sen. Obama has not."