The Rally for the Republic, hosted Tuesday by the Campaign for Liberty, brought together lovers of the Constitution and united them into a strong force operating in the name of principle. For ten hours the festivities rolled on at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis.

The rally, held just a jog from the Xcel Center and the RNC, created some competition for the attention in Minnesota.

I followed the crowds to the Target Center. The powerful speeches concluded with Congressman and once-presidential candidate Ron Paul from Texas. A crowd of 10,000 cheered what was perhaps the best speech of his career. 

I had done some networking earlier in the week and secured a ticket on row one. Though, since it was so close to the VIP zone, I could not settle with this seat.

I wanted backstage, and I got it thanks to my friend, Tim, who works for the Campaign for Liberty. He hooked me up with a press pass and I interviewed former Governor of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura, who spoke at the rally. I filmed and photographed various people of notoriety while I used my press credentials to the maximum.

I was able to film Ron Paul's speech from inches away and even made my way onto the stage seconds after he said, "Thank you." While on stage with other members of the media, I seized the moment and gave Ron a big hug in front of 10,000 people live and thousands more watching on television.

Yes, it was another thrilling night.