Judging from the crowd watching John McCain at CPAC, I’d say the interest level among conservatives here is extremely high. The fire department wouldn’t even let the press into the ballroom to watch firsthand so many people had packed the room; many attendees were banished to the exhibit hall. I was one of them, meaning I won’t have any pictures of the Republican presidential nominee.

Watching on the TV here at bloggers’ corner, it appears McCain is getting an excellent reception from inside the room. Following Romney’s speech earlier today, many of his supporters left the ballroom, opening up hundreds of seats for McCain supporters. That could be a factor, but I also get the impression that CPAC attendees are coming around to McCain.

Read the complete speech at RedState. Erick Erickson is also offering live commentary.

UPDATE — 3:45 p.m.: My two favorite quotes from McCain’s speech were on FISA and earmarks.

On the Protect America Act:

It is shameful and dangerous that Senate Democrats are blocking an extension of surveillance powers that enable our intelligence and law enforcement to defend our country against radical Islamic extremists.

On pork-barrel spending:

Senator Clinton and Senator Obama want to increase the size of the federal government. I intend to reduce it. I will not sign a bill with earmarks in it, any earmarks in it.