Rifts still remain from the primaries, if the reaction to former Sen. Rick Santorum at tonight’s Republican National Convention is any indicator. Santorum’s arrival onstage received a half-standing ovation, and loud cheers of “Rick, Rick, Rick” from his fans.

Santorum’s speech was warmly received, though, and after introducing his family, he went right into his most popular talking point: strengthening the American family. Mitt Romney, said Santorum, stands for the traditional American family. He also hit Obama hard on his gutting of welfare reform. “There is one key to success,” said Santorum. “Hard work. That’s why work was the centerpiece of the bipartisan campaign reform law …. But President Obama’s policies undermine the traditional family, weaken the traditional family …. He believes in government handouts and dependency.”

Santorum said, “President Obama rules like he is above the law. Americans take heed. When a president can simply give a speech or write a memo and change the law to do what the law says he cannot do, we will no longer be a republic.”

And Santorum didn’t shy away from social issues. After telling the story of his daughter, Bella, afflicted with Trisomy 18, whom the Santorums chose to give the gift of life, Santorum concluded, “I thank God that America still has one party that reaches out their hand in love to all children born and unborn.”

When Santorum left, he received a full standing ovation.