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Republicans hail McCain, Palin at convention

Thursday 04 September 2008

John McCain was officially named the Republican Party's presidential candidate on Wednesday, after his running mate Sarah Palin took several swipes at Democratic candidate Barack Obama in a spirited address at the Republican Convention.

View our special report on the Republican Convention in St. Paul.

Watch our Top Story: 'Palin: McCain's anti-Obama weapon?'

As she stepped onto the floor of the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul Wednesday evening, Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin aimed to win over the Republicans - and she did just that.

The 44-year-old Alaska Governor’s electrifying speech, repeatedly interrupted by cheers and a thunderous applause, overshadowed her turbulent start five days ago. Palin had been in seclusion since her nomination last week after disclosure of her teenage daughter’s pregnancy.

Palin’s repeated stinging attacks on Democratic candidate Barack Obama fueled hopes in the Republican that she and Republican presidential nominee John McCain could win November’s race to the White House. Palin warned her democratic rivals that beneath her lipstick, heels and tailored suits lay a pit-bull waiting to attack.

“There is much to like and admire about our opponent. But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform -- not even in the state senate," Palin said referring to Illinois Senator Obama.

Brushing aside doubts over her lack of experience at a national level, she criticized the Democratic candidate’s experience as a community organizer saying “Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ [referring to Obama’s past occupations] except that you have actual responsibilities."

Attacking the Washington elite and the media, she cast herself as independent and combative.  "I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this great country."
   
“A very good speech,” says Léa Salamé, FRANCE 24’s correspondent in St. Paul. “She promised to break and reform the system in Washington, including its technocrats who are out of touch with the country.”

“Hockey mom” Palin ready to take on national issues

“Hockey mom” Palin wooed the conservative crowd with talk of her “normal family” of five children, including her eldest son in the US army, who is due to be deployed in Iraq next week.

"To the families of children with special needs all across this country, I have a message for you ... if we're elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House," Palin said.
   
 The Alaskan Governor reiterated her staunch stance against abortion, pointing out that she had given birth to her youngest son Trig even though he was diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Her anti-abortion and pro-gun policies have appeased fears among conservatives who felt McCain wasn’t strong enough on these core issues.

Palin's family, including pregnant 17-year-old daughter Bristol and her boyfriend Levi Johnston, joined her on stage.

In a surprise appearance at the convention, a beaming John McCain embraced his controversial running mate. "Don't you think we made the right choice for the next vice president of the United States?" McCain asked, following days of political and personal revelations about Palin, the first-ever woman on a Republican ticket.

After Palin , it’s 72-year-old Arizona Senator McCain’s turn to officially accept the Republican party’s White House nomination on Thursday.