Palin attacks Obama in Republican bow
Thursday, 04 Sep 2008 19:54
Sarah Palin attacks Barack Obama's White House credentials as she makes debut at Republican convention
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Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has dismissed Barack Obama's credentials for the White House in her first address to the party's convention.
The Alaskan governor, who had endured a media backlash since being named as John McCain's running-mate, said the Democratic nominee was callow and flashy, more interested in self-promotion than the security of the United States.
Mrs Palin, who did not mention Mr Obama by name – instead "our opponent" – said there was "much to like and admire" about the Illinois senator.
"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," she continued.
Staying on the attack she went on to say on Mr Obama: "What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet?
"The answer is to make government bigger; take more of your money; give you more orders from Washington; and to reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world."
The 44-year-old's speech found time to praise Mr McCain's "determination, resolve and sheer guts" and referenced her son's imminent deployment to Iraq with the US army.
Mrs Palin's appearance at the convention had threatened to be overshadowed by confirmation her unmarried teenage daughter Bristol was five months pregnant, while a video message from her to the Alaskan Independence party had provided further embarrassment.
But she was given a rapturous welcome by Republicans at their convention in St Paul, Minnesota.
Mr McCain, who made a surprise appearance alongside Mrs Palin yesterday, is due to address the convention tonight local time, when he will formally accept the party's nomination.
Also appearing at the third day of the convention were Mr McCain's former rivals for the party's nomination Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee, who all backed the Arizona senator and lambasted the Democrats.