McCain Touts Palin’s Mayoral Record, Commitment to Reform

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Republican John McCain said Wednesday that Sarah Palin is a solid running mate because she’s “in charge of 20 percent of America’s energy supply” as Alaska’s governor, has served as a mayor and the voters in her state have evaluated her and approved of her at the ballot box. Striking a populist chord, he also asserted her distance from Washington is a benefit. “This is what Americans want,” McCain said. “They don’t want somebody who has, who is, frankly, necessarily gone to Harvard or an Ivy League school. She probably hasn’t been to a Georgetown cocktail party. But you know what, she represents everything we want to see in government and America — change and reform and ethics and taking on the special interests.” While defending Palin, McCain said Democratic nominee Barack Obama’s accomplishments “are very meager.” McCain also told ABC News, in an interview setting up his speech ... (link)