PALIN:  "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities."

In politics offence is the best defense: and it’s a winning strategy with the GOP faithful. They hollered and cheered as Alaska Governor Sarah Palin took aim at those who say she doesn’t have the experience to be a heart-beat away from the Presidency.

Tom Brammell is a retired Fire chief from Livermore.

BRAMMEL: "She’s surrounded by the Pacific Rim and there’s a lot of foreign policy developed right there."

Palin has no foreign policy experience, but no matter says former California Governor Pete Wilson:

WILSON: "I think people watching in living rooms saw someone they hadn’t known but…gained their trust, respect and affection…it was a remarkable speech."

It was the first time Americans have heard Palin talk policy. She avoided signature issues like abortion and abstinence education…and reached out for moderates with a focus on energy independence.

Tonight Senator John McCain accepts the nomination
From Capitol News Connection in St Paul, I'm Melinda Wittstock K-X-J-Z News