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Continued: Editorial: Palin makes fiery convention debut

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WHO'S RUGGED?

"Barack Obama has never hunted wild game or field-dressed an animal. Frankly, Barack Obama should not welcome a comparison with Sarah Palin as to who is more rugged."

-- Sandy Froman, former president of the National Rifle Association and an Arizona convention delegate, in an op-ed submission Wednesday.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the most talked-about politician in America since John McCain tapped her as his running mate last Friday, gave the Republican National Convention its most riveting moment yet as she accepted its vice presidential nomination Wednesday night. She was received with wild approval by delegates eager to dispel doubts about her qualifications and persuade the nation that their party has discovered a new star.

Palin turned in a confident, feisty performance. She showed herself adept at performing the customary vice presidential candidate's role -- praising the president and blasting his opponent. She characterized her service as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, as "sort of like a 'community organizer,'" the work once done by Barack Obama, "except that you have actual responsibilities."

Fittingly, her focus was on economic and energy themes, not on divisive social issues. She described her gubernatorial record as that of both an ethics reformer and a catalyst for construction of a natural-gas pipeline that will hasten American energy independence.

Her credentials have come under media scrutiny, she said, because she's not a member of the Washington elite. "I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

Palin is aiming to please the right crowd. She must also recognize that intense public scrutiny goes with the territory, when the territory is a campaign for the White House.

The first-term governor was unknown to most Americans when she emerged as a vice presidential candidate less than a week ago. Her convention debut introduced her to Americans, but many will want to see and learn a lot more about her before casting their ballots on Nov. 4. Palin has yet to venture onto the campaign trail alone, or to face the national media at an unscripted news conference or in extended interviews. She has not been tested by debate, as she will be on Oct. 2 with Democratic nominee Joe Biden -- a meeting that will take on extra significance this year.

Each day this week has brought Americans a clearer picture of Palin's life, record and views. Her story is that of an American Everywoman, blending family, career, church and community into active citizenship. When she described herself as a "hockey mom" who loves to hunt and fish, and as her family's circumstances became known, many Minnesotans identified with her.

But, as former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson said at a forum in St. Paul on Wednesday, rich life experiences do not necessarily equate with competence in presidential leadership. That, he rightly argued, should be the quality voters prize most this year.

Palin's record is only now coming under the microscope. Americans are still learning about her evolving positions on congressional earmarks, including the so-called "bridge to nowhere," and about her tax and development policies as mayor and governor.

Some reports have suggested that McCain's examination of Palin's record was less than exhaustive before he chose her Friday. That alone should advise voters to take their time in passing judgment on her candidacy. Palin passed the introductory test last night with an appealing manner and forceful rhetoric. Tougher exams lie ahead.

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