Palin defends qualifications

US: Sarah Palin defended her small-town roots and swiped at Democrat Barack Obama during a highly anticipated speech to the Republican convention on Wednesday, ridiculing her critics as "the Washington elite" who did not understand everyday life in America.

In her public debut in the spotlight, John McCain's choice for vice president came out swinging against Obama and members of the news media who have raised questions about her qualifications.

"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," the Alaska governor said in remarks prepared for delivery at the convention.

"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 country."

"When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too," she said. She contrasted that with Obama's background as a community organizer in Chicago and a first-term senator from Illinois.

"Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves," she said. "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."

ST. Paul, Thursday, Reuters