Palin Unleashes Small-Town Power

Palin promised the American people she would stay true to her reformist roots in Washington. She noted her record of taking on the lobbyists and power brokers in Juneau. She listed her reformist accomplishments as governor: selling the office's luxury jet on eBay (EBAY Quote), driving herself to work, dismissing the governor's executive chef, cutting taxes and vetoing $500 million in spending.

She also took credit for telling the federal government her state didn't want the infamous "bridge to nowhere." Her opposition to the project has come under question. She did support the earmark for the bridge in 2006 -- before she opposed it.

Palin promoted McCain in her speech. She spoke of courage in bringing real change in Washington. She said:

"Senator McCain's record of actual achievement and reform helps explain why so many special interests, lobbyists and comfortable committee chairmen in Congress have fought the prospect of a McCain presidency -- from the primary election of 2000 to this very day."

Much has been made of McCain's record as a "maverick" legislator. However, Palin mentioned none of his legislative achievements in her speech and made little mention of what he would do in the White House aside from cut taxes.

In fact, it seems as if the Republicans -- and Palin -- are asking the American people not to decide this election on policy but on the character of John McCain. She said:

"If character is the measure in this election ... and hope the theme ... and change the goal we share, then I ask you to join our cause. Join our cause and help America elect a great man as the next president of the United States."

Character may well prove a key issue in the election. And in that vein, Palin performed well under pressure Wednesday, showing she has some strong character of her own.