McCain, Palin make Midwest debut

Associated Press

September 6, 2008

CEDARBURG, Wis. - John McCain said yesterday that the sagging economy has brought "tough times all over America" as he made his debut with Sarah Palin in critical Midwestern states as the newly crowned Republican presidential ticket.

A crowd of thousands cheered the Arizona senator and Alaska governor as they presented themselves as a team of reformers eager to challenge Washington's political establishment.

"John McCain doesn't run with the Washington herd," said Palin, the 44-year-old Alaska governor and surprise pick as McCain's running mate.

"It's over. It's over. It's over for the special interests," McCain promised. "We're going to start working for the people of this country."

Twelve hours after leaving the Republican National Convention in Minnesota, McCain and Palin were cheered and applauded by a throng of thousands that wound down several streets of Cedarburg, a traditional Republican enclave within Democratic-leaning Wisconsin.