McCain's reach

In accepting his party's nomination for president Thursday night, John McCain didn't need to rally the Republican ranks against his Democratic opponent. That mission was effectively and engagingly accomplished the night before by his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. The self-described pit bull with lipstick savaged Barack Obama with a smile, offering McCain an opportunity to move beyond partisan point-scoring to outline a governing agenda that would appeal to moderate Republicans, Democrats, independents and Americans of all affiliations afflicted with Bush fatigue.

September 5, 2008