To critics who question whether her experience as a small-town mayor and as governor has prepared her to serve as vice president, she said: "We're small enough to be family, and we can put aside political differences to work as a family."
Asking for prayers and support for the victims of Hurricane Ike, she told supporters that "it's time for Americans to pull together and to help where the need is greatest."
Palin did not mention McCain's Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, in her 20-minute speech before leaving Alaska. Instead, she used much of her earlier campaign material to promote McCain and herself as reformers.
She also championed her Alaska roots and told the audience she was humbled to be leaving for a national campaign.
"I thank you for what you have instilled in me," Palin told the crowd.
The rally was the last stop on a homecoming visit for Palin, who had been away from the state since McCain chose her as his running mate two weeks ago. She arrived Wednesday in Fairbanks to an adoring crowd of 2,000 supporters and the next day spoke, in her capacity as governor, at a deployment ceremony for her son's U.S. Army unit. The military forbids campaigning at such events.
Palin had no other public appearances, chances to mingle with hometown crowds or interaction with the dozens of reporters and photographers accompanying her, except for a series of televised interviews with ABC News.
About two hours after Palin's speech Saturday, hundreds of people protesting the policies of Palin lined a busy Anchorage street, waving signs and chanting "Obama!"
The protesters included Obama supporters and those who don't agree with Palin's positions against abortion, in favor of the Iraq war and other issues. One woman held a sign that read, "I'm Bail'in on Palin!" Another said, "Pro Woman, Anti-Palin."
Another read, "What About Healthcare?"
"We're not alone. A lot of people are worried about the nomination of Sarah Palin," said rally organizer Angie Doroff, 46, as cars drove by honking their horns in support.
During her appearance earlier Saturday, Palin did move out into the crowd a bit, shaking hands with supporters for about 15 minutes after her speech and signing campaign signs that read, "Welcome home Sarah."
She stayed for two days at her Wasilla home on Lake Lucille, missing a hastily planned rally of about 100 supporters gathered at a hotel near her home Friday evening. Organizers had hoped she'd stop by or say a few words through a special video conference connection they had set up.
Palin has been sheltered by McCain staff who have huddled with her over the last few days. She moves on to Nevada for a rally and is expected as early as next week to rejoin McCain on the campaign trail.
---
Associated Press Writer Mary Pemberton in Anchorage contributed to this report. ---
On the Net:
McCain campaign: http://www.johnmccain.com/
Obama campaign: http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
