IF AMERICANS are hoping for the political equivalent of the roller derby between the Democrats' leading female voice, Hillary Clinton, and the Republicans' vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, they're likely to be disappointed.
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In her first campaign appearances after the conventions, in Tampa and Orlando, Clinton's response might have been: "Sarah who?" Palin's name passed her lips just twice in one speech, once in another, as she referred to the McCain-Palin ticket.
"Tell us about Palin," a man yelled at the event in Tampa on Monday evening, echoing the unspoken thoughts of most.
"I don't think this is what this election is about," Clinton responded coolly before resuming her speech urging her activists in the party, many of whom are still mourning her defeat, to consider the fundamental differences between the Republicans and the Democrats - and to take that message to the undecided voters of Florida.
The Democrats are desperate to reclaim the mantle of change and to tie the current economic mess to President George Bush and his friend, John McCain.
There are big differences, Clinton said. Barack Obama has promised a $US1000 ($1232) tax cut for the middle class. He has plans to dramatically extend health care, help on college fees and, unlike the Republicans, he would not privatise social security. And then there is the economy, stupid.
"Anybody who believes the Republicans can fix the mess they've created probably believes the iceberg will save the Titanic," Clinton said as she tried to cut down McCain's claim he is a change agent.
But will it be enough to puncture the cult of Palin, who remains the most talked-about figure in politics - except by Clinton.
At a press conference in Tampa, she artfully dodged the Palin questions six times. Even ones like this: "Do you think Sarah Palin is qualified to be vice-president?"
"I am going to stay focused on the issues because I think that is what the American people care about. I think the American people are proud that Republicans have a woman on the ticket.
"The Democrats did it in 1984 and it took them a while but they got around to it this year - and that's a great milestone for us as a nation. But that's not the determinant of who should be president. It comes down to what they would do," she said.
Maybe. But personality also matters. People need to trust and feel inspired by their leaders.
