McCain and Obama Campaigns Grapple for 'Change'

Their conventions behind them, both presidential tickets immediately hit the trail in key battleground states.

(ABC News Photo Illustration)

Invigorated by back-to-back political conventions, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama grappled for the mantle of change Friday as the fall race for the presidency took off in states teeming with the independent voters they needed to win.

Within hours of accepting the Republican nomination, McCain sent an e-mail appeal for donations arguing that he and running mate Sarah Palin stood for reform in Washington. He also denounced "Democratic operatives" whom he said "have stooped lower than anyone could have imagined."

The dig appeared to be a reference to Palin's announcement earlier this week that her 17-year-old unmarried daughter was five months' pregnant. Alaska's governor said Internet rumors about her family had led her to reveal her daughter's pregnancy.

Palin, who has stayed out of reach of reporters, was expected to continue making joint appearances with McCain through Saturday before returning to Alaska for a short visit. She was expected to begin campaigning on her own Monday in Florida.

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McCain's selection of Palin as his running mate is drawing a mostly favorable though partisan response from the public, an ABC News poll said Friday. People also have substantial doubts about her experience, and her selection is having little impact on who they're likely to support.

By 50 percent to 37 percent, they have a positive impression of her — less than their 54 percent to 30 percent favorable view of Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden. Eighty-five percent of Republicans, 24 percent of Democrats and 53 percent of independents have a positive opinion of Palin.

People say her choice makes them likelier to vote for the McCain ticket by a slender 25 percent to 19 percent — less than the 12-point margin by which Biden makes them likelier to support Obama. Just 42 percent say Palin has the experience necessary to serve as president.

Strategists for the campaigns argued Friday that McCain and Obama would be engaged in debate over new directions for public policy.