Palin defends experience, slaps Obama

The furor over Palin has raised questions about McCain's judgment and the depth of the investigation that preceded her selection, and could put a dent in McCain's efforts to build momentum heading out of the convention.

McCain aides said they would answer no more questions about the process. "This vetting controversy is a faux media scandal designed to destroy the first female Republican nominee for vice president of the United States, who has never been a part of the old boys' network," McCain adviser Steve Schmidt said.

Much of Monday's convention schedule was delayed by Hurricane Gustav's assault on the Gulf Coast, but the gathering resumed on Tuesday with the passing of leadership in the party from President George W. Bush to McCain.

Bush did not attend the convention, but praised McCain, who had been his rival in a bitter presidential nominating battle in 2000.

"He's not afraid to tell you when he disagrees. Believe me, I know," Bush told the convention in a brief speech via satellite from Washington.

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland and Emily Kaiser; Editing by Patricia Wilson and Patricia Zengerle)