CNN

All I could say is...She makes June Cleaver look hip.
Vote for the gov. of Pleasantville.

She never answered a question, what she did say was both, oddly, scripted and rarely in a complete sentence and the few facts she had she got wrong. Were this a REAL debate, with a moderator who had not been cowed from asking follow-up questions and had Biden not been so gentlemanly, she would be in a puddle on the floor. On the other hand, she didn't fall down, she didn't have to struggle with a tough question like: "What papers do you read" and she didn't sit in terrified silence. So yes, she did well by those expectations.

Biden - A
Palin C+

McShame should be ashame for using this clueless woman. I almost feel sorry for her-NOT!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

I HAVE WORK IN MIDDLE EAST FOR 5 YEARS, MOST OF THE PEOPLE THERE WANT TO SEE AMERICA CRUMBLE TO DUST. McCAIN IS THE BEST CHOICE TO KEEP AMERICA SAFE. I HVE NO USE OF A VERY PROSPEROUS COUNTRY AND SUDDENLY WE WILL BE UNDER ATTACK WORST THAN 911. I RATHER SEE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN CRUMBLE THAN THIS COUNTRY.

FINAL VERDICT: Biden could easily take over running the country tomorrow. He is focused, knowledgeable, experienced, and sincere. Palin is cute and sharper (more quick witted) than I expected, but my worst fears were confirmed... She is way out of her league! Serious times demand serious leadership. Palin has no solutions, only well-rehearsed slogans, which she repeats AD NAUSEUM with a smile and a wink. Adorable, perhaps, but not qualified to be President!

Not only did prove she is not ready to be VP-–But President of our country , please noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
We need a leader not a cheerleader

I think both of them did a good job , but my vote is for McCain / Palin
I like the fact that she is a Washington outsider and I think she will be a great VP and help McCain to bring the type of change we need in the U.S. for us to get our economy back on track ,

After the debate, the CNN comentators looked sad and stunned around their table, as if in a funeral parlor looking at a corps.
Shall we throw in old cry baby Joe to complete the picture?

Does anybody know what she said? Gosh darn it, I don't think she answered any questions.

I am terrified that Palin may get elected. How is it possible that people are spinning her as anything other than a moron?

******

Palin

A well trained "parrot"

Several days of debate drill helped her memorize what McCain wants her to recite.

Good job parroting!

palin's weakness is she doesn't know mccain's voting record and biden does. plain and simple. she has been asked that question before. they should have coached her on that as well. i guess there is only so much information that you can cram in. when in doubt she relied on rhetoric and energy. she didn't defend mccain. biden constantly compared mccain to bush. and that's what you will get with mccain/palin = bush/cheney.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Palin did well in the theatrical performance aspect of the debate, but if you really listen to the words that were spoken, she didn't say much of substance. There were a couple of times when she just didn't answer the question because she was saying a lot of theatrical strategy fluff. Joe Biden's clearly won the content of the debate. Palin merely didn't make a ridiculous statement tonight. But shouldn't the bar be set a little higher than that for the office of the Vice-Presidency of the United States?

One was presidential. The other was not. Simple as that. I'm sure she's a very nice lady, but she just isn't ready for prime time. She just stumbled though the same 3 or 4 answers over and over again. Did anybody happen to count how many times she said "Alaska" or "Maverick?"

I've been at this only five weeks?

Who was the 'gaffer' in this debate?

You can't make this stuff up

Palin WON! Say hello to the new leader. Nice blog CNN.

Sarah Palin did WONDERFUL. I spoke with MANY people and they all were cheering. Yes , Biden did well too.
My point is..............why is the comments ALL democrat?
does Cnn only allow democrats?

At least she is True blue............

When Joe Biden Choked up about being a single parent and almost losing his son, the debate changed showing a real side of Joe Biden. The debat swung more in Joe Bidens favor.

Biden was just his same old same old. Palin came across as young and refreshing. A common sense speaker is always better than a policy wonk and overstayed party hack. At least you know where she stands all the time.She isn't mainstream DC and that's the best answer to the one heartbeat away question- real change. Have to wonder with all the Biden gaffes of late if there is some onset alzheimers kicking in.

I don't know how many voters would like to hear the next vice president use words like "darn" and "shucks" and "doggone."

This folksiness might work with the Republican base, but I don't think independents and moderates are pleased. She came across as a prankster, juvenile, and even a bit rude.

Biden was clearly the mature statesman on the stage.

Sarah Palin really knows how to engage the TV viewer and how to charm the public – thanks, no doubt, to her long training before TV cameras as a beauty queen, a journalist, a TV sports broadcaster, and lately as a celebrity. She also demonstrated determination, knowledge on the energy issue, and amazingly fierce political ambition. But as vice-presidential candidate, she simply does not measure up. Joe Biden knows how to weigh facts and complex issues from both a detailed and synthetic perspective. He showed exceptional discipline and focus in answering the questions that were asked, sticking to the point – in sum, delivering. The parties in this debate were not well matched. Biden is in a totally different league. He is prepared to be Vice-President (or President). Palin is not.

In reality, we all know that Biden could've completely destroyed her. He had to hold back because everyone told him prior that any direct attack would result in empathy and people screaming sexism.

And even still... even with Biden in the proverbial chains and Palin fully unleashed, Biden did a better job.

Is anybody going to talk about Palin implying the VP should have more powers?? anybody........!!!

shocker, CNN declares Biden wins debate. Wow, who would have saw that one coming.

If you really just want a folksie VP who doesn't believe you need to know where you've been to avoid ending up there again, then by all means, Sarah's your candidate. If you want someone who can learn from history and move us out of the garbage of the last eight years, then Obama/Biden is the tickey. She's NOT Hillary, He's still McSame.

Biden a Winner. Palin no Plan...no answers to question...when you don't have an answer..change the subject....Palin Failed

I believe Sarah Palin came to the debate prepared with a set of talking points, and delivered them fairly well – and often, whether they were relevant to the question/issue or not.

This was a case of substance over style – Biden knows both domestic and foreign issues, can articulate his proposed solutions to problems, and work in a bipartisan way – as he has for a long time – with Congress to help make the right things happen.

Palin either did not understand, or did not want to answer, many questions. One of the non-understood ones was about which branch of government the VP belongs in, while Biden's answer was right on. That response is right up there with her not understanding the Bush Doctrine. Palin is a nice person, but clearly not qualified for VP, or heaven forbid, President!

What was with Palin's non-reaction when Biden CHOKED UP about his deceased wife and child?

She's supposed to "relate" to us, but doesn't react at all when an amazing chance goes up to show her humility and common decency to Joe Biden about a tough time in his life.

After watching the debate on television this morning here in Korea. Sarah Palin has proven again that she is clearly out of her league. She clearly skirted the issues and could not give one honest answer. An example would be her answer on Nuclear Policy
Her she does not articulate herself very well her English is horrible she is very incoherent and I am a firm believer that a vote for her and John McCain will be the worst choice anyone could make. I am going to vote for Obama and Biden.

I have listened to the same old liberal Democrat rhetoric from Biden for years. He has all the smoothness of a Washington insider, he danced the same dance of all Washington insiders and twisted facts, presneted things to Obamas advantage.

Palin clearly showed she can compete on the same stage as Biden, she held her own. It took Biden 30 years to get his positions ironed out, it took Palin 5 weeks. Imagine how much more devastating she would have been aith the 18 months Obama has spent trying to figure out his ever shifting positions.

I am a Libertarian, but McCain/Palin have gotten my vote. Did all of you people watch the same debate?

Biden A+
Palin C-

People, have you seen the winks that the Baraccuda gave ?! Do you want a VP who's better at winking than giving substantial answers to America's problem ? Give me a break ! And her kids....its Thursday night. Don't you need to go to school tomorrow ?

Biden spoke from his heart. Palin spoke from her short-term memory of sound bites.

I will grade Biden A+. Palin B-.

The most dangerous statement Palin made was she and McCain still believe Iraq is where the Al Qaeda war should be fought, despite Biden pointed out Bin Laden and Al Qaeda still have a strong hold in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The most shocking fact Biden pinted out was we spent as much in three weeks in Iraq as all in Afghanistan.

Who is the dangerous one?

So Biden has 35 years lying to the public. Palin was straight up mainstreet American putting her patriotism where her mouth is. She is making great family sacrifices in order to serve us, people just like her in the Government. We need a few hundred more like her and change this country back to the land of the free.
I thought it was disgusting that Biden kept rubbing her arm after the debate and she couldn't get away from him until her husband stepped in. The man is just a vile pig! People! Wake up! This is a man who gathered only a small smattering of votes in the primary and now you want him to be president? Come on. Open your eyes.

My one hope is that voters are informed about thier choices. Not just choosing the "black guy" or the "hockey mom" but use the information given by both parties to support thier personal choice. On that note... Obama/Biden '08!!!

David,
Biden made several mis-statements about McCains voting record. You need to do a fact check.

BIden did great

Palin and Jo did exactly what they were suppose to do make their running mates look good. It was a toss no winner no loser. Now it is up to the Pres candidates to make a move. Both VP have the stuff to lead, it just depends on which direction you want America.to go, so Vote on Nov 4th. To keep America free.

Joe Biden is more than ready to be VP, and President if necessary. Sarah Palin is ready to be Govenor of a smally populated state. She did OK with the tools she has, but she's clearly over her head.

When she spoke, I usually ended up laughing. When he spoke, I usually ended up nodding in agreement because of some added insight. I'm not looking for someone who needs to still learn what's going on with country and the world. This is the #2 position in government for crying out loud!

Well put, David Gergen. Biden was certainly the superior debater with a more in-depth and nuanced understanding and articulation of the issues. Given that, Palin also performed well, regained her confidence, and did what was necessary to solidify the base that was beginning to doubt her level of intellect and preparedness. Win-win, all around.

After just watching the debate I find it interesting that it can be said so confidently that Senator Biden delivered the performance of his life, if in fact he was as inaccurate as Sarah Palin made him out to be on his voting information it seems to me that he did very little but complain about Bush and spout lies about voting records

How can Gergen say that Biden gave "the best debate performance of his life" when he told so many lies? Does that mean that he lied even more during earlier performances?

Since he has been in politics since Palin was in second grade I think it was a given that he would have done better than she did. How many debates does he think she has taken part in? The fact that she held her own against an old timer like Biden proves that it was she who won the debate. He should have creamed her.

Biden gave a great performance this evening – while Palin did not fall on her face, she did not perform that great

So happy to see Palin do a wonderful job and represent women in this counry so well. She gets my vote for winner!

Biden won without question...answered everything he was asked, and rebuttaled well

Palin had a hard time answering questions, or even acknowledging the questions asked.

Biden A+

Palin D+

We have answers from the Obama/Biden Camp, and still nothing than the same from McCain/Palin

My vote

Obama/Biden 08! 12!

She is so scary. It was evident what she was programmed to
talk about as she repeated these points over and over.
She did not answer several questions and gave no
policies she and mccain had for the future of our
country. And she and mccain plan to expand her
duties as VP. LOL
I hope people now realize that this woman could
possibly run our country. We would never survive.

Biden needs to read Article 1 of the Constitution. He was wrong on that one. Also screwed up several of McCains voting records. Biden was pitiful trying to spin is vote for the War authorization as " Well, I didn't think he'd actually do it!" He voted for the WAR AUTHORIZATION! Hello, anybody in there, Joe? Palin was good, you bunch of lefties, admit it!

Gov.Palin was not specific nor complete in answering questions.She was inclined to make ambiguous statements and was repeatedly accusative and stating half truths. She presented herself in a better light than she has been doing lately, but her remarks lacked substance. She did not improve Sen McCain's status in the Presidential Race. . She is not of presidential stature.

Who was that robot they put in for palin. I want the other one back.
At least in the cbs and other media interviews she sounded natural, dumb, natural.
palin didnot answer the questions. energy, alaska, maverick., and a wink.

Joe Biden was great, He was very confident with his answers, I guess it comes with experience Obama?Biden all the way

How did anyone get the idea that we are interested in a vice president that can only say a coherent sentence only when she has talking points written by Rove wana-be's and that experience is a problem??? Biden is cleary more qualified, more specific, and a superb communicator. I started out this election undecided between McCain and Obama. This is a critical election. Listen to what Sarah Palin says and rather than her cute winks and silly one-liners. Let's do what is best for the country.

I keep asking myself the same question, "can I see Sarah Palin as President?" and the answer continues to come up the same, NO WAY!!

On another subject I would agree it is important to have your family with you for support but I wish Sarah would let that new born sleep in his bed as opposed to his sister's shoulder.

Joe 7 Pack for Obama

I think Biden kick butt tonight in the debate. He wery warm and respectful towards Palin as well as getting Obama and his policies out there for the America People. She look a like a deer caught in a headlight. So look nerves and scared but she did better the what a lot of people expected but the debate bar was pretty low for her tonight.
Joe rock it tonight.

OBAMA-BIDEN 2008!!!!!!!!!!

Biden did an excellent job. Palin, on the other hand, told the moderator she wouldn't answer the questions and then proceeded not to answer them. She is definitely a proud alum of the Giuliani school of debate...noun, verb, energy; noun, verb, taxes; noun, verb, maverick. Hasn't eight years of not following the rules caused enough problems?

If you think Sarah Palin won because she didn't answer most of the questions and didn't know what an Achilles Heel is, you are absolutely wrong. She evaded most of the questions and would go off on her set talking points, puzzling to say the least. She couldn't defend John McCain's political record or say what they would do differently than George Bush. She seemed to defend Cheney's Vice Presidental record and looks forward to make it even more invasive. As a woman, I didn't appreciate the folksy talk, winking and Joe Six Pack references. You are wrong if you think American's are going to be fooled by her or want someone with her lack of knowledge in the White House.

She held her own, debate camp was a success, I'll give that to her. That's all I can give her. Nothing has changed. Obama/Biden 08-12!

The Presidential Judgement call with the veep pick has been sounded
loudly and with clarity tonight:

Obama showed tremendous judgement and the Dems have
a strong ticket. McCain rolled the dice......and they have a messy, reckless ticket for Repubs...... God bless and help Amerioca choose wisely this time...It's been awhile Obama/Biden 08 !

I would not call giving an answer that had absolutely nothing to do with the question a sign of a successful debate. Let's hope the American public isn't fooled by Gov. Palin's stunt.

The difference between Palin and Biden is Biden lived the facts he provided on stage where Palin memorized the facts she provided on stage.

When you debate, you must at the very least answer the questioned asked....not answering is not an option...except maybe in Alaska.

Oh my, how can anyone see Palin as anyhting but lacking knowledge, poorly informed about even the most basic of issues, and full of cliche's including the whole folksy gambit. Doesn't this remind you of someone we currently have in the white house? Let's be realistic about what she presented tonight. She rpesented herself as an attack puppet, one who would not answer the questions directly or with accurate information. Again, doesn;t that sound like someone we currently have in the white house? This woman is dangerous, almost as much as John McCain. She places a premium on ignorance and "aw shucks" – With our economic issues, our problems overseas, the mismanaged war effort – we don't need more "aw shucks" F for Palin

Do we really need another president with a ranch?

Biden did a great performance this evening- While Palin did not fall on her face – she did not perform that well – she did not answer a vast number of questions-

Palin is an insult to intelligent voters- male and female. McCain confirms his legacy by selecting an inexperienced, unprepared puppet that refers to herself as a dog with lipstick. Americans will not vote for McCain simply because Palin is attractive, a mom, and has learned to memorize lines. Palin does not have the intellect for global affairs and cannot seperate church and state to govern in a manner that represents all Americans. She does not "Rock".

It was plain to see if it was not on the cards in front of her she did not talk about it. Everytime Biden talked about McCains voting record she could not reply she just looked down at her cards and thought what will fit here. She did great if you judge her on what she did not say.

The bar was set so low for Palin that of course she was going to exceed it.

If we go by reasonable expectations for VP, Biden was the clear winner. Palin does not deserve an "A-" for her rephrasing skills and being folksy.

I did not hear her answer one question. She was so rehearsed. My nephew has been tested to have an above average memory....he is 7 years old and could do the same. She was so robotic...if she did not want to answer the question she simply went to her stump speech. McCain should be worried.

Biden obviously won this debate. Any poll that states otherwise (fox news I'm talking to you!) has been tampered with. We will see in the next week how this debate actually DID affect the campaign when more votes pledge their support to the Obama/Biden ticket – the only sane choice in this election. I don't know if saying "aw shucks" and rolling your eyes is going to get your very far when helping to run the United States government.

Does anyone really think that John McCain – were he to become president – would really ask Sarah Palin's opinion on anything???

Palin talked like a slug.Say it aint so, and so many other things she said, did not sound like a VP of the United Sates. It sounded unprofessional and trashy.

I disagree with your grading. when I was in school not answering the questions get you a mark down in my school. Biden A+ Palin D

I was going to post a comment about this article but you guys are forgetting that I am a maverick on energy policy and can only talk about that!

Biden was genuine, stayed on the subject, and stood up to many false statements. His last few comments cemented it for me – what a true American, and a terrific pick for Vice President!

Palin's inability to answer questions, and ill-timed "prepared" statements cemented my opinion of her – fake, naive, and not ready. No way, no how, no McCain/Palin!

CNN, I canNOT believe that you haven't been reading your own blogs tonight, which are running 100 to 1 against Sarah Palin's performance.

This woman blabbed on and on and on almost incoherently. I really had a problem figuring out what she was trying to say.

I would suspect she had index cards each with a topic title, and she was mixing them up and picking one topic out when she couldn't give a logical response.

Or ANY response.

How can CNN possibly say this woman did a good job????????

It was awful! And God Help Us.

Look, she's got five kids, so for her to even be able to talk, is good. This is the reason why she couldnt answer Katie Couric's question about what she reads....

Sometimes you're so busy, there are other priorities.

Mr. Gergen,

I am some what disamayed that you did not address the fact that Palin did not answer Gwen Ifil's questions and purposely decided not to answer as a strategy decision.......Come on Mr. Gergen where is the analysis of her V.P. acumen.....

Tracy

Let us put it this way. You cannot win a debate by spinning the truth.
Even after tense coaching by various people she failed to impress.
People are looking for leaders here not for hockey moms or joe six packs . So Biden should get A+ and Palin D

Please David Gergen She's A Nice Person, But I Give Her A Grade Of "D" For Effort!

Mr. Gergen,

Stop it-quit trying to be "fair" at the expense of your integrity. We have watched you for years. She is "ready for Entertainment Tonight". This is serious. Biden is ready to help lead this country out of the Bush abyss. Just say it! You'll be able to sleep at night.

Palin Rocked

You Dems are back to being worried,,, if John McCain and his camp let this girl loose like they did tonight, the hype will be back.

Sarah is McCains ride tot he White House, if he lets her be what she was tonight. A honest, straight talking, non BS, non Washington kiss but,,,,

I think Biden kick butt tonight in the debate. He wery warm and respectful towards Palin as well as getting Obama and policies out there for the America People. She look a like a deer caught in a headlight. So look nerves and scared but she did better the what a lot of people expected but the debate bar was pretty low for her tonight.
Joe rock it tonight.

OBAMA-BIDEN 2008!!!!!!!!!!

Bottom line here is everyone was on the edge of their seets waiting for Palin to derail...

That didn't happen.. but I still can't say I'm impressed with Palin.. and this is why...

She didn't actually answer about half the questions... in fact once she even stated that she's not going to answer the question! Another time Biden finally said he didn't actually hear an answer to the question. Sarah Palin just basically twisted the questions in order to just go over the same stump speech which she's been throwing out there on the campaign trail. Even when she's directly being contradicted by facts... she keeps going back and repeating the exact same wrong information over and over and over... and her using Maverick 20 times was gettiing irritating. Her talking about Obama raising taxes incorrectly was mentioned over and over and over. It was like listening to a parrot.

Can some one please tell Palin how to correctly pronounce "IRAN" and "NUCLEAR and not NEW CLEAR"

B-I-–d e--N? Pal--in..... W--in.. Yes somwhere? The is a WIN????

Palin did not answer questions. She should. But we all know what republicans do and that is not answer questions but try to twist things around.

WOW! OUR FORE FATHERS WOULD BE ASHAMED:

If McCain bites the dust then we're going to have a SOCCER MOM running our country! And if you think for one second that the common man or woman can be president, well then look at Bush and where the "common man" got us– right into an economic mess. Just because you can relate to somebody does not make them a suitable candidate to lead our country.

I think my dog (female) can do a better job at VP than Sarah!

He said " If you don't understand what the cause is, it's virtually impossible to come up with a solution."
He is a winner!!

Palin is a JOKE! I can do just as good as her. The soccer mom, the baseball mom, I went to school at night to get my bachelors degree raised my two daughters by myself, and took them to state in softball five years in a row and work for a major Fortune 500 company, WO)HOO,. She could not even answer the questions that were given to her. She was to busy defending Mcain and reading off a piece of paper. Give me a break. She is not ready to lead this country. Really look at the candidates. Do you want an economy like we currentyly have or do you want change. Democratic ticket is the only way we will get out of this recession.

Palin looked more like a stepford doll than a knowledgeable VP candidate tonight.... of course, she usually looks like that. I think my favorite (this is sarcasm) part was how she kept spouting things like change and oversight that Obama has been pushing from the beginning as McCain's own platform. Total B.S.

P.S. – All you people who claim that cleeeearrlly CNN is biased because there are so many people slamming Palin tonight... do you even have the capacity to consider that maybe there really is such a distribution? That many people REALLY DO hate Palin!

Gov. Palin was clearly out of her league. Folksy, maybe even plucky, but offering little in the way of substance. She had little command of facts, evaded direct questions, and simply inserted tired McCain campaign talking points, often at inappropriate times. She did not connect the dots for this voter, anyway!

How sad that many will argue that simply because she did not implode this should be characterized as a "win" or a momentum changer for the Republicans.

Half of her answers were an incoherent mix of half-sentences pushed into her head by McCain's aids.

As an Israeli, I tried to understand what were she trying to say in her answer about Israel, and just couldn’t! It didn’t make any sense.

Biden did an excellent job. Palin, on the other hand, told the moderator she wouldn't answer the questions and then proceeded not to answer them. She is definitely a proud alum of the Giuliani school of debate...noun, verb, energy; noun, verb, taxes; noun, verb, maverick. Hasn't eight years of not following the rule caused enough problems?

Palin was obviously coached very well, and Biden did an excellent job of attacking McCain, and staying away from Palin. There were times where I thought Palin was nervous, as she often talked in run-on sentences, and seemed to be rushing her answers. I got the distinct impression that, much like a college student, she "crammed for the exam", and memorized the information without fully grasping the concepts. Other times, she appeared to be quite comfortable. But I will say this: On just about every single question, her answers were thin and insubstantial compared to Biden's answers, which were full of substance and fact. Biden won without question, and Sarah did better than expected (and I don't think anyone expected a whole lot).

I agree with you David in that both did a very respectable job and I saw no serious gaffe's. I really like Biden's attack on McCain's so called "Marverick" claim. Well said. I read a commentary recently from someone who debated Sarah Palin 5 times in Alaska during the Governor race in 2006 and he said that Palin was very adept at providing "glittering generalities" in that she would shift away from the debate question at hand and toward some general comment not related to the question and usually laced with some folksy anecdotes that would appeal to the viewers. I think we saw a lot of tonight. Slight edge to Biden.

Fred Thompson pointed out at least 10 lies (he was nicer and called them misrepresentations) that Biden told. That A plus must mean that Biden is the better liar.

Gergen you got it wrong on the grade. Biden: A, Palin: D. She did not answer a single question. But, when one is as vacuous as she is, what can you expect? She'd been programmed to deliver the party lines, and that's what she did. She's like a doll with a string in her back that you pull and she repeats whats been programmed. You simply cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Palin is unfit to be Vice President. And from what I've seen, she's not even fit to be governor of Alaska. She is simply not ready! And what's this thing about winking her eye at the men?

Biden A

Palin F

We need to get back to the constitution – not a power hungry VP like we've had behind the scenes for 8 years

NO MORE SUBPOENA-DODGERS

When Palin looked at the camera, I thought she was reading off a teleprompter. When Biden looked at the camera, he was talking to my face and I was listening.

Sarah Palin is a beautiful, all around nice women. She'd be a great person to hang out with, sit down and have a beer with. She is the average American. Unfortunately, that is the problem. If we ever want America to be better than average, we must have people better than average representing us.

While Sarah Palin did better than expected (not a hard task to accomplish when expectations are at zero) I don't think she has swayed anybody. People who were for Obama/Biden are still for Obama/Biden. People who are for McCain/Palin are still for McCain/Palin. And people who are undecided are, most likely, still undecided.

She's charasmatic, I'll give her that, but she and McCain are not the leaders we need right now.

Gov Palin won this debate, and the Palin we saw tonight is the real Palin and this proves what we knew about the Couric interview with questions intended to cath her .

I agree with many here – the folksy is good but she should start speaking grammatically correctly (sentences such as "Senator McCain and I, we will" and dropping "g" from every verb ending "ing") and begin speaking more authoritatively is she's going to help McCain at all.

Joe Biden showed why he deserves to become the next Vice President of the U.S., and I give him an A+. He was informed, experienced, and sharp. Gov. Palin showed why she needs to go back to being the Gov. of Alaska. This woman does not have a clue on how to be a Vice President. She was vague, confused, and hardly answered any questions directly. I give her a D+ for effort. She appeared nervous and repeatedly quoted things that McSame and his croonies have drilled in her head. I know that CNN reporters are trying to be nice, but I am a woman and I know that this woman is in way over her head. She looked like a deer in the headlights. Please, Please, Please send this woman back to Alaska.

Biden did a good job were the pundits are wrong is that palini keeps on appearing to her base while as obama/biden strategy is to appeal to the undecided and independent base because the republican base is already ecited about her so i think biden won the ohio or virginia voters that are not decided

Listen, at a job interview, you can probably mis-state a fact or two. I mean we're not hard drives so errors in detail are understandable. But to just ignore questions is appalling. Imagine at a job interview: "What do you think you're weaknesses are?" -- uh uh I'm great at making spreadsheets!

Biden – B+
Palin – Incomplete

In california six of us watched the debate- 4 are democrats who were for CLinton and 2 are independents. ALL 6 OF US AGREED THAT PALIN WON THIS DEBATE HANDS DOWN

I'm sorry but OF COURSE Palin met expectations. The expectations couldn't be any lower for Palin.

Bottom line...America should never lower expectations for second higher office in the United States of America...!!!

She would have had to trip over the podium and bust her lip to not exceed expectations.

Overall, Palin did a great job, but the person with the judgement, vision and patience, was clearly, Biden.

I want to believe that the American people could see through Palin's rehashed rhetoric tonight. I was about to slit my wrists if she had brought up the word "Maverick" one more time.

On the other hand, Biden was top notch; too bad the pundits will downplay his performance while lifting up Moose-Lady...

Palin won big time wake up Dem. She just scared the hell out you . Maybe you should be watching and reading other blogs, you might find out there is different opinions on who won.
I am sure that this will not appear on blog as it will be closed by the time I enter it

I don't know how you could possibly give Sarah Palin any "A" when she gave NO facts, NO program plans, NO statistics, and said the same thing over and over and over. She could not answer questions and went off on tangents on others. She sneered and smiled inappropriately. If "OBiden" (she called him that once by mistake!) did that it would be the number one "gaffe." The only thing she did was talk incessantly about the same things and smile obnoxiously.

Just want to say Sen Biden hit a home run. He answered all the questions put to him. Gov Palin got to 1st base. I thought she would strike out. So she did better than I expected, but that folksy way she winks etc and calling middle Americans "Joe Six-Pack" is an insult to most of us middle or low incomers.
I think Sen Biden won this debate with no doubt.
I will be voting for Obama/Biden. But in all fairness I felt that way before tonights debate. I just can't even imagine Gov Palin as President. And we have to think of that possability

What would be exceedingly dangerous is a win of McCain/Biden....that would finish this country off and I predict we would be in another war within 6 months....I have been for Obama/Biden and feel this country has the best chance with them...
However, I will say how appalled I am at the Senate and both these candidates for going along with the Bush bailout....no real discussions, just a hurry up quickie once again...and worse, I am sicken at the added pork....why are Americans standing for this?? Why aren't they contacting their Senators and so forth....I am so fed up with politicians and lies that for the first time in my life I will refuse to vote...if I was able to reach this country, I would suggest that would be what we should do...clean out the corruption!!

It wasn't even close. Joe Biden gave the debate performance of his life. Substantive, respectful, understanding, and he managed to form complete sentences.

Sarah Palin consistently avoided questions by reverting to rehearsed attacks and to campaign talking points. At one point she flat out refused to answer a question regarding bankruptcy.

Let`s be fair. She didnt`tank it like everyone expected her to. That doesn`t mean she won it (or tied it...ps.Mark Halperin)

If you like Cheney, you will LOVE Palin. In the debate, she was recommending and embracing more roles for the VP.

Like I have said before, Bush by Heart, Cheney by Brain, then, Palin is your choice.

If you like to rush to wars, pick Palin

Are you kidding me? I sat there and watched the entire VP debates tonight and I cannot for the life of me find a reason for why all the major news media outlets call it a draw. Biden was the clear winner. He exposed Palin's inexperience, forcing her to go off topic several times because she could not defend McCain's positions on almost anything. She kept on going back to the same memorized speech over and over again and had no new information to share. I am quite frankly insulted that anyone could call this a draw. No way. Not a chance. She lost. Sorry Republicans, you're aren't the candidates for change. Did anyone hear Palin apologize to Biden at the very end when they were shaking hands? How odd.

I actually enjoyed this debate more than the one in Mississippi. It somehow seemed more authentic. I have to admit that Palin did better than expected, but again, the expectations were low. She seemed to rely primarily on talking point and pre-arranged narratives. Biden seemed more spontaneous and effective in his answers (which would make sense if he were more experienced and better qualified). No huge change, but i think Biden won.

I would agree in that Biden did extremely well however I disagree that Palin should get an A-. She looked tranquilized and was drone in her commentary. except in the cases where she revered to cute inuendo making her commentary appear imature and child like. She started out nervous and in some cases stumbled with answers, rambled or mostly did not aswer the question at all but diverted to rhetoric. She sounded extremely rehearsed to the point that the answers did not sound authentic or worked out on stage but pre thought and stale, not , clear cut and decisive like Biden. He was the hands down winner and came across making the choices much easier for those who are undecided.

This was not close. I am going to vote for a person who can't even comment on foreclosure and bankruptcy. There is no way I put a 3rd string QB on the field when I have Tom Brady ready to play.

Palin did a good job of doing a poor job. Avoiding, ducking, and winking is not what I wanted. Answers is what I wanted and Palin is laughable. The Republicans are making her look like an idiot! Kind of like a Sambo....

She can not answer questions but wants more VP power...UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

John, you forgot her reference to OIL in every single answer.

Joe won the debate because he knows what he is talking about, I think Palin kept giving the same answers again and again. But she was doing her best.

Biden is better than Palin at debating, but Palin connects better with voters. So style: Biden A, Palin A-; substance: Biden B-, Palin A+.

i really appreciated seeing the cordiality between biden and palin, and the families together afterwards was exactly what should happen. i'm so tired of the hostility that mccain seems to radiate. all in all, palin did really well – she definitely redeemed herself. i admit i was pretty concerned after seeing those interviews, but now i think she's okay. but i'm still voting for Obama!!

CNN and their contributors 're pathetic. Sarah Palin did well in their ratings-in what dimension did she performs well. She dances on questions and it seems she crams her answers.

She avoided answering a few question and was like a robot out there. Her answes were more scripted than knowledgable. I will say she held her own but no enough to empress me as being ready for a VP or Presidential position. Joe Biden was as usual very effective and did a great job. Very knowledgable and Presidential.He hammered McCain for hsi policy decisions and also showed that McCain and Bush are one and the same. Biden won this one hands down.

If I were to give them a grade:

Palin – F

Biden – VP

LOL you dont win a debate just because you did not have a gaffe! (by the way she did – I've only been doing this 5 weeks)
You win a debate by answering the questions posed to you by the moderator and your rebutal of your opponient!
What world are we living in? Does anyone know what to look for in a debate? Biden hammered her while she kept dodging the questions and going back to energy!
One big Stump Speech from Palin and alot of spin – As usual!
McCain is no Mavrick and Palin is certainly not ready!
Biden – 1
Palin – 0

WOW!!!! I am so impressed with Gov. Sarah Palin. She did an awsome job debating against an 20/30+ experienced senator.

Yeh, Palin did well because expectations before coming into the debate was only ankle length ans she performed at knee length. Of course they'll say she is good – she memorized her lines and delivered it well even if it was not an answer to the questions posed. Don't tell me America will be swayed towards voting for the GOP. Pathetic, just simply pathetic.

If GOP wins, what right has America to send observers to other countries to witness if these countries have fair and honest elections? If the shameless duo of McSame and Caribou Barbie wins, America will have lost is moral ascendancy in the entire free world.

Palin did a good job in that she seemed determined to be as straight forward as possible.

Biden A+ Palin C- And usually I agree with your analysis.

Expectations were so low, she couldn't lose! Also ... her "isms" are annoying, and she was obviously scripted. Debate camp paid off, but no home run!

Palin has no business in politics.

Palin was a prepared script and showed no common knowledge, she just memorized points – this was very obvious.

Thank goodness it's over-don't have to listen to her anymore from this point forward.

As a democrat, I was excited to see Biden show Palin how to win a debate. However, I'll admit, Palin did better than advertised. More than a pretty face.

Palin sounded like a broken record after a while... maverick, maverick, maverick... And when asked a question she didn't have the answer – she resorted to her comfort zone, energy and Alaskan oil. Not impressed,

PALIN HELPED PALIN. BIDEN HELPED THE OBAMA/BIDEN TICKET.

Biden was well informed?? Next time he should use real facts not made lies. Biden was right when he said Barak was dangerous and was inexperianced. You goofballs at CNN are so in the tank for BO it's rediculas, you are differant than MSNBC. It's OK 2nd place behing FOX isn't bad!

I feel that Gov. Palin showed us her heart and her will, tonight. She was sincere, and eloquent and presented the eagerness and real desire to serve the American people. Cheers to her for surviving the last few weeks, and holding her head high.

You don't show experience, you prove it by your actions. You can show you have knowledge, wisdom is acting upon the knowledge you have. Palin does well like I do when I have studied for a test. She is looking at being the President as soon as McCain drops. She is fascinated by the attention she is gettting. Watch her when she is with the crowds. She loves the crowds.

She was incoherent. Look at the transcript. Pick any response (they were not answers). It is a random collection of phrases strung painfully together. It is only in comparison to the Couric interview that she seemed ok. The bar was low enough, apparently.

Palin seemed condescending to me. But overall, a more masculine George W. Bush.

P.S. to those who thought Palin sounded scripted . . .Obama, particularly in the earlier debates with Clinton when responding to questions fell back constantly on his stump speech. Isn't that "scripted"??

I am utterly amazed at how the left leaning media, including CNN, tore into Sarah Palin after this debate. Just unbelievably biased. (Doubt you will print this, never do print an opposing view)

I could not agree more with Mr. Gergen. Both candidates can be happy with their performance. As an Obama supporter, I am proud of his choice of Joe Biden, and in awe of Biden's intelligence and perspective. I am likewise relieved to know that Governor Palin is not as incompetent or as provincial as her recent interviews would suggest.

Obviously, people are entitled to have different views...
Palin was genuine and sharp, whereas Biden was talking, talking, talking without any essence. Numerous errors in talk by Biden, trying to bring "bad" McCain. Apparently, Obama was voting for much same.
I have to admit that this one was won by Palin.

Well she can speak....BUT does she say anything with substance. She answered very few questions directed at her, and just used her same talking points over and over again.

palin was a looser tonight. shecould not even say nuclear weapons

There is no doubt Biden won this debate. Palin did not answer all of the questions.

Please, there was no comparison between the two. Palin had NO grasp of the complexities of any topic. She doesn't even know what a V.P's role is, under the constitution...and want to expand the power of the V.P?!

What debate were you watching?

Mr. Gergen is dead on as usual!! My only disagreement being that I thought Palin was not as impressive as you think. She kept going back to her talking points and did not answer the questions asked. I do admit that she did better than her interviews this past week.

Sarah Palin was evasive. When you are trying to get a reputation as a straight shooter evading questions and repeating the lines you've been fed over and over does not get you an A+

She came off too rehearsed and it showed when she kept repeating the same thing over and over. She was not direct and when a person is not direct I view that person as a LIAR.

She did cut down on the Sarcasticness but not much.

A Canadian friend just called me, being disappointed in Gwen's lack of aggressivity. "she just let answers flow unchallenged". I guess the earlier propaganda by the McCaine party (that somehow Gwen/PBS will be biased) did work. How about some hard-ball? We'll leave it to the Pres contenders? Or to the Russians?

Biden showed expertise and command of the issues. Sarah decided to only answer the questions she watned to answer whether the question was posed or not. She basically went to speaking points and was clearly seeking answers on the pages of papers in front of her. At times she began speaking in her usual circles when she was searching her brain for the speaking point she wanted to use at that point.

I do give her credit in that she was very pleasant to Joe when they came out and she seemed far more poised than in her interviews but that is not going to be enough to deal with foreign leaders and pushing back with congress.

You are absolutely correct Mr. Gergen – and I you are a good analyst.
Palin did do well in this debate, but Biden has the experience. In order for McCain to gain a higher percentage in the polls and the confidence of the American people, he has to prove himself and he hasn't done enough. The people want to hear that McCain is not the Bush regime, the people want to hear his stand on this Bailout, the people want to know how he is going to protect Americans and not Corporate America and Wall Street. The fact that he voted for this JUNK BAILOUT BILL does not score him points. He has a lot of work to do in a short amount of time, if he expects to gain the American votes.

considering expections, Sara Palin won, considering content, Senator
McCain lost

Democrats continue to win. This is good for the amrican people. No more Bush. Republic Ticket is out of touch.

Biden won this, hands down. Intelligent answers, strong grasp of the issues both at home and abroad, very professional, and a guy that commands the respect of both the legislature and world leaders. That last part is something Sarah Palin could never hope to do, regardless of how "down to earth" she may seem or "just like you". I guarantee that "you" (95% of the people reading) would not be effective as a VP either, so just keep that in mind.

Palin did a very good job. She showed emotion and excitement wheras Biden was stiff and sometimes even stern. She appealed to me in a patriotic and emotional way. Palin seems to be to only candidate on either team that really connects with me and my problems. I am definitely voting for McCain/Palin now. I am a registered Democrat from Georgia.

Biden knew what he as talking about. Palin wiggled he way threw babling sometimes.

Holdng Palin to a lower standard underminded the debate itself. Americans should not have to lower the bar or give Palin any concessions because she's inexperienced , a female candidate,and cant speak without a script. Palin is charismatic and avoided obvious gaffes-but that is not impressive. Her lack of responses, irreverance towards the moderator, and inability to speak unscripted confirms she is not ready. Being a down to earth, "Joe 6 pack" candidate does not qualify her to be the next Vice President of the U.S. She couldnt even defend McCain's record. She kept repeating the same blanket answers without specific details to support them.

Mr Gergen. A grade of Palin A minus is a tad generous. Her PTA/Hockey Mom credentials really shone through and yet they hardly impressed me a whit. She remains in the 'milquetoast' category compared to Biden.

She never answers the questions!! She just recites what she crammed for. She is scary as a potential VP or President.

Perhaps he was not directly condescending in his remarks, however, watching the debates on a split screen, he did on numerous occasions, appear to be laughing at her responses and by some that could be viewed as dismissive.

by far bidden and oboama can;t touch mccain and palin.think about it.palin has got the sex appeal of america.she will get all of the male gender votes and many of the women votes just on her character and good looks.plus oboma is a terrist name and character.he could be the anti christ.

I agree that they both accomplished what they set out to do. One problem for McCain is that it was basically a defensive win; winning conservative republicans is not going to swing the election. An even bigger problem is that what was reinforced tonight was that Obama/Biden is a formidable ticket with a lot of strengths.

It was very CRUEL for Palin to say of Biden's SECOND wife that her reward for being a teacher would be found in heaven when Palin knows that Biden's FIRST wife is dead and IS in heaven.

I want the media to slam her on that comment.

I am very disgusted with Palin because of this ploy to throw Biden off of his game by such a cruel comment!

Biden WON!

Palin did a bit better, but still not ready to lead. She said she has been at this for only 5 weeks. Her answers are vague and incoherent. She has much to learn.

Obama/Biden 08/12.

In other words, David, considering that at least half the country is a bunch of semi-literate morons who couldn't begin to understand what was said or the issues being discussed by Biden and avoided by Palin, she did well in that she appeared capable and competent if the volume on the TV is muted. That's a win in the Conservative book.

Great, David, thanks for the imput.

the way I figure the results will divide along party lines. No Republican will say that Sarah did not do well and the Dems will say that Biden did what they expected him to do. This debate did not sway me either way in the least....just happy that my home town was in the spotlight to host it.

Biden has never, ever been better. He was great tonight.

I am from Alaska and though I do not support the McCain/Palin ticket I will say that she did well even though many of her points were viewed as coached. Biden was definetly stronger and by the way Palin turned out to be more condascending, she has a way of making a statement that becomes over stated!

It sure would be nice if Palin would answer the questions she’s asked. I guess it’s just more of the same old crap, just like McCain. He didn’t answer the questions either. Just ramble on, using buzzwords and clichés to distract people from the truth. Sad.

If I hear 'Maverick' one more time, I am going to puke.

Gov. Palin did a good job of avoiding the questions that were put to her by staying on the same speech she has been delivering for the past 5 weeks. If people can get past the shucking and jiving they will see that this lady is no more qualified to be vice president than any Joe Six Pack on the street. LEAVE her in Alaska!

Since when does not screwing up get you an A-? Because that is all Palin did.

The bar was lower on Palin's end, and so was the expectation.

I would give her a C+.

I would have to completely have to agree with David Gergen. Gov. Palin did what she had to do, a well rehearsed performance, however, Joe Biden is the man of experience and he proved he knows his stuff. Let John McCain defend himself and stop hiding behind Gov. Palin. I must say for Gov. Palin to say that she wanted to rewrite the constitution in order to have more power is scary.

Joe looked and spoke like a VP. The other one didn't.

Sarah Palin just doesn't get it, using poor English doesn't make you "one of us ", it makes you sound ignorant. Calling people "Joe Six Pack" is an insult to anyone with a brain. The fake ,folksy act is see-through. I don't want leaders who spout keywords and wave flags, I want ANSWERS to the questions. I'm still waiting for the first answer from her. Too bad that Joe had to hold back on her,there is so much that he could go after with her,but he had to let her skate so as not to seem sexist or condescending.
Basically her answers to everything were the same...blah,blah,Alaska,blah,blah,Maverick,oil,blah,blah,victory,maverick,blah,blah,alsaka

Let's face it–The people who would balance your CNN poll are for Sarah and are watching FOX News. So, your poll is invalid.

Biden clearly won the debate.

The only way u can claim this was a tie is taking into consideration that people have a very low expectation of Plain!

She's not stupid, and anyone expecting her to be a complete idiot was going to be wrong regardless tonight. BUT, she is also completely the wrong person for the job. She's in way over her head, she all but said "I have been in this for five weeks and I have no ideas", and she just kept saying the same things over and over again (and confusingly). Biden showed continuously that he's an incredibly intelligent man who has sound judgment and a strong grasp of the issues, and he knows how to work in government. Frankly, it still stuns me that this guy could only ever get 1% of the primary vote every time he's run...he'd make a great president. Obama and Biden together are the only hope we have in 2008. Sarah Palin might be engaging, but ask yourself this – do you REALLY want "Joe Six-Pack" occupying the second most powerful position in the country (or world, for that matter)?

Palin looked like a amateur and got away without answering tough questions wrong by not answering them at all. I am a Reublican and this ticket scares me.

If " Joe 6 pack" meets your qualifications for Vice President, then Sarah Palin is your man!

If I had to give a score, it would be Palin C plus; Biden A plus.

I do not understand why we are so soft on Mrs.Palin.
I think she was not able to give any depth to her answers (if there were any answers) and she kept diverging from the questions asked.
Now, I am unhappy that reporters are not seeing it the way that I am seeing it. This was a dreadful appearance tonight by Mrs.Palin.

I feel like she is an empty candidate.

Sarah Palin gave 5 answers to 25 questions. Anyone who thinks she is the best and brightest for Vice-President is living in an alternate universe. We've already had 8 years of the Cowboy–god help us if Gidget goes to Washington.

David! The Chauvanist.... What an Idiot.....

Palin was too scripted and stuck too much to talking points and pre-rehearsed answers. Her attitude at dodging questions and interjecting "folksiness" can't work on a national level.

Palin was pathetic, speaking in cliched generalities. Joe was intelligent and knowledgeable. It's amazing how little it takes to thrill Republicans.

Palin – C

Biden – A+

Biden clearly destroyed Palin, especially in foreign policy. She obviously memorized her talking points, especially since she kept smiling no matter what the topic of discussion was. I found that very unprofessional. She didn't really answer any questions even though she sounded good saying it. I was also disturbed by the difference in the meter between men and women. What's up with that? Men seemed to just look at her and smile forgetting what the heck she was saying while women were really paying attention.

Give me a break, Palin won hands down. Sorry Joe.

As usual, David is right on.
Who wants an A- Vp when we can have an A+?

AWESOME Debate.

Sarah won it hands down in my book. She was talking to me, us, the people of America. Not just talking to the moderator like Biden was. She proved she is not just a McCain stand aside like Joe is to Obama.

Now John McCain,,, let her loose on America, what we seen tonight is what we want to see the rest of this campaign

The Sarah we all knew was there,,,,

McCain / Palin,,, ,

I was really impressed with the clarity of Joe Biden and his ability to make the important points that are important to the nation. He was inspiring and presidential.
Palin did not fail and probably held her own. Her folksy mainstream Mom do not make me believe she could be a credible president. she frequently did not answer the questions put to her but seemed to go to the talking points for which she was primed.
I am for the Obama Biden ticket with even more committment.

Sarah is such fluff, she loves to avoid direct responses and uses unintelligent language – "darn", "drill baby drill". A person in this position needs to be better educated and use language more eloquently.

Biden: A
Palin: C+

Palin is that same woman who sat with Katie Couric last week. If any one believe any different, I have a bridge to nowhere for sale.

They BOTH spoke well however Biden came out on top!
I've only been doin this 5 weeks – WRONG ANSWER!
Biden – 1
Palin – 0

I think Joe Biden was fantastic. Sarah was like a robot, she reminded me myself getting ready for a test. I knew everything for the test but afterwards I did not remember anything.

Just got done contributing to the McCain/Palin campaign. I am proud to see an UNPRETENTIOUS politician. She is REAL – unlike the hyperpolished Barry Obama or Joe Biden. I love you Sarah!

I cannot grade a candidate with an A minus if that candidate didn't answer the questions.

Palin dodged and evaded many questions, adding her own prefabricated, nonsequitur answers in place of actually answering the very clear and basic questions that Ifill posed.
Biden was knowledgeable, confident, and DOWNRIGHT PRESIDENTIAL.
Fine, if you have warm fuzzy feelings about Palin's folksy way of speaking and her disavowal of the need to have deep knowledge of policy issues, be her friend. But for the love of god keep her away from the most powerful position in the world. Keep her finger far from that button that could destroy the world!!!!!!
I cannot imagine how any thinking human being could even ASK THE QUESTION of who won this debate!
By the way, is anyone else out there terrified - I mean absolutely terrified– about her comments about the expansive powers of the VC?

Well I agree that Biden SOUNDED good at some points, but the problem was, half of his "facts" he made up! There were so many things (that even *I* picked up) that he said that were incorrect, (and I don't know much about the Senate!)

I was all set to see Palin fall on her face. She was the clear winner. MY problem now, is I'm undecided again. I thought I was leaning toward Obama. Now I have to watch ANOTHER debate on Tuesday!

biden won the debate and palin looked clueless she did know what to say all she could say was what i did in my state. if you want to be vp you have to know about all states not just what people tells you.

David Gergen has always hit the nail squarely on the head. Biden did get the A+ but Palin was more robotic with some of her answers and I give her a B.

Biden won, hands down. I watched CNN with the tracking lines for men and women and by far, Biden had topped out lines compared to Palin's. I think she did a lot of winking and cutesy stuff, but I don't want ANY VP to have MORE power, thanks, but NO THANKS. I think she wants to be Dick Cheney!

No to dipstick/lipstick!

And who the hell is McClellan?

I LOVED Biden tonight. When he choked up talking about raising his family and his pointing out the non-maverickness of McCain. I think Obama made on hell of a choice picking him. I can't wait to vote for Obama/Biden in November!

yes Biden A+

Palin D-

I love a "Mystery"...

Hard to take someone seriously when she cannot pronounce "Iraq", "Iran", or nuclear.......come on, Sarah.....you gotta quit that cutsie, down home image and try and show some brains.

Good debate, but Palin appeared to repeating prepared lines rather than answer from knowledge of what she was talking about.

Let's put it this way.......she stop the bleeding......

Biden was Great......................................................................

Obama/Biden 08

I'm happy that Sarah Palin didn't make a fool of herself. She however came across as stiff and rehearsed. If she was running for head of the high school team that will be fine, but we are talking presidential stuff in tough times. Verdict: Sarah is not suited for the job of Vice President. She can not help in the present state of confusion that faces our economy. We cannot award mediocracies, We need people who can step up and talk with conviction and Joe Biden did just that.

I like and respect Joe Biden alot, and he was great.
But, my oh my,
Sarah rocked the house!
The Baraccuda is back!

Biden got an Aplus, Palin a C. She did not answer questions, and the power grab she made was unseemly. the winking and the shout out was juevenile and insulting.

Mr Gergen is a total republican spin mister – Silly Sarah avoided any serious questions, lied about others, and presented herself as a complete fool.

BIDEN was fantastic and very presidential .... and honest and trustworthy .........
PALIN was so fake and scripted , when asked a question, she seemed to blurt it out very fast so she wouldnt forget ... She also avoided answering several questions ...........

Biden answered the moderator's questions nearly every time and back up his statements with FACTS. Palin continually avoided directly answering questions and filled them up with lots of unprofessional-sounding "feel good" talk.

As I figured, Biden would give actual proof and Palin would give generalities such as "maverick" and 'reform'-neither of which is true about her or McCain-yet McCain's people would say she did fantastically.

Biden lead , Palin survive.

Biden won this without question. The hard right-wing are just thrilled Palin was somewhat coherent...somewhat.

Senator Biden kept trying to compare McCain to Bush. But Bush is not to blame for everything, he inherited from President Clinton the accounting issues of Enron, ET al.. The list goes on. Also funny that in 1992 Ross Perot ran and talked about increasing clean coal usage, reduce imports of oil, stopping the outsourcing of jobs over seas...Clinton had 8 yrs to address that, but didn't, Bush had 8 years to address it but didn't. Whoever gets elected will inherit a congress that refuses to compromise on anything, that typically vote 90% plus with the party (party first, country second)...therefore, nothing will get done. McCain does have a history of going against his own party, that is why I'm for him and Palin.