CNN

Sarah Palin beat expectations. But the bar was set so low after her terrible interview performances that it means nothing. Obama and Biden still have better policy ideas. McCain/Palin is more of what we got with George Bush. If you want a strong economy and a respected US abroad then vote for Democrats, it has worked before and it will work again.

Why is Amy Holmes contributing to CNN? She's the black Ann Coulter. Please. She's Bill O'Reilly's favorite gal.

As you can tell, we have a lot of democrats commentating "how good" their candidate performed on the debate. I'm an independent and this makes me sick and tired and makes me not to vote on your side. Speak about the facts. We all know(if you're smart enough and have "common sense") that both Biden and Palin made some wrong allegations to each other. C'mon, people are smarter now. But I forgot, it's CNN - the democrat/left-wing network....

Both candidates should have been checked for a high tech tiny ear piece that is now available and most certainly used by Sarah Palin in this debate.

Amy Holmes, are you alright? Palin an A+?! A higher score than Biden. Did we watch the same debate? The debate clearly proves she is just a puppet for the next regime, just regurgitating someone else's thoughts.

How can you say this is an advantage for Palin? It goes against McCain's stance, and so is a conflict on her own ticket.

You don't really expect the thinking public to agree with you? She continually failed to answer the questions by giving the same dribble that she did during the Couric interviews. Only this time she actually made full sentences. She totally lacks substance. She can only talk in public if it is structured, she cannot readily give answers to questions posed candidly. Her handlers must prep her for a week in order for her not to botch a national debate. After her performance tonight I feel she is even more of an embarrasment to women by her snide mannerisms and continual use of certain key words that are meant to elict knee jerk reactions – maverick, hockey mom, joe six pack. If I had to hear the phrase "John McCain is a Maverick" one more time I was going to change channels. She was more condescending to the American public with her evasive answers to the questions. I want a leader in the number 2 spot in the white house, not a hockey mom, not a lipsticked pit bull. I don't want a hockey mom to take the helm if McCain was to perish. I don't think she has what it takes to lead anything. Her short stint as a govenor does not afford her the experience for the VP slot. As for her debate performance – It is saddening that so many people did not really listen to what she said, or rather what she didn't say. She does not have the knowledge to have a conversation about any topic except energy and those views are not in line with the growing awareness of the American people that we need to be weaned off of fossil fuels, that global warming is indeed a manmade problem. There are many problems facing our nation at this time, the economic crisis most prominent. All of these issues will be inherited by the next administration. Do we really want to be represented by a person with so little experience? Do we really want to be represented by a person who is ignorant of most of the issues facing the country today? Do we really want more of the same, more of the last 8 years worth of rhetoric and outright lies. We should think long and hard at the candidates i order to make an informed decision when we vote in November. I cannot, in good faith, vote for a ticket that includes Ms. Palin. In her case, I honestly feel that she should bow out and go back to Alaska. She is out of her league down here in the lower 48.

Oh my Lord, Now I know why she is Gov. of Alaska. Hardly anyone lives up there so they didn't have much of a choice.

Pailn did not do well at all in this debate. She did not answer a few questions in a clear concise manner and there was know clear outline, like Mccain in the presidential debate on how they are going to "reform" and make america become a respected nation again. FYI for Palin, there are fathers who sit around the kitchen table and contemplate about how they are going to make it and are single parents as well. My question is when are Mccain and Palin going to address the black community? when are they going to reach their hands out to us and include us in their plan for america? do they not know we exist? or are they ignoring us?

I think Sarah Palin did a great job.I also think Gwen did and
excellent job questioning Sarah Palin and Joe Biden in the debate and for once it wasn't biased as I feel other debates have been.
In our local paper the day she was announced as John McCains
running mate the news mentioned a couple of men that he was going to pick but they as other newspapers and other news people had it wrong.I think thats why some of the media has been against her
and critizized her so badly because John McCain kept her a secret till the last minute.I was so impressed with her when she was on the Glenn Beck show and thought Gee! I wish she was running for office.
Well I guess wishes come true and hopefully it will on Election Day as thats who I'm voting for and also I'm a Democrat .Towanda,Pa.

I could just as easily say "Palin agrees with Biden." And that would be more accrate, since McCain doesn't agree with either of them on these issues.

Too bad Biden isn't running. Obama is a wreck on top of that ticket.

As a Christian, I have followed this election season very closely. I hate to be grouped into the same category with the right-wing Republicans. They don't represent the true Christian values of loving others in need, making peace with others, and caring for the land that we live in. Right-wing Republicans have kidnapped mindless Christians for too long on judgmental issues of abortion and gay marriage. I am glad these issues were not a major discussion tonight, because too many so-called Christians single out these issues and ignore the vast range of other callings in a society.

I have seen 2 types of Christians voting for Bush and possibly McCain: mindless, or under the influence of family opinions.

Palin sounded like a broken record, repeating what McCain has drilled into her head and what others have written for her. Maverick this and Maverick that. Cleaning up corruption in Wall Street.... Can you state the facts like Biden clearly did and stick to the issues? Can you answer the question asked of you? Can you know more about the US than just Alaska and what is good in Alaska? All the real ladies out there, I hope you are smart enough not to vote for this chick just because she is a woman. I am disappointed that McCain thought Palin was the best female VP candidate the he can pick and feed lines to!! What a joke. And what was up with Palin's "shout out" to her family and some students for getting extra credit for watching the debate? Just bouncing around and wasting time rambling and avoiding from actually answering the question.

America wake up please. Since when has personality run the country. I am a 39 year old non-partisan woman who relates to the average woman. I have been out of the country more times than Sarah Palin, I guess that means I have foreign policy experience. Does this qualify me for V.P. of the United States of America. She is smart and studies very well. Who would want a V.P that gives a shout out in the middle of a vice presidential debate? Is this responsible behavior. Or is that the real Sarah Palin corky and just not ready.

We love you Joe Biden! Great Job!

Im glad most of you saw thru the BOOT CAMP training for this debate. She was under so much stress and reverted back to her speaking points. At times, I forgot what the question was listening to her ramble on and change the topic. You all are on the same page that she didnt answer a single question AND stay on that specifice topic. Amazing. It was like, when you cornered, come out swinging with anything you can think of that makes you sound like you know something. She didnt trip and fall but the didnt Stand Tall like the journalist are trying to spin it!

Justin,

She said "President" of the senate. And if you'd read the constitution, the VP IS the President of the senate.

She was right about "president" of the senate on all counts.

she looked like a desperate housewive trying to defend her boss, vague, incoherent, lack of knowledge. She even agreed in homosexuality as a choice of life!! think about the christians and conservatives, poor girl! Obama-Biden gor my vote 100%!

My favorite was her not even knowing what the VPs job description was and that the VP runs the senate...Wrong!

I was laughing the whole time of the debate that was horrible the whole circuit was McCain Alaska Energy for almost all the Question she had to be reminded that she has not answered the question, good news Obama camp got my wife’s vote tonight.

couric couldnt get a straight answer out of her either

She looked like a fifth grader reciting a poem shame, shame I was flabbergasted how busy she was reading the notes, ever question she was asked was diverted to John McCain and Alaska and energy does she know of anything else and if she could not get through her note cards she just agreed on that issue are you serious that someone was impressed with her performance tonight. This is not about Republicans or Democrats it’s a bout the future of our country and our grand kids. Joe was precise to the point while she was fumble with ever question even the mortgage melt down- John McCain and I Alaska and Energy Shame and Big Shame. Joe Biden had to remind her that she hasn’t answered the Question yet.Biden understands the need for bipartisan there should be something positive about someone and that what he did but she was horrible

The Governor's use of the word Revelation a few times struck me as strange. That is more like a preacher speaking and not presidential politics.

Hopefully, McCain,72, will retire now.

The Couric interviews were the true Palin. The debate was the head fake . Palin had a week to practice answering these same questions over and over. As for Biden agreeing with Palin on wind fall profits.
This is because Biden, Palin and Obama are all in disagreement with John McBush. Advantage- Biden and America.

She did not fall on her face but I would vote for just about anybody to avoid the risk of her ending up as our president. She is not too bright even if she can memorize a few lines and act folksy. Very scary if she actually believes (who can tell?) that she should have as much power as Cheney has taken.

Joe was presidentiable. Sarah was running for miss alaska: Smiles and wrong answers.

Oh pulleez. Ms. Palin admitted that she agreed on points with Senator Biden as well. That's part of a debate, my dear.

Palin was pathetic. She was unable to answer the majority of the questions so continually launched into oh gee whiz boys and girls I'll get back to ya! rhetoric.

Pathetic.

Why did Govenor Palin bring up Senator Biden's late wife in the middle of the debate?

They didn't really agree. Palin was very careful on the follow-up to state only that she believed marriage should be defined as a relationship between a man and a woman. She did not, as did Biden, state that she believed same sex couples should get the same benefits as other couples.

BUT...McCAIN doesn't agree with Palin on those issues. So it doesn't matter what Palin thinks.

Considering she did nothing for the past 8 days but study for this debate and that the only expectation people had of her was that she wouldn't trip over her own feet on the way to the podium, she did't do that bad. But Biden didn't spend 8 days studying for this debate and doing nothing else, did he?

Gosh darn it! Looks like Palin held her own. Still wont vote for McCain, but the lady did the best she could.

What the heck....... Palin was well coached, of course.

Sen. Biden did amazing, as well he should with his education and experience.

It was a very good debate and most importantly when the 2 families were on stage with each other it was really a relief. Barack Obama is like he does not fit in with the whole entire picture. Obama brings a wierd feeling and almost an intimidation to every debate. His family also brings on a woe is me, mean, and just a uncomfortable feeling. I would accept Biden for pres. no obama.

Sarah Palin did not studder for once but she does not know how to deliver contents of subjects in debates. She is a poor example of a leader and only knows the Soviets are her neighbor and about oil. Joe Bidden was awesome and because of his experience was not drawn in. Hands down the Obama ticket will win.

She looked like a soccer-mom trying to coach an NFL team; WAY OUT OF HER LEAGUE!

Sure she can do better with rehearsed lines...Ive noticed alot of her talk was lines that McCain uses and phrases he uses. Not her own. She repeated alot to take up time... not a whole lot of specifics. She can talk about backwards all she wants she did just as much. Double speak.

I think Biden did AWESOME!! He was right on with everything and loved him. Palin put me to sleep with her blabbering BUT Biden really kept my attention!!

I live in Alaska...after this campaign, PLEASE someone offer our governor a job she can't refuse! Do we HAVE to have her back?

Obama And Biden have proven that they are able to be bipartisan by giving credit when credit is due. Why must you completely disagree on everything in order to prove your point. Obama and Biden don't have to demonize there opponent in order to win a debate. Obama and Biden have no problem lookin at there opponent and saying you're right.

This debate clearly shows that Sarah Palin is an SURE FIRE IDIOT – - THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY CHOICE FOR ME, AND THE REST OF THE WORLD – I AM VOTING FOR OBAMA/BIDEN

sound like a palin lover. no they weren't devious..can't you see she has a few notes that she keeps try to filter in to all questions, duh!

This is one of the fundamental differences between the Obama campaign and the McCain Campaign. Obama and Biden don't believe that you absolutely must disagree on everything in in order to be right. Obama and Biden have proven that they can be bipartisan because they are able to give credit when credit is due. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Last week the press said that Obama saying "John is right on this," and similar statements was a negative for him – the McCain campaign even made an ad. But Obama ended up creaming McCain in the post debate polls and focus groups because he was gracious and not confrontational over petty things. Now Holmes is saying that this is advantaging Palin. I guess this is why she is a commentator and not running a campaign. She just doesn't get what political debates are really about.

Oh for goodness sake. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and the intelligent thing to do when someone says something fundamentally correct is to agree with them. It was the same thing in the Mccain-Obama debate – obviously they have some things in common, as bipedal carbon-based life-forms – so they acknowledge the opinions they share and highlight where they differ. Why should they automatically disagree with each other, even when they agree? It's this kind of editorial blood-lust that creates the hyper-partisan atmosphere in Washington. Here's to an honorable campaign!

Barack Obama's Accomplishments? He wrote a Book, all about Himself. And LIke Hillary say's, "He gave a Speech". Eight, or Nine years ago...

Really? Advantage Palin? Not when the things she is advocating are diametrically opposed by her running mate and her party! Confusion Palin is more like it.

Joe Biden put that cheerleader out of words. America look at her debate answers she is clueless and not ready to lead this great nation. I do not know that if she did not answer the question asked but, she did not answer them directly. Joe Biden is the projected winner of that debate

I don't think it is advantage Palin, I thinkl it is advantage Biden.
And for the record, i think she has been "Surprised" that they agree on anything at all! Who is teaching her?

I really want to start punching her face,... what is with all the winking and cutie delicate darling act???? is this really a major political party's candidate for the second most powerful job in the world? and for heaven's sakeee... I will shoot myself if the word MAVERICK is used againnnnn

And miss Homes how many times has Palin said she agrees with Biden.she looked so naive and inexperienced its scary to think of her as President.This Pick was purely political.

So far, Palin has said nothing that has been substantive. She keeps diverting from the question. I think I even heard her say that she was going to answer the question she wanted, not those asked by the modertator.

This woman is so unprepared to be Vice President and heaven help us that she would be a heart beat away from the Presidency.

If Biden agreed with her on two points, as Obama did with some of McCain's points during their debates, that simply shows he is also willing to reach across party lines.

We have seen how both McCain and Palin can be vindictive and defensive when they are challenged. This doesn't bode well for reaching across the party lines.

Obama/Biden '08

So proud of sarah!

Sarah is great – way to go Sarah!

Speaking of Katie Couric, Palin's answer to the global warming issue nearly turned into a Katie Couric segment...ramblin' Sarah! AND, AND, AND Sarah says "NuKULAR" just like GWB...OMG, Amy!

The biggest head fake is Sara Palin not staying on question!

We know that you have to find "advantage Palin" somewhere, Amy – your biases are clear and well-known. But I have to laugh that this is the best you can do – Biden agreeing with Palin on windfall profits and gay marriage.

Ok now – an unbiased analysis

She is so condescending – just like McCain

No Thanks

Amy,
With all due respect-advantage Palin? In your dreams, honey. She is nothing but a rehearsed robots who can't get off script because she doesn't understand the fundamentals. And why should she? She said tonight "I've only been at this 5 weeks". I rest my case.

How are those conservative Christians going to react to rather liberal stance is what I want to know.

Stop the presses! Palin watched the debates!

Oh please Amy. Give me a break. Palin has scored no points here. She is a disgrace. There is no spinning on this one. She is reading her convention speech and people are not fools.

Holmes are you kidding? It showed that Palin has fake ideas that aren't hers shoved into her head and she's just spitting them out