Palin is very coachable. she memorize everything that Bush speech writer gave her. Regardless what Gwen asked her, she just kept speaking out what she has prepared like a rifle gun. Gwen asked A, Palin answered B. Gwen asked B, Palin answered B. Gwen asked C, Palin also answered B.

Maverick, Energy, Reform Washington. Maverick, Energy, Reform Washington. Maverick, Energy, Reform Washington. Maverick, Energy Reform Washington. Maverick, Energy Reform Washinton.

i am tired. Biden has a grasp of the details. i felt America is safer in his hand.

Sarah did do better than expected. She would have done better if in the beginning she would have answered the questions that were ask instead of going back to energy points. Or at least tell the listener why she kept going back to the energy topic. I'm still more comfortable with Biden. I'm happy with the vote I've already cast.

Biden a cry baby ? Get real ! when does showing ones emotion make that person not strong enough to run this USA ? Not knowing the facts is what make a person not strong enough. Sara Palin is as weak of a candidate as George Bush was eight years ago and we all see where that lead. She was running all night avoiding questions that she did not have "Prepared" answers for. What do you bet that the McCain camp keep her off the radar until the election. Palin is a joke and any one who thinks she is qualified to be Commander- in -Chief in the event that McCain kicks the bucket , is the "Punch Line"

That would be a lot funnier if both Joe and BO hadn't voted for the bridge TWICE. The second time they had the option to redirect the $$ to New Orleans and voted not to. Get all the facts, people.

Go gettim Joe! And by the way, thanks for actually answering the moderators questions.

One question, we need more troops in AfghanIstan, is that not a surge? Why put in more troops if it won't help? A surge won't work in Afghanistan according to Gen. McKieran, but we need more troops? I find this confusing.

Even though being hemmed in by this ludicrous advice to act nice and congenial towards Palin, and although Palin's performance was nothing but constant over-generalized attacks with absolutley no substane, Biden did an excelllent job sticking to the issues and answering the moderator's questions.

I just wish Biden in his closing statement would have apologized to the moderator and the American people for his opponent's refusal to answer their questions and therefore showing her disrespect for the same.

I thought both Biden and Palin did a better job than Obama or McCain. It was a pleasant surprise to see Palin speaking with confidence and authority, instead of the "I'll have to get back to ya" nonsense in her interviews. Both were willing to take some serious jabs at the other ticket without going over the top, which was great–it was a debate, not a discussion, after all.

I did notice Palin circling back to her energy platform a couple times when she was asked questions on other subjects she wasn't comfortable with. And Biden's responses to the foreign policy questions demonstrated superior knowledge of the nuances and history of the subjects covered. I noticed the five or six times Palin talked about being "maverick", the audience went cold. Hopefully their campaign noticed too, and will lay off that nonsense.

I think both did a good enough job to help their ticket, which in the end means the debate was a wash. I think Biden did a better job overall, but not enough to convert many undecided or right-leaning voters.

These people who honestly believe that Palin did better than Biden are delusional! Come on! She did better than she has in the past, but she was still very evasive whe it came to answering the questions!

Biden clear statement on John McCains healthcare plan and relating it to the ultimate bridge to nowhere was priceless. Palin is out of her league.. although she likeable with the a wink and a smile, what's next for her to show a little thigh? Get real people she's not presidential material and Joe Biden was excellent. He stuck to the issues debating her by using John McCain poor decision making over the last 8 years. We don't need a women with a wink and a smile in the white house, we need a women who knows what she is talking about and can do the job. If that was Hillary she would have been able to come back to Joe hands down. Palin was very well rehearsed and scripted to the bone, didn't answer the questions and made it clear she was not going to answer some questions. WOW! I was thinking if Palin/McCain gets into the office, I will have to find another country to live in because I can't see Palin being one heart beat away from being the President of the United States, if God forbids something happens to John McCain. NOW THAT'S A SCARY THOUGHT. Obama/Biden '08

Are you guys for real? I do not want a 'cutsie', Hockey mom as my VP! She may be great to sit down and have a six pack with but in the White House?? Thanks but no thanks! I want someone with intelligence and someone who can think on their feet without the implanted "Spin". I am sick of hearing 'Maverick'! Please say something else–be original!

She avoided answering some of the questions, she only answered the ones she was quized on during the week. She runs her mouth a lot and talks in circles. $5000. for health care is a big laugh. That's good for about six months. Guess we'll stay healthy the rest of the year.

Now temi (and everybody else), they are NOT saying that $5000 will pay for health care! That money is so that you can get good medical insurance. At this time I have good family health insurance with premiums being about $250 per month, that's $3000 per year.

The $5000 credit will cover that – MORE THAN COVERS THAT!

People, use your brain and stop expecting the media to do all the thinking for you. If you do that, they control you!!!

McCain-Palin '08
Country First
NOT Obama & Black Liberation Theology (Obama-ology)

Please…….Joe Biden is the winner, Sarah who?

Palin did better than many people expected, however these expectations were artificially low. She avoided coming across as incoherent and very poorly informed on many issues because she had been extensively tutored, likely given scripted lines to try to use, regardless of the question.

Ignoring these low expectations of many people, Palin showed again why she is not qualified to be president. She ignored too many questions, displayed little depth in understanding of most issues beyond the probable memorized lines from advisers and offered very few specific examples of how a McCain-Palin administration would "reform" the government or represent change from Bush-Cheney policies

@ Maggie: Your comment proves you can't even spell (see "lier"). As for Biden being a bully, he took the high road most of the night and left Palin alone. Besides, what do you think debates are for? You're not supposed to go up there and give the other person an ego boost. You're supposed to state your point and attack your opponent's weaknesses. It just so happens that Palin's weakness is answering questions. The entire debate consisted of her dancing around the actual questions and returning to her scripted talking points. Did she handle herself well and avoid major gaffes? Sure. Did she prove that she's worthy of the vice presidency or, if something were to happen to McCain, the presidency? Not at all. In fact, it made me wonder how she can even run Alaska with her lack of understanding about issues across the board.

Both Sen Biden and Gov Palin did their best last night. But Biden's best is in a league beyond Palin's best. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent – you can have a level of confidence in his ability that you can't with Gov Palin. I don't think that a Vice Pres candidate should resort to winking and smiling and sarcasm in a debate, especially with the tough issues facing our nation right now. It's okay to sound intelligent and thoughtful and decisive. There's no need to talk down to voters like we are children. Last night was a chance to show that you have what it takes to deal with world leaders. Winking and sarcasm won't cut it when you have to deal with leaders from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, etc.

Palin's way of speaking and answering the questions is unprofessional. Her "i'm a cute hockey mom" style of talking makes her look like an idiot. Compare her way of trying to win the public with winks and stupid smiles to the way someone like Nancy Pelosi speaks. Nancy Pelosi is direct to the point, confident, and doesn't try to win people over with cuteness. Palin is a joke all around, and needs to go back to Alaska

palin was defeated.
not only for her stupidity but just lack of competence.

sure anyone can go up there and talk about whatever you want.
palin, you NEED TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.

YOU FAILED COMPETELY.

obama 08

Biden….. that was sooooo funny, that I was on the floor rolling with laughter. Cool!!!!

Biden…. you the man!

YES

OBAMA 08

Hands down Biden won the debate last night. Palin only answered the
questions she wanted to answer. I am tired of hearing about the
hockey mom, Joe 6 pack, pitbull with lipstick raising 5 kids,PTA and
so on. This woman is in left field. I was undecided ,but now without
a doubt I am with Obama/Biden. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A DEBATE
BETWEEN HILLARY AND PALIN. CLINTON WOULD KICK HER
BUTT. PALIN WOULD RUN CRYING>

JUST SAY NO

don't want hockey mom, joe six pack,

journalism major who can't name a single newspaper

the new energy? Maverick?

pit bull w/lipstick!

NOT LEADING THIS GREAT COUNTY

OUT OF THIS BIG MESS!!

NO WAY! NEVER!

rj, ca, just say it, you don't like Obama because he is black. Its time for people to start being honest.

Guess what rj, ca you are going to have a Black president whether you like it or not, so get over yourself.

Obama is the man for the job!

The debate last night was pathetic and disturbing, it wasn't a debate, Biden is educated in politics but one could see that he was restrained from talking down Palin to avoid pundits accusing him of having condesending view towards woman. He should feel insulted to be put in debate to proof that he is politcally smarter than a "5th grader". The debate was extremely frightening to see Palin as President. It was like she had never envisioned herself as President of the United States or intents to be President of the US. It was suppose to be a debate from the standpoint of running for the Presidency, not a campaign for the Presidential Candidates. Palin kept saying what McCain did do and what he would do. You not here to campaign, what would you do?!

Even if they give you a $5000 voucher, you still have to come up with the $5K out of your pocket. If you are making $35K, that is 1/7 of your entire income….good luck.

I thought both of them did a good job. I like Joe Biden a lot. I actually would have voted democrat this year had he won the primary. He is intelligent, and he is real. I thought palin did a pretty good job too. however, instead of always showing palins gaffes and missteps, how about showing all of bidens from last night? Do you people even realize that he flat out got it wrong on a couple of things pertaining to mccain last night? Probably not, you are so blinded for obama it is unreal. I am voting for neither party this year. I think Ron Paul is the only one who can save us from the economic crisis facing america. write him in on election day.

Sarah was totally pathetic. She has no clear idea what she is talking about. Not even a single plan what they would do except saying she did things in Alaska. She is just fit for Alaska and no where else and she needs to go back there ASAP.

This ticket of Mccain and Palin is a complete Joke.

Listening to Biden, I agree with someone's comment here, that he is as presidential as he can be. His answers are more geared towards finding solutions to the problem we have in hand (Econmomy, world standing, war).

If Sarah was a Guy, Joe would have ripped the debabe apart and would not have controlled his aggression on someone who is totally clueless on anything and everything except for Energy plan

FACT! Gov. Palin is more qualified then Obama.

Devil is in the details. Leaders who do not understand or have the capacity to get into the details are doomed to failure. If I have a choice of choosing between an A or a C student, I will always opt for the fella that took their homework and their studies seriously so that they prepare to the rigors of real life.

I just found Sarah Palin, God Bless her, way over her head on a whole lot of issues. There are thousands of very capable mayors and governors of much larger cities that are qualified to be vice-president or president. Palin is not one of them.

It's such a shame that she is running for the second highest office in the world and all she can do is repeat things that she was taught,,,Come on world she knows nothing about America our loving country,,,What are we thinkin to even insult ourselves with giving her the opportunity to even be on the ticket. WAKE UP!!!

BIDEN definitely WON the debate, he blasted and lectured Palin. Biden overshadowed her and look much more knowledgeable about all issues. Just because she "survived" doesn't mean she did well. Not at all!!! She looked like a college student. l just managed to dodge the questions, generalize and smile. She only did good giving non-answers, reciting memorized answers, and winking. Pathetic. SHE is definitely NOT PREPARED to be a VP. BIDEN will be a great VP.

It's hilarious how people see what they want to see and refuse to admit that Palin did a halfway job last night…she spoke directly to the minions that don't care that she knows nothing, had to be coached for the debate and committ her answers to memory, couldn't name ONE PUBLICATION that she reads, etc…

Talk about Obama/Biden all you like, the polls tell the story…lol

As a registered Republican from the State of Arizona I am increasingly appalled by the lack of scope, interest and education- maybe even intelligence — shown by Gov. Palin. She does not even know what an "Achilles heel" is when she started talking about all the great things she had accomplished as mayor and governor….Come on now, "gotcha" and "darn" — these are the words we want to hear from a VP?
Biden showed himself to be intelligent, thoughtful leader not being condescending but rather explaining very clearly the Obama/Biden program. Gov. Palin was full of platitudes and when off script was better than the Couric interviews but really….
Obama/Biden 08

To the person called ANYONEBUTOBAMA… What debates were you watching? You are obviously not that intelligent. When Sarah Palin was asked about BANKRUPTCY legislation changes, she spoke about her energy policy. And as for her Soccer Mom appeal, Senator Biden proved she does not have that in the bag as he proved he is a thoughtful and heartfelt single father who lost a wife and a child. With the expectation so low for Palin, the only place she had to go was up.

People like you who voted for George W. Bush are the reason this country is in such a crisis. Wake up!

Palin had a few times when she had "that DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS LOOK" . The fact that anyone can call this a TIE shows that they had ZERO expectations and were over joyed that she did not fall flat on her face. Her canned replies and her repeazted side stepping the question asked to go on with her canned responce tell all.

This was a very civil and informative debate no matter who you are for. Both candidates showed respect for each other. That being said, now McCain will get physically back in the mix and the lies and dirt will again begin flying. I wondered why McCain picked Palin. Now I wonder why Palin agreed to run with such a lying dirty old man.

How embarrasing to have Sarah Palin as VP, we would be the laughing stock of the world. Even when she did answer a question, she had no substance to her answers at all. We have had a dim wit as a President for the past 8 years, America should learn from this, do you want another one as VP?
Folksy is not Presidential.

Hey John in Austin!

Had about 23 people over for pot luck and to watch the debate.

14 republicans, two independents and the rest Democrats.

Only two of the republicans said that they thought Palin seemed original. The other 12 said it was obvious that she has been on a mission to "cram" as if she were taking the exam of a lifetime. Everyone agreed that she seemed robotic and that if she didn't keep talking she would have forgotten what she was told to say.

Biden was the clearly more intellignet, coherent, knowledgable figure in the debate and Palin came across more like she was still on the campaign trail and trying to get elected President of the lcoal PTA!

She couldn't respond, if she did it opened her up to the flip-flop issue that McCain is getting hammered for on numerous fronts. She did the only smart thing and stayed silent. It was exactly what she needed to do. It was a much better debate than the Presidential one though, and Sen. Biden definitely came out on top and maintained his personable form as a "People's Candidate"

Tacky, she probably didn't see that one coming. NOT! With the current economic situation and the extensive bailout, does anyone really believe universal healthcare is on the horizon. I would like to know who is going to pay for this…Japan or China since they own America anyways. My opinion is the debate was a draw and meaningless, more lies and smoke screens on both sides.

Sara exceeded expectations, but still lost. I don't care what gaffes he says, Joe Biden wil be a great VP and an even better diplomat abroad. That is what we need. He will fix the relationships abroad whie Obama fixes America. Great job Dems!!!!!!!! Its about time.

I can't believe anybody thinks Palin did well. She wasn't answering questions with actual thoughts from her actual brain; she was repeating the series of talking points that she was taught to recite and which were on the cards in front of her. That's why she failed to answer many of the questions – they weren't on her cards so she'd switch to one of the prepared answers she does have.

She could never be President because it's a job that requires much more than recitation from memory. Give it up, right-wingers – your gal was obviously WAAAAAAY out of her league.

She started rambling from time to time – she'll have more interviews and fall apart all over again – just wait and see.

Great job, Biden. Palin did well as well, but with no facts to back her up. Empty words she delivered to us.

Joe Biden was excellent! with the Obama & Biden ticket

I will be able to sleep at night, Sara Palin please go home and try and clean up your house first. Your just not ready to be
Commander & Cheif to lead a Nation

Shame on you! Shame on you Mcain for picking Sara Palin.

Gwen where did you get those questions ? From Sesame Street
Oh I know you did not want to give Sara to much to make her look
anymore brainless than possible. Shame on you to Gwen !

Oh by the way I'am woman

The way the Bush economy is moving if McCain/Palin win this election, "Joe six-pack" will have to settle for one 8oz can of beer and the "Hockey Moms" will have to get back to sewing comforters for the Winter

biden did a very good job, palin did better then what I though she would, but biden points was clear and to the point, palin was talking about the samething over and over, biden was the clear winner

Yeah, Biden can throw out some good lines but the Obama/Biden ticket is proving to be more of the same party line, good old boy, policy spinners. I find the McCain/Palin ticket much more refreshing for a change in our goverment!

Biden definitely won the debate, he blasted and lectured Palin. Biden overshadowed her and look much more knowledgeable about all issues. Just because she "survived" doesn't mean she did well. Not at all!!! She looked like a college student. l just managed to dodge the questions, generalize and smile. She only did good giving non-answers, reciting memorized answers, and winking. Pathetic. SHE is definitely NOT PREPARED to be a VP.

RJ from CA, you can make up any excuse you want about not liking Obama but the ultimate reason you believe the other three are great Americans and Obama isn't is because he is a BLACK man. Be honest dude. You're behind a computer. Feel free to speak your mind. Stop lying to yourself and pretending that you really don't like him because he's not a great American. It's perfectly fine.

Palin made Biden look pointless… Biden supports McCain more than Obama, his own running mate – what a deceipt the democratic ticket is this year… Obama is a made-up entity that represents all that is bad with washington!!!! How is this election even close with all the negative publicity coming out of washington these days…

I like your fact check on the surge. The general did not say the surge wouldn't work, he said he wouldn't use the term surge. What he did say is that a longer term commitment is needed (i.e., a win and hold strategy, i.e. a surge-like strategy).

It's odd that he didn't say exactly what Biden said, but when Palin called him on it, you felt a fact check was needed, but then you chose to parse his words in such a way that did not get to the gist of words.

Hmmm.

If anyone out there thinks obama is a lair and a cheat I think you better look in mccains backyard first and then ask his first wife that question OBAMA SUPPORTER WITH EYES WIDE OPEN

Joe Biden beat her six ways to Sunday. She is not ready for Prime Time. She had no plans to speak of ( as Biden pointed out over and over) ; no responses to his accusations that John McCain wanted to deregulate health care, and she did not even seem to know the record of John McCain– her own ( senior) running mate. I particularly liked when she refused to answer questions.
Go Obama- Biden!

What is very sad, is all the people on this blog that keep insisting that Sarah Palin is VP material. Sad sad sad that your own standards are so very low. You should want whoever has the best posible minds to run this great country. Instead all you want is a fresh face. UNBELEIVABLE.

The Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square October 3rd, 2008 9:35 am ET

Biden and Obama are idiots. They voted for the Bridge to Nowhere and they voted for it twice. What kind of jerks are they.

Apparently you are behind in your reading. There was an entire bill proposed that included the bridge to nowhere, but also included many other points that were important…the bridge only being a small portion of the overall bill. Palin got the money…and kept the money for other pork spending in the state of Alaska. It was only when the "bridge to nowhere" became unpopular that Palin changed her tune.

Speak the truth or log off your bot buddy!

I had to go to the emergency room 1 month ago to drain an abcess. That visit alone is costing me over $1200. So, under the McCain-Palin healthcare system, I can go to 3 more emergency visits and pray that nothing else happens to me!!!

I am in full agreement that Palin did better than expected but expectations for her were so low, as long as she didn't trip walking on to the stage, she met expectations. Joe wsa far more informed and detailed with REAL answers!!!

McCain's "health care plan" is nonsense. Here is a man who makes false statements about government health care and participates in our government's health care, which happens to be one of the best systems I've had the pleasure of also using: The United States Military Medical Services. My son's first pediatrician was a Harvard Medical School graduate and that was in a military hospital.

So when McCain says we should keep the government out of delivering medical care because we can get a better deal in the private sector, yet sucks up his free medical benefits, I don't believe a word he says.

The United States Government has done and is capable of providing health, dental, vision and pharmaceutical care just as they are providing today to the military. It would be an easy avenue.

$5000.00 tax credit to pay for health care? Who's family deductible is less than 5 grand? So they'll hopefully cover 75% of the deductible but still leave you out to dry on the premiums (which will rise) and tax us on it. .This isn't a plan, its a nightmare!

Palin has proved again that she is a great cheerleader but not a VP!

ANYBODYBUTOBAMA – Palin wiped the floor with Biden last night, just as McCain wiped the floor with Obama last week.

ANYBODY:

Not according to the American people where polls following the debates showed Obama and Biden winning by 2 t o1 margins. Maybe in your mind Palin and McCain won the debates. But then that tells the status of your mind – empty.

It appeared that Ms. Palin was out of her league. Asking Sen. Biden if she could call him "Joe"? Seeking constitutional reform to grant more power to the VP? Blatanlty challenging the moderator on answering the questions posed? Again with the "Joe six-pack" reference? Enough! Having "mavericks" elected to high office is tantamount to giving children sharp objects. We have had 8 long, damaging years of a "mavericks". We deserve better than McCain and his folksy side kick.

Maggie….

You and the rest of the repub supporters are idiots…..

I wish there were some way that repubs could be ruled under McCain and Dems could be ruled under Obama in the same country… I would love for alll you who supported and voted for McCain to suffer greatly under his rule, instead of us smart ones to be hurt for you and others idiotic ideas

It's not about who voted for the Bridge to Nowhere. It's all about who LIED about supporting/not supporting it. Go away Siren Sarah…sing your silly song elsewhere. Phish is touring next year to shower us with proper music and I don't need your warbling nonsense ruining the news hehe

Biden is one hottie.

That being said, Biden is not at the top of ticket. Obama is, and we can't afford to have someone with so little experience be president during these tough times.

McCain is the man for the job.

Biden kicked Palin's booty in thi sdebate. She does not stand a chance next to him! Palin recited very well practiced new studies she was fed by a spoon the past few weeks. She may have held her own, but there is no substance. She smurked half the night, she was sarcastic and she repeated Mccain's line about taxes whenever she di not want to answer, or did not know how to answer a question. She is just another politician who will say whatever she has to say. Let's not fool ourselves, that's not someone who will reform Washington, Washington(Mccain) already reformed her. She lied and attacked just like Mccain.

SARAH PALIN MUST BE EXHAUSTED FROM ALL THE DEBATE REHEARSALS. SHE WAS MORE PROGRAMMED THAN A ROBOT LAST NIGHT. SHE DIDN'T ANSWER A SINGLE QUESTION THAT SHE WASN'T PREPPED FOR. SHE IS THE WORLD'S GREATEST DODGE BALL PLAYER, AND WOE TO THE MODERATER FOR NOT CALLING HER OUT ON IT, AND DEMANDING ANSWERS TO CRITICAL QUESTIONS. JOE BIDEN LET HER GET AWAY WITH HER POLITICAL LIFE LAST NIGHT AND HE SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR IT AND SHE SHOULD BE THANKFUL.

I believe McCain has a the shills on this sight working overtime!!!!!!

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!

the obama camp needs a spot with palin speek and bush speek intermingeling mccain between the two. i felt like i was watching "Fargo II" you betcha…

This is what happened last night, Palin did not fall on her face and therefore somehow gets away with not answering numerous questions, blantantly contradicting herself a few times and throwing all women under the bus with that ridiculous, childish cutesy thing. All you people out there supporting this woman should be absolutely ashamed of yourselves for not having the ability to see past this superficial nonsense.

Biden was steady, on course and trustworthy, the tolerant teacher in a debate with someone who gives the impression she has a multi-personality disorder and is running for PTA president. She is in way over her head. I think it is shameful that McCain selected her and then repressed her to the point she forgot how to speak for herself. But as long as she can rattle off whatever her handlers program her to say, she should be ok. I would have preferred to have her speak her own mind, there is more there than McCain would let us see.

McCain's healthcare plan is a farce. Not only do you get taxed on the benefit, you end up getting dropped by the insurance company!!! McCain makes sure the insurance companies line their pockets while you take a long hard one where the sun don't shine!!! Horrible.

I'm a medical biller and $5000 wouldn't cover anything. Insurance companies are beginning to pay less back to the provider. That will ultimately lead to the patient paying more out of pocket cost, and $5000 will NOT cover it.

I find it hard to believe that anyone believes these two were being held to the same set of standards.

Palin looked pretty and didn't screw up as badly as they thought she would, so she gets an 'A?' Weird.

Joe Biden, I've been enjoying getting to know in the last months. He is uncompromising, sensitive and highly intelligent. Thanks to Joe for educating me on things I haven't understood clearly about his positions, the positions of Obama (of whom I've been skeptical), and what he has done to deserve my vote. Answering the questions, it's what I expect from a representative.

Karen of OH-IO

ok so really Americawho wants a woman one heartbeat away from the presidency that can't straight forward answer a question and she sounds like a hick when she speeks at all. Lets have someone that at least has a grasp of the American language and how to properly use it!!!!!

The McCain camp keeps attacking Obama for voting with his party 95% of the time.

They disregard the fact that, when it's the Republicans who've screwed up the country, voting Democrat party line is a GOOD THING. Obama voting with his party says he thinks they're voting the right way. That helps down-ticket Democrats. McCain claiming to be a maverick says that Republicans running for Senate or House or Governor are wrong, because he has to make himself all mavericky and set himself apart from them. It really indicates how poisonous the Republican brand is this year.

Obama will continue to put out ads with substance, McCain will try and talk about Rezko. one is ready to lead (Obama) the other is nothing more a school yard bully mad because he is going to lose (McCain)

for all your male Palin supports – you're thinking with your head and not your brains.

I thought both candidates did well. Joe Biden did make more sense with his answers. Sarah Palin sometimes looked as though she was stumped at what to say so she would go back to her comfort zone the environment…and at times that was not related to the questions.
I though Joe Biden showed great restraint with Gov. Palin egging him on but he stuck to his agenda. All in All I think Senator Biden won this debate.

Since Gov. Sarah Palin took office nearly two years ago, the state of Alaska has routinely bought commercial airline tickets for her daughters when they travel with her, a practice that raises questions about the governor's claim to being a fiscal conservative.

Everything that Caribous Barbie said last night has been Fact Checked and provden to be stone lies! America was not fooled by the fake Fargo homilies….Joe Six-pack is not amused by 4,200 dead soldiers. Go home and tell First Dude "Drill, baby, drill!" Maybe he'll satisfy you! We voters won't…

Our expectations of Sarah Palin have fallen so low, that at this point, there was really only one way she could go–up. Joe Biden had substance, he answered the questions rather than dodging them, and I truly do feel like he connected with the people. It’s a sad day for the McCain ticket when you expect the VP pick to bomb the debate before she even gets there. Kudos to Palin for cramming so well, and I look forward to her future one-on-one interviews with the press.

A noun, a verb, taxes…and a surge!

It's a sad commentary when the dumbing down of American sets the bar so low that to simply "not implode ~ or having the wherewithal to string a complete sentence together = victory?"

Fortunately, I have my sights and expectations set much higher!

Wink, wink…

Why don't you read the fact check on that…….. it is false and misleading. I believe the parallel was like saying that getting a car loan would send money to the car dealer. MORE lies and fabrication from Biden and Obama

Way to go Joe….great job!! You showed why you and Obama will be POTUS and VPOTUS!!!

Watching Palin was like watching a bad actor trying to convince everyone she can "play a role". Nothing sincere, but a whole lot of winking, grinning and spinning. I'm confindent Americans are smarter and could see right through this clown. some of the men in the media nearly fell over themselves wathing her, but the rest of us are not impressed.
It's not the time for wanna be VP's, we need real LEADERSHIP.
McCaint and Puppet Palin are pathetic.

Let this sink in, Medicare dies in John McCain's plan and it leaves thousands uninsured. It also leaves you footing a tax bill…so if you want to sum up his plan…"DON'T GET SICK!"

Seriously, I'm not heartless, however, If I have to see Joe Biden tear up one more time I'm going to scream. What is he going to do if heaven forbid he gets into the White House and we have another terrorist attack…tear up and say, "Stop it"? Be a man. My mother has buried 3 children and she can talk about them without being dramatic…..of course, she is a true Steel Magnolia. Put on your "big girl panties" Joe….enough is enough.

Today is November 5th: "Now boarding flight 962 to Anchorage. Paging customer Palin….Customer Palin? Ah, sorry only middle seats in economy left for your flight back to Alaska. Thanks for visiting. Buh-Bye"

I will say for one thing that Sarah had a lot better manners than Mccain did in his debate, he could not even stand to make eye contact with Obama, where Sarah did much better one this. I didnt care for the red neck phrases she used. Made her sound like she didnt know much. Her and Mccain no matter which way you look at it are still four more years of Bush. I think the Mccain camp is still protecting her too much, lets see now how much she goes out and campaigns on her own and how much the Mccain people will dicatate her what to say.

Too bad Palin didn't directly answer several questions-she fell back on the party line every chance she had. Does she even know what an achilles means?

How could anyone vote for McCain and Palin when all she does is ignore the questions posed to her and respond with unrelated topics.

McCain has been increasingly erratic and ineffective when faced with all the situations the country has had to deal with recently. That in itself is reason enough not to vote for the GOP ticket.

The bridge to nowhere vote was an earmark of a bill of greater importence. The only reason it was added was to get the majority of senators to vote for it. There was more then just this earmark which just proves to the world how out of touch your political system is.

You guys should adopt the commonwealth system where the leader of your country has to debate in the house of representitives, he/she also has to win a seat in a region of your country.

This should be another campaign ad!

In today's headlines:

"Subpoenas upheld in Palin trooper investigation."

McCain supporters are doing a lot of complaining and crying. Are you starting to sense defeat???

It always amazes me that people like McCain, who have had government run health care all their lives, can criticize the Democrats for wanting the same kind of coverage for everybody.

I can guarantee you that anyone McCain's age and with his health problems would NOT be able to afford McCain's health care plan. $5000??? Heck that's how much my deductible is every year. And we, as a family, are all healthy.

It is an absolute SHAME and a DISGRACE that we have people dying in this country because they don't have health care.

Biden: Intellegent, highly knowledgable, down to earth, polite=winner
Palin: Folksy, reads from que cards, sarcastic, Homecoming Queen=loser

Biden was brilliant in every aspect!!

Palin was brilliant at not answering questions… Which is understandable, if you dont know the answer, BS your way around the subject hoping the person would forget, be confused, or just give up on finding the answer

Would have been nice if Palin would have answered a single question put in front of her. Instead she did not answer the question and went to her talking points. Most of those made very little sense. And winking at the camera, Jr. High flirting in my opinion.

Obama/Biden!!!!

Biden's experience and wisdom came out clearly. He kept to the subject, was couteous but persistent in making his points. Good for Obama for choosing a partner with his knowledge and depth!

I pray nothing happen to Obama as president. I'm comfortable with Biden as VP. Sarah Palin is a loose cannon.

After being on the national scene for under 5 weeks,Sarah not only held her own ,but beat a seasoned pro on the stage.Democrats ,go jump off that bridge,do the right thing ,save the country.

What expectation is CNN and everyone saying that Palin met and exceeded. American are funny.. It has become so hard for us to say the simple truth.

Give an average 12th grade a week coaching and she/he will do better than Palin. The Lady read out her answers and dodged those she had no notes on. And we say she did well. Pardon me.

No wonder, America is lagging behind China and India in Education. If we accept Palin performance and say good enough to be Vice President then we deserve to have an ever ending BUSH Adminstration.

It is that simple.

Joe Biden gave a wonderful VP performance but more than that he gave a clear vision for his campaign. He was able to articulate an ideology as a VP should clearly be able to do… A VP should be able to carry a resounding coherent message and Joe did that eloquently!

As for Sarah, of course her campaign made sure that expections for her were so low that all she needed to do was to keep give a theatrical performance which she has shown she can do but her words and ability to clearly articulate a vision was non-existent!

her supports will continue to support her for whatever reasons they give themselves but for any of those more intelligent people watching she clearly is unfit to be a VP!

On earmarks Palin sought $197 million in so-called "earmarks" for 2009. In the previous budget year, she asked for earmarks worth $256 million. Palin, in the second part of her first major interview since she joined the GOP ticket, also defended the nearly $200 million in federal pet projects she sought as Alaska governor this year even as John McCain told a television audience she had never requested them.

The American people ought to know by now that we should run as fast as we can in the opposite direction of any VP candidate who wants to model him or herself after Dick Cheney.

Biden won the debate. I'm already sick of the GOP pundits saying that Palin won because she didn't wet herself or burst into tears and run off-stage.

She was deceptive and manipulative and her answers travelled in nonsensical circles. We've just had eight years of that. Enough!

Too bad Sarah wasn't quick-witted enough to point out that Joe Biden voted for the bridge to nowhere during the debate. Noone is saying that Biden and Obama don't approve of earmarks. It was Sarah Palin who built her platform on eliminating earmarks and pork barrel projects, that's why its so hypocritical. You republicans can't turn that around on Biden, he's not the one with the platform toting that earmark spending is bad, Palin is!

What's funny is that Obama and Biden each voted to fund the bridge– TWICE! The second was a vote to redirect funds from the bridge to KATRINA VICTIMS. Wake up people.

It is obvious to everyone no matter how the Republician try to package her, that she is way out of her league. She has no details of the issues, and all she does is talk and talk….And the more she talks, the more America realize that she is empty. It's like taking a high school football player and sending him to play in the NFL. It will be really unfotunate for her to be vice-president of America…..She is so VAIN, so
LOST, and so CONFUSE.

Palin is an empty suit just endlessly repeating the Repubs talking points and answering questions that were not asked and resorting to meaningless platitudes and patronizing flattery.
I thought Biden missed the chance on two occasions when he could have asked her to tell us specifically how McCain differs from Bush on a number of different policies. But of course that would have been considered "bullying"
And to suggest that criticizing the Bush administration, which McCain supported so much, is "looking backwards" is just laughable but no more so than to say that McCain was talking only about workers when he referred to the "fundamentals" of the economy being strong.

The Palin McCain ticket is the poster child for the dumbing down of America! Are they stupid or do they just think we are?

"Way to go Joe"

Hey Sarah—"Say it ain't so, Joe" When you can learn to speak then perhaps I'll learn to listen.

You made my choice REAL clear last night

Obama/Biden 08

Joe Biden was great last night. Sarah Palin not so much! As low as the bar was set for her as long as she didn't drool and stood upright she would be considered a winner. As a woman I find that insulting. I don't want a VP and potential President we have to grade on a curve. Your folksy shout out and winks were not enough to erase the undercurrent of stupid you exhibited in the Couric & Gribson interviews. Attack the media and regular folks who ask a question as biased those answere or non-answers were all yours. Palin's inability to take personal responsibility for her errors is not a trait I admire or want running this country.

What bothers me is some of the young people think it is so awesome that a woman is running. It is only awesome if that woman has wisdom. To simply vote for someone because they are a woman is an immature vote. Thousands of very intelligent woman could have been McCain's running mate that would have fit the bill. But it is not THIS woman.

There's a one in four change that McCain would not live thru his term and Palin would be President. Now…..that should scare the socks off anyone.

Biden answered the questions. Palin answered with prepared speeches.

Who in their right mind would vote for a ticket that can't even think for themselves???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who are you??????????????????????????????

I guess they had to get the moment biden had.

Him supposs to be The strong man behind Obama, he failed miserably.

Now we know their are two wimps on the democratic ticket.

Not a good idea for America, The American People or the Future of America.

tax credits are a scam. My household makes 60K per year and with all the children credit we have and education credit, we do not pay much federal taxes. Can someone explain to me how we will benefit from this 5000 tax credit if we dont pay 5000 in taxes?

Joe showed that Palin doesn't hold the market on Parenting – and he's been a single parent. I thought his choke-up was clearly unscripted and a touching moment that makes Joe real and approachable to all Americans.

Just because Palin didn't trip over her moose boots climbing the stage is no measure that she won – which she clearly didn't because she side-stepped clear questions, refused (literally) to answer the moderator's questions and apparently doesn't know what an Achillies heel is, unless she was explaining McCain's plan as her Achillies heel……

Either way – Biden clearly was the winner. American people are tired of the Republicans and what they've done to our country over the last 8 years under Bush administration and that's exactly how McCain plans to run his administration.

Change? or More of the Same?

It's clear.

Sarah Palin is clueless, OBVIOUSLY DUMB, watching her last night is like listening to my grandma tells bed-time stories. Her grammar errors and constant repetition of the word also was alarming ad bored.

Palin only repeated what the McCain camp told her to repeat. She didn't know if any of the facts where true or not and got caught in those lies more that once. She is only a puppet for the McCain camp. If another 9/11 was to happen and McCain wasn't around to handle the crisis, the real question is could or would Palin know what needed to be done. I think not. She can repeat what she is told but she can not handle the job of VP or possible the President.

How about the ultimate campaign to nowhere….

Biden was 50 times better than Palin. Palin was ok, but she did not answer questions and a few times went off on a tangent.

If you love Palin…she was great…

Otherwise, Biden was presidential, answered questions, and came with facts. He knew McCains history and she had no clue.

Obama/Biden 08

The lady did well. We can go places with her, make the bold moves that America has been known to take in the past leading us to the top. While Buden may be a better stewart of wht we have, the net result would the same old ways that brought us to this. Bush can be blamed but never before America was hit in the heartland of commerce as 9/11 but the Democtrats prefer not to take into account in discussing Bush's perceived failures. Bush lied to the American people but that is not because he was a Republicant or Democrat. He lacked character and he was superficial, the texan style of appearance notwithstanding. If only Clinton had not failed to protect America and give the world a signal, who knows, they may have never been a 9/11.

It's still a no brainer….kinda like the repug ticket

Palin did an outstanding job against one of the biggest and "baddist" bullies of DC. Her courage to stand up against this guy and not back down is what makes me know – even more now – that she and McCain have the courage that America needs right now to stop the "bad guys" – whether they're in DC, on Wall Street, sleeper cells on Main Street or terrorizing our allies. I was amuzed at how she took the lead on speaking her mind about gays/lesbians and mainly about Israel needs to stay our ally – then Joe came back – just like BO – with "yeah, yeah, me too, me too" – priceless!! Go Palin!!

Congressional Quarterly also looked at what it deemed to be "key" votes. That analysis found Obama voted with his party on 29 out of 30 votes, which came out to 97 percent of the time. For McCain, CQ said there have been 335 "key" votes over the years, and that he voted with his party on 266 of them — 79 percent of the time.

Biden showed warmth and depth of knowledge. What a great negotiator he has proven himself to be–courteous and caring. Since Obama chose him to be a partner with experience and wisdom, not a draw for votes, I admire his choice.

Biden was great! Makes me like the two of them even more.

GWEN: "Do you believe the Vice President is not part of the Executive Branch?"
Sarah: "No, er, what? What does the VP do?"

Palin is supposed to perform ok, People she running for president!!!

Sounded like a rehearsed speech to me…Let's talk about energy!!!!

She did well , she came across as a cheer leader , a beauty queen or a talk show host but not as a vp candidate

Talking about the bridge to nowhere. Didn't Obama and Biden vote for the bridge to nowhere. What hyporites.

Go Joe! You made us proud by answering questions and stating the facts! Palin's… I am not going to answer the questions? Gwen should have put her in her place. Palin/McCain… they are acting uppity!

All Palin did was her stump speech. No facts. Just lies!

At the end Biden should have included… thanks but no thanks!

i pay 60 bucks a month for my company sponsered health care, i dont care if that gets taxed, that might be 20 bucks a month, HOWEVER I have about 2,000 in total a year for spending for health care. what is better? 20 bucks a month which totals 240 dollar tax or a tax break of 2,000 USD which totals about 400 Bucks. this is a tax credit for me.

ALSO, we wouldnt have the government to control it. we got the most expensive health care system in the world and NOW YOU want to add overhead to it? what a nonsense.

Rob

McCain

Biden should be at top of the ticket.
He does not look good at number 2, poopoohing Nobama.

Here we are in the last inning of the ball game, the score is tied, and every player has been used, except for one whom no one has any confidence in, and this player steps up to the plate, and everyone hung their heads, no one wants to watch. The pitcher comes up throws the first pitch, the player swings and misses, and then everyone says "oh we are doom", the pitcher throws the second pitch, and the player misses again, and everyone says "time to go home", and then the pitcher throws the third pitch, and the player hits a home run, and now everyone is in disbelief, some are "cheering", some are saying "lucky", some are saying "the player beat expectations", some are saying "this only happens once", but no one is actually saying that the "player won".

So America who really are the true winner? The one who can step up to the plate when everyone says they can't, or the one who can talk a good game. The true reality, is that in life, there will always be the "can do" and the "will do", but it will always be "can do" who will survive.

God Bless us ALL!

That was awsome when he said that, I laughed out loud, biggest smile on my face!

Sarah was outstanding last night but it really doesn't matter what she says or does. The male newscasters won't give her credit. She will be ripped apart for every little word she utters just like Clinton. The only reason Hillary is being heard now is because she has to back Obama. Hillary should have been the Democratic Candidate not Obama. If Obama knows so much, why is he now using both Clinton's? Just to get Hillary's vote, why else! Obama is a manipulating Washington politician and he will be no different than what we have had these last 4 yrs. Only thing is, you won't know what hit you!!

7 John McCain
Opposes federally mandated universal coverage. Believes competition will improve the quality of health insurance. Supports health care tax dividends for low-income Americans, medical malpractice reform, improving electronic record-keeping, expanding health savings accounts, and encouraging small businesses to band together to negotiate

temi.
You got that right!!!
Plus it'll stop employers from even OFFERING health care plans if they are taxed on them. How insane is that idea!?

Ah, the Dems are being set up by their own eagerness to show their small, mean, pettiness towards Palin. Libs are all about tolerance…until you disagree with them!! Can't believe all the people tuned in hoping to see her destroyed. A fellow American who has actually won elections and been IN CHARGE. Unlike Obama/ Biden….except for the one playground Obama was in charge of rennovating as a Chicago community organizer…it's now a crackin' ho hangout, but the swings look nice. Plenty of time for people to tune in still and see who is actually about doing things, rather than about talking. Obama/Biden are running against Bush because they can't run against McCain/Palin. News flash — Bush isn't running! Acting like McCain is Bush isn't going to work.

We need the two who are Constitutional Scholars.

No more trailer park talk. Cute? No – just plain ignorant. More wars? No – we need peace and our country back for US.

Obama/Biden '08

That debate was full of ad moments for the Obama campaign. What we did see was Palin's ability to regurgitate scripted material in an effective manner but no cognitive thoughts on her own.

The part that had me puzzled is that she was calling for additional powers for the Office of the VP. She is under an abuse of power investigation about incidents that started long before she was a VP candidate. That in itself should make people think.

I thought joe did a great job sara joe six pack I think is still sitting on that bridge to nowhere

Gwen: "So Sarah, what programs would you delay or cut due to the economic crisis"
Palin: "DoBeDoBeDo"

Palin's debate strategy: avoid answering any questions presented to her by reverting back to whatever topic she felt like talking about. In essence, this is worse than blatantly coming out and admitting she is NOT qualified for this job, NOR does she have a CLUE about her or her partner's policies. If I were Biden, I would've interrupted and say "hey, can WE debate sometime soon!?"

MCCAIN/PALIN = BRIDGE TO NOWHERE

OBAMA/BIDEN = CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN! YES WE CAN!!

Joe Excellent Job, and you won last night debate.________Palin your smile was very dishonest and you did not answer the Question on alot of what was ask. _______"Go Obama & Biden Go"

Poor, poor CNN…..all your dem pundits were just sitting there last night waiting to pounce on Palin, again…..Campbell Brown was ticked off that she couldn't….The media needs to take a lesson…try all you want to destroy Sarah Palin…YOU CAN'T DO IT. Last night she PROVED you all put out such lies and distortions about her and tried your best to underhand everything she's accomplished, She PROVED you have such bias against her and want your messiah to win. UNEDITED SARAH PALIN IS BRILLIANT…..there you go again, Joe……

PS….hey America, STOP LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS!!!!!

Joe Biden won the debate hands down!!!! Palin sounded like a robot…..repeating herself, not answering the questions that were actually asked of her. Her down home folksy chatter, smiles and winks are ridiculous. It made her look like she was acting and campaigning on the stump. I am very very comfortable with Joe Biden as our vp, and needless to say, if necessary our commander and chief. Send her back to Alaska.

It's too bad Biden had to treat Palin with kid gloves, or risk having people say he was picking on her. It's clear she knows very little about anything. I wish they had to talk a lot longer on each subject. It would have been fun to see Palin racing through her notes, trying to put coherent sentences together.

She's forceful, but doesn't seem to know what she's forcing. Gawd. That sounds like Palin, doesn't it?

Responding to Maggie's comment that Biden is a cry baby. Think about this Maggie. Its Christmas Eve. Your wife and thirteen month old baby girl are killed in a car accident. You two young boys may not make it. Those were the memorys that cause him an emotionaly pause. Possibly Maggie, you have never lost a loved one, or perhaps you have never loved someone that much. Either way you comment was sadly shamefull.

Good Job Joe!

I loved that he stuck to the issues and the facts, while the Governatrix tried to sound authorative with glittering generalities, fake "regular gal" inflections, winks and Bambi-eyed, beauty-pageant smiles.

I give it to her that she didn't fall flat on her face, but trying to get a rise out of the moderator by saying, "I may not answer the questions the way Joe and the moderator may want me to" is a cheap shot.

And I was offended by her referring to Sen. Obama continually as Barack, while Sen. Biden was giving her the respect of calling her "Governor."

I am not interested in a "leader" treating this campaign as some pageant or reality show that she can "game" to win. This is no game, babe, this is real life!!! Get serious or get off the stage.

BOJO '08

BIden was good , I wish he had treated her as a combatant nat as a girl.

Biden was fabulous last night. He was thoughtful, deliberative, strong, emotive and presidential–I'm proud that he is running with Barack Obama. These two definitely will deliver "change that we can believe in".

Joe Biden clearly showed who is ready to become the president if something happens to Obama during the course of his presidency. He was great in that debate.

Biden wiped the floor with Palin….she couldn't go off script to save her credibility. The debate format really saved her from a thorough demolition though–even Palin can only damage herself so much in 90 seconds.

She read very well from her 3×5 cards and from rote recital of her debate camp lessons…but I'm still left with the impression that her 'knowledge' of the issues isn't all that deep, especially when directly paired with Biden..it was a wading pool next to an ocean last night.

When an unforseen question or jab hit her, she locked up for a few seconds or frantically tried to shift the topic to energy, alaska, or her fallacious arguments on taxes.

When Hillary teared up the MSM tore into her. Nothing is being said about Biden's stunt last night. Biden, also, made 10 errors last night.

The MSM was quick to point at Palins mispronouncing of a name, yet let Biden slide when he called her Senator, or when Obama called John,Jim?

I must say I am amazed, Palin didn't fall to floor and start speaking in tongues, and we are fortunate there weren't any witches in the audience, but seriously the difference between the two was like watching Palin (a second grader) debate Kennedy…It just showed that it might be cool to say in Alaska…Joe six pack…Maverick…soccer mom…can get you some cheers but Americans would rather hear about a plan. She is kind of like Rudy G….Noun Verb 9/11…and Palin Noun Verb Alaska…She refused to answer questions, dodged questions and then even said i am not going to answer questions the way you want me to…Debates have some protocal Sarah….Republicans, you should be thankful that she didn't fall down, but look at the Maps, they are all turning blue. You might even lose Indiana.

Biden did GREAT. He was on point, clear, and real. He knows his stuff! He rightly pointed out that McCain is not the "maverick" they'd like us all to believe–at least not where it counts. Way to go Joe ! You kicked some backside.
Palin was less awful than expected, but didn't answer the questions, and certainly didn't give any plans or policies–par for the course on the McCain campaign. The winking really got on my nerves as did her mispronouciation of nuclear (was it a tribute to Bush??) and her views of expanding the power for the VP and agreement with Cheney are downright scary. She already abuses her power "up there in Alaska". Not the person I want in line behind a senile cancer-ridden old man who looks older and sicker by the day!!!!!!!

We know what's at stake in our economy and the war in Iraq. We need REAL LEADERS, NOT A DITZY CHEERLEADER!! (Save the winks, and all that cute stuff too, we Americans are not in the mood.)

Joe Biden, your were excellent, excellent, excellent. You did a great job last night. You will make a excellent VP, however, as for you know who……Mrs. Pitbull needs to go back home. Hopefully, today.

How can you pick just one highlight from that debate. It was the most lopsided butt-kicking in the history of vice-presidential debates.

Even when he's obviously pulling his punches, Biden can't help but show Palin for the empty-headed ideologue that she is.

The better response to use in an ad was Biden's deciding to talk about the "Maverick"… yeah, let's talk about that recurring word I'm so tired of hearing. And all her other buzzwords that had no substance or clear plan that she could share. She "did well" meant she didn't fall down and blunder too terribly bad. How did everyone miss her calling Biden, "O-Biden"? From the response, I wonder if everyone watched in pain the same debate I did. "Wink." I'm certain America and world leaders needs a folksy winker in office when America right now needs a hero, and that hero is an Obama/Biden ticket. I hope for our nation's sake people vote on substance and not strung-together buzzwords coming out of a pretty mouth.

Two things that I noticed in the debate:

Sarah Palin smiled more than Joe Bide, indicating that her thought processes (and I'm being kind) were thinking who am I going to blame Biden's answer on;

One who smiles last, smiles best……my take is one who smiles last…..well they just didn't get it.

I thought that the ultimate difference between the two was preparation. I could see that Biden had clearly prepared himself and was speaking from his own knowledge. She was looking to repeat the information that was drilled into her during Arizona Debate Camp.

I want a real thinker for vice-president, not a pretty parrot.

Sen Biden did great last night….he was focused and answered the questions asked SP even looking at the mounds of notes in front of her still did not focus on the question.

And somebody tell Rollins that he's off his rocker. 46 points for Palin? Does he realize what an obscenely partisan outlier that was compared to the other scores on the screen? I saw him ratchet up the points by leaps of 5 points at a couple points. I watched the debate TWICE last night and still can't find more than 10 points for her. I also saw someone with 36 points or so for Biden, which was a little inflated too. If you guys want to keep your credibility, you need to be more objective in the scoring.

What fool could actually say Palin is qualified? One person said, "she isnt from Washington". I am not from Washington either, but that does not make me qualified to be VP. Geez, people, get a grip!

Maggie: your statement is an pathedic. How dare you criticize Biden for having emotions about the loss of his first wife and daughter. You should be ashamed of yourself.

That "folksy" triipe she pulled was nauseating. "I'll betcha""we're gonna" and those pathetic winks did nothing but make her look like a fool who can recite talking points but not answer questions unless she likes them. And of course the kicker was bringing her little baby on stage (at 10:30 at night!) and parading him around like a trophy. She succeeded in ony energizing the bible thumping, gun totin' base bu the rest of the voters will not be impressed

While I was hoping for a blowout in favor of Biden last night, I was pleased that the CNN Opinion Research Poll dictates a 51% to 36% in favor of Joe Biden. All and all not bad.

ah, yes! Biden's calm presentation of the facts compared to Palin's smirks, giggles, winks and folksy answers were "bullying" Not!
Fact Check pointed out, again, that Obama did not vote to raise taxes 94 times but truth is truly foreign to McCain/Palin…. even when corrected, again.

Palin had her answers all memorized, happy to parrot the talking points, no matter if it matched the question or not!

Notice, as always, the McCain fans have nothing to offer but name calling.

Sarah Palin gave a speech at the convention that was very good. It was read by her, not written by her but she delivered it well. Since then, she has failed miserably in every interview and given head-shaking answers that leaves one feeling they just took a trip into space.

She handled this debate well but it is way to late for her. One debate does not make a candidate.

Joe Biden is on it! Steady, honest, caring and knowledgable and could be President himself. Sarah Palin? No Way!

I'm thinking back to the Republican debates. If Sarah had tossed her hat in the ring and gone up against McCain, Romney, Huckabee and the whole lot, they would have cleaned her clock. She was not a good debater last night, she simply spit out prepared talking points, regardless of what question or issue was presented. She did that extremely well, but she missed the mark far too often when she dodged questions.

I have to say, the look he gave her after that one liner was pure gold. I laughed so hard. And what's the deal with Palin giving a "shout out?" There's a big difference between having hips and being "hip!" I said to myself, "I know this women did not just do a 'shout out'"! LOL ……HOLLA!!! I could so see her throwing up some gang sign or something. She's way to funny to "laugh" at! The jokes keep coming.

I was actually very moved though when Biden pulled a Hillary and got chocked up. I give him HUGE points for showing that men do break down and have emotions as well. We are human too.

Obama/Biden '08

Palin is the bridge to nowhere….

I think I watched the same debate as everyone else, but how can the viewers say this woman was so good? She was "trained" to "perform" in the debate as being trained like a pit bull with cheap lipstick. She didn't answer the questions asked, she switched back to what she wanted to talk about. She started out ok, but her finish to answering the questions was terrible. Yes, she did do better than her previous interviews, but…she still is not someone I would want a heart beat from the Oval Office. When expectations are that low for her, she has no where else to go but up.

Biden said last night the "No Child Left Behind Act" has not even been funded? Is that why on a REGULAR basis, I get things from the school offering educational help for my children at no cost? Just last week, I was sent a letter saying that the school has joined with SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER as part of the No Child Left Behind Act and 36 weeks of the education is paid for. Sylvan is not only expensive but VERY effective. So, Mr. Biden is not all together sure of everything he is saying….but no one points it out.
That is just one of the things I noticed last night.

How many times can Obama make himself look dumb and people still love him? WHAT? He wasn't to be stinking President of the United States and thinks there are 57 states! Here Sarah Palin makes minor mistakes like mispronouncing a generals name that most people would not notice or being off on the number of troops in Iraq ALL the while…..we have gained a few states over the past hundreds of years somehow!

4 years ago, everyone was up in arms about the cost of rx drugs…..now that we can get a 30-90 day supply for $5. no one wants to say WOW! that is awesome, everyone just wants to point out all of the negative no matter if it effects them or not.

Palin admitted 5 weeks of experience, weeks of rehearsal for one debate.

McClellan was a civil was general. He's not in Afghanistan. LOL

Thanks, Joe, for explaining the health care taxation. OMG

All Palin did was recite what she memorized in debate camp. She was very general and did not answer questions and very Cold. I Did not sense any emotion from her.
I also think she should invest in a babysiter for her baby because I don't think dragging him around is really accomploshing something and her poor daughters gets stuck carrying him and her husband just stands there with a fake smile. Its like watching a really bad theater production.
Obama Biden 08

LOL! Biden bored me to death. So Biden won, I would be shocked if CNN said that Palin won. Everyone knows where you stand, in the tank with Obama, so its not surprise that you say that Biden won. You don't even publish comments of people that question your objectivity. So much for freedom of speech .

Sen Biden once again showed how experience can be used to emphasize strong points as opposed to 'attacking'……interesting how the audience that was tracking responded whenever anything said was expressed negatively in both debates showing they did not appreciate the tone…Hats off to Sen Biden and the Obama camp for showing how strong leadership looks and should be.

I watched the debate with great anticipation. Palin, although attractive, cutsey, down-homey was a definite turnoff! It was blatantly obvious that her responses to the questions asked, that is when she chose to answer the questions, where sadly scripted!! She continued to return to her comfort zone of energy issues, when that was not the topic of discussion. Her avoidance to answer the questions was insulting to Biden, but most inportantly insulting to the Commission sponsoring the debate and to the moderator. I am more convinced than ever that she is most definitely not qualified to be but a heartbeat away from being President of the United States. Thank You

Jo Biden gave a wonderful performance but more than that he gave a clear vision for his campaign. He was able to communicate an ideology asa VP should clearly be able to do… A VP should be able to carry a resounding coherent message and Joe did that eloquently!

As for Sarah, of course her campaign made sure that expections for her were so low that all she needed to do was to keep give a theatrical performance which she has shown she can do but her words and ability to clearly communicate a vision was non-existent!

Remember this?

"That was the pinnacle of the debate" when Biden got emotional talking about his family."

I thought Joe was just going to wipe the tears from his eyes. What an emotional moment for him, thinking about himself and only himself.

i never saw him cry for the people who lost their homes on Main Street. He didn't cry for the familes that don't have the money to buy bread, milk and eggs.

And he wasn't thinking of our soldiers who are dying in harm's way caused in part by his vote to go to War. No, I didn't see him sobbing over that. Let's not forget Joe is a product of Washington and the Ivy League schools of "Cry, Baby, Cry. "

But only cry about your own problems when you go to sleep in your $4 million dollar home on your 4 acre lake front property. Now that is really sad. So go ahead Joe and have a good cry. You really deserve it.

Joe Biden was WONDERFUL! He demonstrates integrity, intelligence, and concern for Americans. His knowledge cannot be compared to that of Sarah Palin or it would be like comparing a scholar to an elementary student. Palin merely demonstrated that she has a good memory in stating what she has been instructed to say for the past week. When it came to answering the questions Joe was right on the money every single time. Sarah Palin could not answer questions; she merely went into the speeches she had been instructed to utilize. Biden and Obama can lead this country. Palin will merely be tucked in a room somewhere in the white house or sent on excursions around the country where she cannot cause too much trouble if she opens her mouth and inserts her foot. I can recite many of the famous historical documents of our country, but that does not mean I have the qualifications related to economics, foreign policy, national security, immigration, etc. to be President! Give me a break!

What about Bidens comment about Obama not being ready to be President, but that was OK because he (Biden) was, and he would be by Obama's side helping to make all of the important decisions. What kind of BS is that, we are supposed to elect Obama to be President not because of his qualifications but because his VP is qualifyed to be President!! So here we have Joe Biden, who could get his party's support for the Presidential nomination, who now is the nominee's selected VP, who now, if Obama is elected, will be acting as the President because Obama can't. Is there nothing wrong with this picture? c'mon people wake up here!!

I have excellent health insurance here at my job. A $5000 tax credit offer is absurb. I would be paying a lot more out-of-pocket expenses, than $5000, if I had to purchase insurance through the market.

McCains plan would be devastating to a lot of families, including myself.

The format of that debate really favored Palin, and I can see why McCain's camp pushed to have this short-answer format. She had time to get in her zingers, and the McCain talking points and smears. Then Joe only got a chance to respond once in a while. I got the impression that he had a lot of rebuttals that could have set the record straight, but the format didn't allow him to respond or challenge her.
I thought Joe did great, but I think he could have done even better if he'd had more chances to respond directly to debunk her claims and challenge her more directly on her vague and/or misleading talking points.

RJ, CA October 3rd, 2008 9:35 am ET

McCain, Biden, Palin are great Americans who make me feel proud of my country.

Obama is nothing but a self-serving autobiographer and a lying, cheating, corrupt Chicago politician!

Nice try I think your just a Republican operative trying to split the vote with that comment your not even a Democrat and who cares .

Obama is our next President so get used to it November 4th 2008.

Why didn't McCain prepare Palin with some facts?

What have they been doing this whole time?

Try to push this to Biden if you want, CNN. Everyone knows deep-down that Palin won this debate. She's likeable, knowledgable, and democrats are sweating bullets. Get ready for Nov. 4th.

Govenor Palin showed her lack of respect for the democratic process when she said she did not have to and would not answer the questions. What was the point of having a moderator if she was able to just carry on with her rehearsed talking points and was not forced to answer the question at hand. That is not a debate, it is a speech.

Too bad he won't explain the fact that both he and Obama voted for that, 'bridge to nowhere.'

Did antone see when obiden was giving his remarks Palin was pretending to be making note when what she was actually doing was reading the responses that was given to her.How can anyone within a week say that they can be VP after the interveiws this woman gave in the past week.These were prepared remarks not knowledge.She had very little substance and avoided giving answers so therefore she is still not qualified.I can gurantee he will keep her from cameras if she is by herself because again a reporter will ask a question and again she will ramble arond the answer.A young voter ask her a simple question and Mccain says it's gotch journalism..Please give me a break

HEADLINE: "McCain pulls out of Michigan. Pennsylvania and Florida Next"

If you think MCCAIN/PALIN is a continuation of Bush, you have no Brains left in your heads. Smoking Weed always kills brain cells-don't you know that kids. The fact is Obama is a bridge to socialism and ultimately communism. It doesn't work, look at Russia. We need
MCCAIN/PALIN for a Free America……..

More of Palin "political theatre" only more of it and more polish.
With America falling apart at the seams…the last thing I need in
the White House is "folksy".
Just how deep under the dirt are they hiding Dick Cheney ?

Will anyone, anywhere, in the news machine have the courage to present fairly the socialist leanings of Barak Obama. I've seen enough sound-bites to become alarmed at his responses to our U.S. Constitution, religion in general, and the free market system, not to mention the ability of the American people to govern ourselves. Furthermore, everyone is pointing their fingers at the White House, but it is Congress that makes the laws. And last, has anyone considered that Biden would be a heartbeat from the presidency if, G-d forbid, Obama is elected. Biden has 30 years of experience operating successfully in the system everyone agrees should be changed. McCain-Palin is the combination that will actually keep America a strong republic. The socialism of the Democratic party will destroy this nation.

Jo Biden gave a wonderful performance but more than that he gave a clear vision for his campaign. He was able to communicate an ideology asa VP should clearly be able to do… A VP should be able to carry a resounding coherent message and Joe did that eloquently!

As for Sarah, of course her campaign made sure that expections for her were so low that all she needed to do was to keep give a theatrical performance which she has shown she can do but her words and ability to clearly communicate a vision was non-existent!

In the unlikely and dangerous case that McCain/Palin win, the debate showed that Palin was not a COMPLETE idiot. I got tired of her downhome folksy talk, kind of condescending I thought. Also she kept referring to herself as sitting around the kitchen table worrying about bills when she is worth about $2,000,000, I believe. She has 2 or 3 houses, a plane and several other things us "average" folks don't and will never have. Anyway, I thought she exceeded expectations by a bunch, but she still could not come close to Biden

While many may think that Palin gave moe than expected performance in the debate Biden was clearly a winner with his style and presentation of facts and not seen as condescending or aggressive. Palin did well as a well programed robot spewing out well reharsed statements that sometimes were not even related to the question posed. I still think that she is not upto the big league. Will do well in Alaska.

I am old enough to remember a time when actually ANSWERING the question asked in a debate was inportant. Joe Biden obviously remembers that and Sarah Palin doesn't.

Sarah Palin acted like a robot stuffed full of talking points who was going to spout them no matter what was asked. And half of those "facts" were wrong. Joe Biden knew Sen. McCain's record far better than she did.

To the Conservatives in this forum: Tell me how this race isn't totally over? And give me a real answer, not a Tucker Bounds shrill talking point about Obama.

The first thing I want to say is that debates are exciting, informative and intentionally so. In my view, Mrs. Palin uses debates where they ought not to be used. For example, she sounds more like a preacher with language (new energy, revelation, maverick, change is coming and a whole lot more). This is not how she should campaign. We are not electing a Pastor for Vice President to tell us about the apocalypse.

It didn't surprise me that the Governor's background is from a new age Church in which she belongs. I don't think this will go over well with middle America.

Hopefully, McCain,72, will retire now.

maggie..you are in no position to tell anyone what they should or should not do

I need health care now, I am sick and tire of employers cutting my healthcare…

Excellent job!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Palin is cute and animated. But, these are serious times and clearly she was like a parrot repeating what she had memorized. Then was no concept of the complications we face. The thought of her as President is even more scary than McCain. Wake up people, hockey mom may make a good neighbor and friend but we are looking for a leader. Biden could have buried her, but he held back knowing she'd do that to herself. And on substance she did.

Shame on us for allowing the Governor to create her own rules of debate. "I may not answer the question…" – why are you there????

Congratulations to Mr. Biden who looked and sounded PRESIDENTIAL in the "debate". He tried to debate but it is difficult to debate someone who cleverly dodges all the questions in order to recite all the crammed, memorized lines that often had nothing to do with the questions asked.

I am surprised at the reaction to Palin's performance. How hard is it to exceed expectations when the standard of those expectations was for her to form a complete sentence? To me people are missing the bigger issue, and that is if Palin was running for President, do you believe she is the best qualified to lead the nation in this time of economic crisis? It takes more than just labeling yourself as a maverick to lead this nation out of the results of the past eight years. In my perspective, she looked nervous, rehearsed, and vague. I do agree that we should look at the debates in the primaries! If anyone can show me in the republican primary where McCain even mentions change in washington, then I'll change my vote from Obama to McCain!

anybodybut obama..you are proof of how partisian America has become. Sarah Palin REFUSED to answer some of the questions and you think she did well…Like I have said before..AMERICA is losing it's objectivity, and we are ALL suffering from it.

Biden did Awesome and he destroyed Palin, all while being a gentleman!! Thank You Mr. Vice President, you made America proud!!

Obama/Biden '08

That was a good one! Even though the audience was told not to laugh, that was the one time in the debate that they couldn't help it.

Way to go, Vice President Biden! When Obama needed you most, you delivered in a big way and helped seal this victory for Team O'Biden.

Maggie –
You need to reexamine your comment. Joe crying???? I don't think so. How about an intelligent response?

Interesting note: Biden voted in favor of funding that "bridge to nowhere."

Hillary had it right .
Biden looked poised, eloquent and ready to govern, a genuine and principled man of the people. He made the case for him and Obama
clearly and methodically, while at the same time discrediting McCain's cynical attempt to present himself as a genuine Maverick
Sarah six pack (who at times reminded me too much of Bush at his most brash and abrasive) rarely answered the questions given to her and just kept repeating the same Republican mantra we have heard too much of already. Beyond a few well rehearsed lines, she looked rather one dimensional nd didd little for her partner on the ticket.
Fortunately we only have a month or so before this is just a historical footnote.

Senator Biden=knowledgeable
Palin—-Script/rehearsed

Way to go Joe! Palin wants more power than Dick Cheney. NOW THAT'S RICICULOUS!

I watched the debate. I was impressed w/the information and knowledge of Biden. Palin did better than she has in recent interviews but she was still very robotic. It was obvious she had been coached repeatedly and came across as to scripted. I don't think she made any real difference in the polls but did manage to salvage her image.

Joe Biden did great and Sara Palin survived another day. When Biden talked about his son in Iraq and he got choked up that sealed it for me. Also the 'McCain is no Maverick' and reasons why was genius!

Obama/Biden in 08!
And I WILL vote!

CNN has a Fact Check about Obama voting 96% of the time along party lines. Given the state of the Republican party these days, I'd say that's a very good thing.

It's remarkable that the McCain camp is pushing this whole, "break with the party" nonsense. For him it's easy. The alternative is supporting George Bush 100% of the time.

She acted like she was answering questions from a beauty pageant. She is FRIGHTENING!!

No WAY No HOW McCain/Palin!

i am not sure what people want from plain, she is no match to joe has demonstrated in the debate,it would be unfear for him to come strong on plain it wouldn`t be an nice.
I didn`t hear plain mention on one specific details in the 90mins,to show her understanding of any issue. her achievement was not to veto a bill in alaska and "john and myself"is all she said in 90min.
So when people compare plain to joe there is no level of comparism.
Is like putting a primary school girl with a college boy in a debate,it is obvious who is more intelligent.

That was a good moment, and the crowd who was supposed to be quiet couldn't help themselves. Good line. The truly telling moment for me is when Biden choked up a little emotionally and Palin then continued on with her talking points and maverick, either completely oblivious of Biden's emotions, or completely lacking in humanity. That and her comment about being tolerant of others made my skin crawl.

The debate was the best I've seen in my lifetime. I thought Joe Biden was brilliant. He stayed on point and when he did stray, he kept your attention. Sarah Palin on the other hand, had to do what she had to do. She was okay, but she often didn't have an answer for many of the questions. She sort of rambled endlessly and tried to throw a little wit here and there. When she didn't know the answer she tried to change the subject. Do I think she's ready to be vice president or president? Absolutely not! Maybe in a couple of years, but not now. She needs to go back to Alaska and study a little more. Also, remember this was a debate not an interview! She was not pressed on important issues. She memorized talking points for a week.

Good job, Senator Biden. i don't expect less from you anyway.

As for Gov Palin I don't expect much and she did not gave much anyway. She was just dancing about the questions and going back to her scripts to give most of the answers.

She resorts to Wasila issues to cover up for her deficit on national and international issues.

The race remains the same with Obama having the momentum.

Nothing significant change.

Period!

Anyone trying to say that Biden didn't win that debate is fooling themselves. Biden has real knowledge, and his strength is clear.

Palin is folksy and all that, BUT, I love my country too much to turn it over to Palin and McCain.

Obama-Biden get my full support.

As an INDEPENDENT voter I have on HUGE problem with Governor Sarah Palin when it came to the debate. And that is this..
HOW and WHY should the American people overlook the fact she basically told the moderator she WAS NOT going to answer the questions given if and when she did not feel like it..
THIS NEGATES the very foundation of a debate!!
What is wrong with us? Have some of us become so partisian that we can allow a public official to basically tells us that the RULES don't apply to them???
America WAKE UP!!! This is inexcusable and should not be tolerated. What is the point of a DEBATE if you are not going to follow the fundamental rule that EACH contestant has to answer the QUESTION GIVEN….
Gov. Palin tries to brush over the fact she has very limited knowledge on certain important subjects by either not addressing them or giving some "heart warming hockey -mom type answer).
And this is OK to many of you??? Not good.
HOW LOW ARE YOU GOING TO ALLOW THE BAR TO BE DROPPED IN EVALUATING OUR LEADERS??
Our current President has a limited understanding about the rest of the world and look at the mess it is in because of HIS decisions.
DO YOU WANT MORE OF THAT???
ONCE AGAIN….What is the point of the debate if the contestants aren't REQUIRED to answer the question…I DON'T GET IT!!!

Right on Joe –
She is the ultimate VP candidate to Nowhere and anyone who thinks she's qualified needs their head examined

Biden is a cry baby, last night he showed he is not strong enough, he is a bully and a lier. By the way Hillary Clinton should shut up and stop pretending she cares for the Democratic party, after all the garbage the gave her during the primaries.

I loved it!! We all laughed!!

McCain/Palin – The Ultimate Bridge To Nowhere.

I thought Biden did a great job. I will admit I have always liked and respected Biden. He can be wordy at times, but whether you agree with him or not, you can see the thought and intelligence behind his words.

While I don't think Palin did as good a job as Biden, I will give her props as that she did better than I thought she would. Though again I will admit I had very low expectations for her. I think she did better speaking in her own voice during the debate, but I'm not comfortable with her grasp of certain issues this country faces.

GO JOE!

Palin is an amateur. You can take Barbie out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of Barbie!

No contest!

Meanwhile, the McCain camp released an ad of Palin discussing how she wants to model her Vice Presidency after Dick Cheney.

Biden was GREAT! There was a point toward the end, when after listening to Biden, I actually said to my daughter heck, I want Biden for president! I love him. He is so intelligent, so knowledgable, and at the same time so real as a regular person. I know the McCain/Palin ticket portrays Palin as the regular "joe" but the way she acted was more like it was a show.

Yeah Joe – you and Barrack voted for that bridge to nowhere and she didn't – remember that Joe?

OBAMA FANS,

IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER WHAT BIDEN SAID OR SARAH SAID LAST NIGHT YOU WERE GOING TO TEAR DOWN SARAH.
ACTUALLY SHE IS THE MOST HONEST PERSON OF THE 4 RUNNING FOR THIS ELECTION.
SHE IS NOT FROM WASHINGTON (THANK GOD) AND WANTS TO FIX AMERICA.

I REALIZE THAT OBAMA SUPPORTERS DON'T REALLY CARE ABOUT THAT.

ALSO I TRUST HER MORE THAN ANY OF THE OTHER 3.

HOW CAN YOU TRUST OBAMA??

The ultimate Bridge to NoWhere accurately describes McCain's healthcare plan. McCain's healthcare plan is nothing more than a farce. She gave thenormal stump speech line, but there's no detail in it.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Biden was great! I'm glad the Obama campaign is so organized and quick. It gives us a snap shot of how he will govern; organized, decisive, and focused. It will be a breath of fresh air.

I thought the rules upon which the McCain camp insisted were that they weren't going to be addressing each other directly. Palin did it and baited Biden to do it all night and he didn't. You see, nobody's falling for their slimy tricks anymore. Bye bye Palin. Hope you enjoyed your 15 minutes.

Biden and Obama are idiots. They voted for the Bridge to Nowhere and they voted for it twice. What kind of jerks are they.

CNN, how about a link to the video? You always include a link to the GOP ads. Isn't "fair" one of the key points of journalism? Without "fair" you are left with FOX News.

McCain, Biden, Palin are great Americans who make me feel proud of my country.

Obama is nothing but a self-serving autobiographer and a lying, cheating, corrupt Chicago politician!

Palin wiped the floor with Biden last night, just as McCain wiped the floor with Obama last week.

The media is doing their best to protect their darlings, but America is beginning to see through the lying, cheating, stealing duo that is Obama/ Biden.

Save the Country.

If you have any brains left in your head, vote for McCain-Palin!!

Excellent job!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Joe Biden you voted for the Bridge to no where… Does that mean you and Obama would support Mccain plan?

Hey Joe you sounded off incoherently, you kept repeating like you thought American watching wouldn't comprehend what you were saying, I found that offensive. I felt like putting you on Deleware's "Bridge to Nowhere" and letting you make a pit stop at Home Depot!!!!!

My friend who actually thought the McCain health plan looked good realized the smoke screen after Biden laid out the true details of McCain/Palin's plan.

She smiled.. What a way to acknowledge defeat.

YES!!!!!!!!!!

$5000 CAN NOT PAY FOR ANYBODY IN AMERICA'S HEALTHCARE!!!

WHAT IS THAT? TWO CHECKUPS ?