I was impressed with her for real. For a washington outsider she sure knows how to dodge questions and revert to non relevent issues. Look, this was a debate where questions were put out, Sarah Palin should not of showed up if she wasn't gonna answer them.

I'm glad I'm not the type of person who is "pleasantly surprised" by this all-american hockey mom "one of you" routine. Frankly I found it embarassing and not worthy of the vice presidency.
This is Dubyaism in full effect.

Come on ! This is not a job interview, this is a debate between two people, one of which is to become vice-president of the United States. Winks and non answers to simple questions and lies... No, these do not leave a "good impression".

Perhaps we should not look down on the level of understanding and maturity a basic American has.

Joe Biden responded to every issue extremely well, confidently and has shown his depth, knowledge and experience in terms of a politican and also an American. Some people might think that he has been too ‘deep’ in his arguments but I believe that we should not underestimate the level of a basic American. I’m sure despite him being very detailed and formal, Americans are still able to connect and relate to whatever he was trying to say and would acknowledge that he indeed is much more capable and steadfast compared to Sarah Palin.

In my opinion, Palin failed to respond to many issues. She basically changed the topic or avoided those crucial issues somehow, someway. This shows her lack of depth, too much dependence on charisma and charm. That will not get her very far. This is a difficult time for America, a pivotal point, Americans will not vote superficially. But would consider both candidates closely and find that an Obama, Biden administration is needed to correct the direction of America today, for a better future.

The thing is.........Palin was on trial all the way........but I am tired of hearing Obama/Biden arguing that McCain/Palin have the same politics view of Bush and they will bring the change........change........what change?..I still have not heard enough to convince me that they are truly the change.........I think is all blue collar talk and more blah blah.......I am going for the reds so far!....a devil can get better but an unknown can be worse!.

with all do respect for Gov Palin she was way out of her league
Senator Biden was kind and respectful and on target with his answers
Senator Biden did excellent job in putting Senator McCain with President Bush policies so in my humble opinion Senator Bidon won hands down no contest

Can we handle 4 or 8 more years of hearing the word "nukular"?

It would be nice if there was a real canidate out there, one that worked for all americans. Biden is a professional BS'r and Palin now has her apprentiship papers in hand. Be prepared for the same old Washington BS from either party.

I was not pleasantly surprised by her. I was repulsed, because most of her answers were off topic. Go back and listen to what she says, and you will realize that she did not actually answer any questions, but she started talking things like "walk the walk" and "we are there for you..." etc. Old style politics were not the reason I turned ON the TV, I wanted to listen to answers instead. And while Biden half-gave these answers, Palin didn't. So if I had to pick between two almost blind people, I would pick the one who can see best, and in this case that's Biden.

It appears that a number of statements made by Sen. Biden in regards to Sen.McCain were false according to the good Sen. from Tenn. HHMmmm False statements ! Thoughts from the panel?

OK I'd rather drink several beers with with sarah instead of joe . However, I want someone who knows more about foriegn policy than I as my V. P. ---– baxter from Utica

Give me a break, its like comparing the graduation of two people, one who you know seems like they graduated from an ivy league school, and one who just went to a school. And everyone is estatic because the one actually got through the school. What a basis to elect a VP.

Maybe there is a case for lowering our standards for VP? Maybe we would guilty of discrimination if we did not elect the intellectually challenged to office?

Still there s no hiding her inexperience. She may be even more inexperienced than Obama is- but that s not the point. What matters most is what she represent- the core values that made this country strong. Obama, on the other hand, is trying to sell us the same old socialism under wrappings of reform. With his style and record, he d make a great bartender in downtown L.A. I will vote for him, though. Let s have another great comedian in the White House.

Palin, is really too simple to have been considered for the vp. if the Alaskans really chose this lady for gov it tell a lot about how the ice is affecting their brains up there

If she is going to be at the controls of the USA I wish you all the best of luck.....unbelievable.. a living tape -deck

Jonathan.
At the end of the day, would you trust her to be VP?
Seriously?
She spoke the same line over and over again.
She added nothing new in terms of substance.
Sure, she is pretty, she can smile, she can call Americans "Joe Six-Pack", she has appeal, BUT, and this is the crucial thing... does she have the capacity to think logically about issues.
Can she hold her own without going off on a tangent or emotional side step?

I think Joe Biden impressed me. He was so knowledgeable and human.
I did NOT know about the tragedy of his wife and child dying. I was touched to see how that still affects him. I saw him as a person I could trust to see issues with a balanced argument.

She read her script well. It proves anyone can learn the party line well.
She does not have the experience and wherewithal to hold this office.

As one of the bloggers posted recently: Holy question dodge batman!

I HOPE the American public can see through this.

I think Palin tried to change the subject too many times, which gave me the impression that she had no answers yet to some of the important questions. Is she ready to be VP then? I did not get the impression that she was communicating to the public at all, but rather that she was repeating what was taught to her in the 'debate training camp' she attended before the debate.

Joe Biden did a lot better, although he too relied on studied thetoric at times, but that is part of the game, I guess.

I watched the debate from all the way down here in New Zealand and I can't believe the positvie reviews Palin is getting. You Americans must be easily pleased.

She didn't fall on her face because poor Biden knew he couldn't be seen to push her. Does she have any facts? She says to look forward but you have to know what you did in the past so you can learn from your mistakes. Experience prevents mistakes. SHE HAS NONE.

You only have one choice really. How can you in your right mind let the inexperience of Palin loose as potentially the President of the United States if god forbid something happens to John McCain.

John King is a Republican. He never speaks well of Democrats. He hardly ever mention the word Democrat. He should not be on CNN talking so bad against Democrats. It is just not right.

I think it was a clean sweep for Joe biden. The debate reflected Biden`s experience, confidence and ease about the issues facing US. Palin was more looking like reading a script and was running out of ideas so she kept coming to the same topics time and again. As a neutral observer, I think Biden was outstanding and I guess at times better than Barrack

Get real! that woman is not VP Stuff.

Also, by us not knowing about his tragedy and overcoming adversity – I was more impressed.
Not like Palin who drags her "hockey mum" status and family into the mix at every possible opportunity.
Nice how her eldest pregnant daughter is now locked away at home.
If she keeps dragging her family into this, why is she now leaving her out?

Palin looked and spoke like one of us is not the question. She failed to answer some of the questions put to her. Like some examinations these days the bar was set so low that it was difficult to fail. It is pity that the moderator did not remind her to answer the questions put to her.

I wasn't all that surprised by Palin. I knew she'd try to win on personality points even if she couldn't offer anything of gosh darn substance. On the former, she did well.

But I seriously question whether she accomplished what she needed to do in terms of increasing confidence in her as a leader. This isn't four years ago when she might have gotten away with platitudes and programmed rhetoric. Unless you have seven figures in gold, a paid-for house and a pre-nup, the critical mass of voters are worried and concerned about their future and especially the lack of leadership we've seen from the GOP the past seven years. I think they're paying much more attention to competence and experience this time and a lot less of it to which candidate they'd like to have a beer with.

Frankly, to me it looked like two people debating over two different offices: Biden for Vice President of the United States and Palin for Vice President of the senior class.

Palin is just good enough but she did not seem like the real thing … on the other hand Biden is quite solid … maybe even worse is the idea that Palin would be the world’s leader if McCain wins and then for some reason dies (don’t forget he is 72 yrs) … Palin is not ready!

I will certainly vote for Obama / Biden !!!

I'm a registered Republican but in the VP debate I think Biden is the clear winner. Palin gave us mostly superficial fluff and dreams about some future intention. While I don't agree with all the Democratic points at least they gave me more meat to consider. I'm walking away from the debate feeling like I connected with Biden more on a kitchen table basis. I also feel that Biden did a much better job of making me believe that the Democrats will take a more active interest in what the common people want instead of what the rich people want which is more of the same. Palin didn't give me anything that convinced me their ticket would actually be different. I want to vote Republican but I'm really finding it increasingly hard to convince myself to vote for more of the same. Maybe I'll be the one to take the financial risk and vote 100% Democratic for the first time in my life.

I think she was absolutely terrific! she is no oldie who needs to shake off their dust and to remind people who they are. she is a woman in all her strength and passion, and a fresh voice that speaks coherently to any individual in the world. yes, she lacks experience but she is talented and a hard worker and shell get there, she made a terrific impression.

I was very surprised by Senator Biden. The best performance in a debate I have ever seen. Right combination of knowledge and emotion. Perfect timing when “going after” John McCain. Just what VP candidate should do.
Fernando Cabral from Brazil

I'm shocked that the commentators on AC360 say Palin did a good job. She avoided the questions asked. Why can't the Republican commentators acknowledge that?

I cannot believe that the media is giving her what seems to me to be an extreme pass. Is that because she is a woman? Poor thing, she needs protecting from the mean old media. She is a disaster. She never answered a question and if she said also one more time I was ready to trash my television. It's unbelievable to me that the media would say there were not gaffs. She can't even put a sentence together. Shame on you!

Are you a spin doctor for Palin? I could not spin her performance in a better light then you do even if I had months to write it, did you have this article all written and ready before the debate even began? If you read the comments here you will see what people think, and you will replace the bet you made at the end of your article.

Nope, not surprised at all. I knew she would have studied hard and would come out all spit-and-polished - I didn't expect her to crash and burn. I think Biden had a tight rope to walk and he did it with grace, but that doesn't surprise me, either. Problem for Palin here is not that she didn't go up in flames, but that she looked rehearsed. I'm not a fan of Governor Palin's - in fact she scares me - but as a professional woman, one who has worked hard to get where I am, I think that McCain has a lot to answer for in picking this very unripe fruit in a cynical move to get a lady on the ticket. He's killed her career. Where will she be in ten years? On the island of Lost Toys with that girl in the stained blue dress - what was her name?

In terms of getting the candidates over the line in the election: this debate may have been a game changer. Like it or not, many voters go with their hearts and not with their heads.

Palin spoke to people's hearts from her notes. Straight to the camera. This is what I (though technically her speechwriters, not her) will do for you. That's a powerful message to the shall we say "less thoughtful" voter. Never mind the almost complete lack of content or thought. Marketing over policy.

Biden clearly spoke to voters' heads from his heart. This is what I believe in. This is what my policies will be. He debated, switching focus from Palin to the moderator to the camera. He answered the questions. And he will be seen as the loser of the debate for it on marketing points, more's the pity.

The test of the American voter in this election will be head vs heart. Thoughtful policy vs the war vet and the hokey hockey mom. Surgeons vs scrappers. Long term national interest vs what's in it for me.

The head gives this one to Biden. The heart, to Palin.

Please! Her performance was laughable. I can't believe the green light the media is giving her for this recitation of canned responses. So she didn't trip on her words– that is hardly commendable for a politician. Why is she being held to this baseline standard and lauded merely for not embarrassing herself? She is a candidate for the VICE PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED STATES!! Why is no one pointing out the glaring differences in experience, knowledge, expertise... Biden was clearly miles above her in all of these arenas. Her appeals to "joe six-pack" are so predictable, so cloying, so disrespectful... She couldn't even answer numerous questions and had to completely change the subject– did no one notice this?? Just ridiculous. Palin does not deserve even these lukewarm commendations.

Palin is like a breath of fresh air!

Sarah Palin presented herself quite transparently. Inexperienced and shallow using rhetoric and resorting to blatant insults that lacked any kind of professionalism. Terms such a their plan is to raise the "white flag, " etc. Meanwhile, Joe Biden extended her the courtesy, even when she did not give the correct name of the General in Afganistan. She is inexperienced and is learning on the fly about the world issues and it is not her fault. She is doing the best that she can and that much is obvious. Give her a gold star and extra credit. Particularly at the beginning of the debate, Palin did not come close to answering the questions posed by the moderator. She rather used her time as free-air speech. Biden, on the other hand, answered each one directly. The McCain-Palin seem to view the war and "winning" as if it were a sanctioned fighting match, which has a beginning and an end, a winner and a loser. 700 plus years of divisiveness, however, among the sects in Iraq prove that there will never be a clear "win," as they so naively portray. There will be one more suicide bomber followed by another, and innocent lives will continue to be lost. It is not throwing in a "white flag" to tell Iraq, "We have given you the tools, we have trained your soldiers, you have an economic surplus, handle it now!" It is putting up an "American Flag" and saying, we killed Saddam Hussein, you have a democray, go to work!" Our war-like presence there will continually be a hinderance. It is time to put our resources together and go after our enemy... Bin Laden.

Palin didnt do it for me at all she kept on dodging the questions Ameicans and the whole world need answers from Real People and the Real People in this election are Obama and Biden!

Wow..I am shocked people think she did well. Yes, she didn´t make any obvious mistakes but I hope that is not our standard for having a VP. I mean, she really has a shot of being the Pres if McCain gets elected due to his age. There just has to be better qualified Republican women out there to run as VP. There has to be.

Lisen here. I am swedish and the only thing i can say is that Biden crushed Palin. Well she did okay bud Biden was almost an 10/10.

Palin was like a child. Smart and pretty but did she have any presidential qualitys, no thats a no.

She talked what she wanted to, she was so prepared, and so fake. But at the end i think she won, She felt more fresh, and entertaining and sadly thats whats counts in this day politics...

Whilst Palin did well and people's attention will be focused on her performance. Biden was focusing his attack on McCain. He was very effective. He won on the economy, foriegn policy and exploded the John McCain is the 'Maverick' myth. I think, Palin's rating may well improve, but McCain's ratings could actually decline. In short, Palin saved herself but Biden hit the RIGHT target.

Gov. Sarah Palin's total disaster. I cannot believe that Senator John McCain picked her as his running mate. Yes, she is a hockey mom and she was able to dodge the puck during her time as a hockey mom, but this is not hockey – this is about issues. She has been dodging the questions from the moderator constantly and was talking like a robot as she was trained to do so. I feel sorry for her as she never probably realized what she was going into. I blame Carly Fioriona for helping her in this ordeal.

Cheers.

Syed

I found this to be one of the more bizarre debates in some time. Biden kept trying to talk to the audience like grown-ups, and Palin wandered around one liners and "folksy" sound-bites. These are serious times, and I want serious people who are thoughtful and curious about the issues–not someone whose best line about foreign policy is the need to protect our "national security freedoms" (what???).

If the draw or near-draw between Obama and McCain went to the alleged underdog last week, Obama, then I think it is fair to say we can give the edge tonight to Sarah Palin.

In reality, there isn't one but three scorecards to consider when reviewing a debate performance. The most important is that of voters themselves, and expectation game aside, voters will likely agree Palin was not the sputtering novice of her recent interview and quite likely delivered the day. She is clearly capable of handling the pressure of large crowds and high expectations. She probably gained some points among voters here, and deflected the harsh criticism about her wits. At this time I am unsure, but if I had to guess I would say Palin wins the political points.

On the facts and issues scorecard, the balance of the points fairly clearly fall to Biden. He answered questions with great specificity, and dipped into the deep knowledge and experience he is known to have. Palin directly dodged a number of questions, and appeared to resort to pre-prepared lines on the hot button issues. When she couldn't fill the gaps with details, she gracefully filled the seconds with prose on the greatness of America and reverted to issues she overtly stated "I want to talk about".

The third scorecard is that of the pundits, and I am quite certain they are analyzing, spinning, and overanlyzing even now. Of course, how they are rated by pundits will generally fall along political lines. No major gaffes occured, the talking points of each of the candidates were expressed, and the debate was by and large an expression of the platforms America already knows.

In summary, Biden wins on substance, and Palin wins on style. I look forward to the next presidential debate.

This campaign for the republicans candidates seems to be a sequel of Dumb and Dumber.

Sara Palin pretty much got clowned the whole way through that debate.

Sorry Sarah but you are no Hillary Clinton.

Palin lacked substance, she tried to fill the spots with vague words that does not bring her up to the post of the second in command.
Biden was in control, highlited what his ticket has to offer and hammered back at Mccain, Obama won, America won

Pleasantly surprised???

The folly of American politics is this kind of shallow reporting that brings the bar down so low on what is required of a leader! She just had to look at the camera, have poise, smile, wink and she did ok?? She's running as VP for God's sake! This is not a beauty pageant! She could actually be the president of the US one day! And this is all that is required for her to get a "pass" on the debate??

What is CNN's role is pointing out that she came across rehearsed, did not answer questions and so, its questionable whether she's ready? So what if she does not have the experience compared to Biden? Do you think the world and the stock market makes allowances for that? If you chose to run for VP or P, you are saying that you meet the mark to be a President – so why bring the bar down for her inexperience or because she is a women?

This is silly. The debate is being analysed like this is an American Idol contest!! God save the world from Americans!!

Joe Biden answered the questioned asked. Answered them in a Vice presidential manor. Palin at times did not answer the question asked. The vast difference in substance was astonishing. She was out of her league and element. Joe is ready to lead,
Go Joe.

Karl Rouge says that Sen. Biden made over 10 false statements about Sen. McCain Wow. Fraudulant statements by the democratic party !!! Thoughts Ladies and Gentlemen ? ? ?

I am watching the debate LIVE from Singapore. I wish the American people a LOT of luck if Palin was elected to office.

I think that before the debate, Palin set the bar very low on substance expectations and very high on the audiences' morbid needs to witness public humiliation;

After this, you inject some memorized arguments and names (I hope this is clear for everyone that saw the debate), and try to avoid answering anything you couldn't learn in a couple days time-frame;

And, Voila!, You get people talking about: "She was pleasant" or "She didn't made an ass of herself." The question remains: Is "not making an ass of yourself" during 90 minutes the unique qualification that a vice-president needs?

I am still hoping that most people will say "No".

As a non-American I watched just to see if this women Palin was really
running for VP of your country.
If that is the best you have to lead you out of the mess, good luck on November 4th.
I guess the fact she really didn't have any answers of substance doesn't matter. But the fact she had to wink into the camera twice makes me cringe.

you know what I also find pathetic , those personalities at cnn and the other networks (so called professionals) who seems to think that Mac and Sarah are intelligent people. I have made sure to note them so that whenever I need professional advice they are not in the loop

I know I don't want a soccer mom as VP. I want someone that knows what they're doing and not someone trying to convince me that my 6 pack relationship is valid. None of those folks live in my 6 pack world and I actually felt like I bonded more on a common citizen level with Biden after the debate. I knew Palin would do better than she has in the past but it was all polish and no substance. Must be the fancy lipstick. I don't want more of the same from either party but so far I'm not seeing anything from Republicans on exactly what they will do differently. That's want I really wanted to know. After this debate I feel much more comfortable in the possibility of voting for Obama than I did before. I also wish the bailout would have been better covered. The bailout is necssary but we need controls to keep this in check and we're not seeing anything but pork being added. I really wish we could VOTE THEM ALL OUT.

The real difference with Biden is that Palin is a go-getter with more energy and courage. So she seems more capable of getting things done. Her magnetism brings people on her side and she's a strong, natural leader. There's no double-speak with her—she gives a feeling of honesty and she earns your trust. Even if you don't agree with her you can't help but admire and like her.

If I had any doubts about Palin's suitability for vice-president, they were cemented by her poor performance on tonight's debate.

She repeatedly failed to answer the questions posed to her and made numerous mistakes i.e. referring to Gen. David D. McKiernan of the Army, the top commander in Afghanistan, as “General McClellan. Mostly, I was not impressed, disgusted even, with the whole "aww shucks – god darn it – i am a hockey mom" facade she put on; you are up for vice president of the most powerful country in the world, not running for your local PTA office.

I was never an Obama supporter, but he is definitely getting my vote in November!

I just watched and it semed to me that Biden put John Mc Cain on trial on his record rather than Sara Palin ! I think to point out both on foreign and domestic policy in the past eight years of Bush supported in the main by McCain that got us in this mess,also the human side of Biden when he almost broke down shows that the wound is still there he may not have time in the Hanoi Hilton but Biden too has his pain deeper there he came across as realy one of us,human Sara came across as plastic.

Are you commentators kidding us or are you really serious about her performance, which was all it was. She must be a hockey mom cause she sure stick handled around the answers. Heaven help the USofA if you elect this twit. I'll bet her IQ and McCains combined are no higher than B.O's

Biden – style and substance
Palin – style no substance

With the well phrased predisposition that Biden was on TV while Palin was on trial, I must admit Palin suceeded in proving her capabilties to fill the role of VP. Biden has by far surpassed that.
Palin looped around the few energy related topics she felt comfortable with. She also repeatedly mentioned her personal hardships, background in Alaska and connection with the average American. All though she may be a bit more of an Average Joe (correction Jane), I was significantly taken back by Biden's single comment and show of emotion regarding his personal hardships.
They surprised me by falsy agreeing on opposed issues such as Gay Marriage, but clearly Palin was playing down her true opinion.
As expected Biden won this debate. Palin has proved her self worthy and able, but based on her lack of knowledge or unwillingness to adress key foreign policy issues, she hasn't quite won the "trial".

Unfortunately many commenters are missing the point. You can laugh at Palin's scripted rhetoric, mock her hokey winks and be in good company in the educated, issue-oriented CNN blog commenter community. But there are *millions* of your stereotypical joe sixpacks who don't give a damn about issues.

"Yeehaw! Less tax, more jobs, kick Irack's butt, cheap gas! Caribou Barbie gits mah vote, and she's cute to boot!"

Everyone of those people has a vote just as powerful as yours. Most of them are in Palin's palm tonight.

Mock all you like but Palin did a good job speaking to those people. She and Gramps McCain know how to win elections – and that has nothing to do with being able to capably run the country.

The President and the VP will need to work as a team, tapping off each others strong points... Can you seriously see McCain seeking Palin for advise in office? McCain is a self proclaimed 'Maverick' who thinks he knows it all... do you think the opinions of the inexperienced 'hockey mom' Palin will have any affect o his decision?

C'mon, its obvious that she' a political tool for him to get him into office, afterwhich she'll just be made to stand in the corner and look pretty. Oh wait, its oval, there are no corners.... guess she'll just be walking in circles then.

I consider myself to be and independant.....I could help this thought from coming to mind during the debates regarding Govenor Palin, The Stepford Wifes and the Beverly Hillbillies are going to Washington! The thought of her being a heart beat away from the office is scarier than The Exorcist.....

Palin earned the 5 Peanuts rating for her "script reciting, buzzwords memorizing, question avoiding, cutesy winking" monkey trained performance.

If ever i wanted to become a dictator, i would choose the American system, Mccain/Palin are consistent in there lie's to the American People, and contribute nothing in the way of substance towards dealing with the issues, they both have no substance and no credability and im amazed anybody could reach the whitehouse as they both try to do,and the American people not be out raged, America should hide its head in shame

As most of the commenters on this page have already mentioned, Palin really dodged a lot of questions. She also kept repeating the lie that Democrats equalled more taxes on average Americans.

Now, Joe Biden corrected her early on, but she kept repeating what is clearly an out-right lie throughout the debate. Look at the tax policies of the two parties, the Republicans are offering tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations, whilst Obama is offering them to the middle class. Biden must have felt he was talking to a brick wall.

I'll repeat what somone said, only the intellectually lazy or socially irresponsible would elect McCain/Palin over Obama/Biden. In the case of people who believe the taxation and spending lies of the Republicans, it's probably intellectual laziness,

please change "could" to "couldn't"

Palin's comments on gay partnerships only served to express how toxic this lady is. I honestly hope that for the benefit of all US citizens that she never gets near an ashtray in Washington, least of all the Oval office!

Palin or Biden? What a joke they're? Ain't gonna be a CHANGE nor FORWARD in issues debated. Do American or perhaps the rest of the world have a choice?

Did anyone pay attention to the body language hints of the two candidates?
You could see from it that Sarah Palin was trying real hard to cover her going in disadvantage. To me, the almost continuous, but waxy smile in her face revealed a great deal of tension stress. From her face you can see that she had rehearsed, but still very nervous and defensive. Many times her mouth twisting gave the impression that she may not believe what she is saying.

On the other hand, Joe Biden was relaxed and seemed to be in control. Many of his answers were repetiotions of past speaches. He was so relaxed, that he almost lost control, as he opened up and almost cried about his child. His body language projected that he believed strongly what he was saying.

I really believe that CNN is wasting time and money getting all their so called experts to give their views. I sometimes believe whether they watch the same debate as the rest of us. Their expert commentary is so far off what we see I think they are there just to create publicity. Let's just have the debate and abandon all this expert commentary.

We all knew going into this debate that Biden was the more experienced in every aspect. It would not take a lot for Palin to impress, even if this only means holding her poise and not stumbling all over herself.

There was not much to Palin's debate other than rhetoric in topics she wished to cover. This may be good debate tactic (switching focus), but it's not what the audience wanted to hear. Biden did it as well but at least there were more specifics to his debate.

Btw, I was very irritated by Palin's constant winks at the camera.

Is Sarah Palin ready to be president should the need arise?
No less and no more than George W.Bush was 8 years ago. And clearly, after 8 years in the White House I still don't think he has a real grasp of his job, anyway.
There will always be somebody else to do the thinking for both of them – and make the decisions. And unfortunately, those who do that don't have what's best for the people in mind.
And so we keep rowing against the current, as F.Scott Fitzgerald said (or something to that effect) – barely managing to survive.

"A perfectly acceptable impression" ??? You're joking – right?
It was perfectly acceptable if you don't demand any standard of your VP higher than a hockey mum with little foreign understanding or substance.. Does she think the 'wink wink, nudge nudge' demeanour she uses will impress foreign leaders during negotiations?

like one of the CNN analysts said:

Imagine a 9/11 type of a situation, and the president is up in the air somewhere in airforce one. Would you trust Pallin or Biden to carry you through and make the best choices on your behalf for the country?

Obama-Biden all the way!

Why are people swayed by image? Is this like voting for your local class president? The reality is people were looking to see the train wreck that never happened. Palin held her own for the most part except in one major aspect, substance. Where were the facts? Palin dances the best two step over most politicians. If the play, “Music Man” were to come back she would fill the part of Henry Hill in a Tony winning performance. She is top notch in not answering the question. It’s a shame in this day and age of image and celebrity that the public entertains itself with Gov. Palin. If we were to take the transcript of the debate taking away the delivery by both candidates would we still feel Palin responded with substance or homespun wordplay and divertive double speak? We shouldn’t believe in change for changes sake, it needs to be defined. Obama is defining this. How come she can’t separate the McCain campaign from the Bush Administration and show to the American people what the McCain/Palin ticket would mean to America? How can you get out of the way of the American people, not tax business and yet believe in regulation. It’s because in does not believe in going after big business. Palin is not Main Street. Scratch the fresh paint away and you would see, actually just read the transcript of the debate.

The question is Sarah Palin proved she is ready to be the next vice president? The answer is: NO
The question is: was she able to answer accurately on questions made by the moderator?
The answer is simply NO: She was using time after time such irrelevant talking points.
The question is: did she make independent voters change their minds and vote for John McCain? I don’t think so!

As an undecided voter, Palin has scared me away from voting Republican. Her unprofessional patronizing and uninformed persona is an embarrassment to our country as a VP candidate or any possible representative of any U.S. office, period. "Plain Folks" propaganda is her byword and I cannot support anyone so plain in intellect to run my country. Shame on McCain for believing that the American people would fall for such a sham. I've lost all respect for McCain for his reckless disregard for the value of intellect and world view as a neccessary prerequisite for the VP position.

yes american has had lovely coots for prez. but to think that a more intelligent generation as the one we now live in will let Dumb and Dumber in the white house you think again. In a very funny way it may be good that the US is going thru a financial crisis (I am not even sure because Bush and his wall street buddy Paulson say so) at this crucial time because those peope with big hearts for Mac and Sara will think with their heads

with this debate over, It must be a cake walk for the democratic ticket.
Palin was screaming at the top of her voice that SHE IS NO WHERE NEAR TO BE A VP CANDIDATE, EVEN OF A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY. HER SCREAMS WERE SO LOUD AND CLEAR THAT EVEN A DEAF CAN HEAR THEM.

Why is it that Mr.Anderson Cooper and his panel seem so intent on finding out what Sen.MaCain needs to do to get back in the race instead of acknowledging that he has no chance in hell of winning the election. Also,it would appear that there was only one participant in the debate tonight ie. Sarah Palin,as all the focus is on how well she did or did not do. She did ok,but clearly Sen.Biden did substantially better.

wat a mess!!!! i listened so hard for answers to simple questions but got winks, when Biden spoke on experienced policy decision moments in the senate, McCain was extolled and lifted high, complete with a halo on his head and called angel Cain. Americans should ask themselves who they want to be ruled by, is the the campaign tactician and scripter Paln has to obtain permission from for every line of statement she makes or a self confident and knowledgeable everyday woman like clinton who can be trusted to think through situations quickly and make critical decisions in a split second....

Judge for yourself, the choice is yours.......

Biden was clearly more vice presidential and knowledgeable. Palin repeated a number of lies regarding taxes and funding that are easily checked on factcheck.org so my guess is that she thinks the American public is too stupid to check. She comes across as somewhat shrill and a bit too folksy. It sounds phoney. Biden certainly won but Palin didn't hurt herself since apparently people didn't expect much of her. I don't think it changes anything. The McCain/Obama debates are the most important.

At some points I really had a hard time following the debate. This is because when Palin was asked something she would answer something not related to the question. I understand that politicians put spin on news. But, there is a difference between putting political spin and answering memorized stuff completely unrelated to the original question.

What a dangerous woman. For the world's sake, she cannot become VP.

If CNN political analysts still feel that Palin did a good job ( which is quite surprising to hear from such an elite panel) then they should read the reaction on their own website. 95% of the people feel it was a completely Biden show while the panel sits there and actually feels Palin was better than Biden at certain stages of the debate...wow!!!

I am quite disappointed with the thoughts being shared on CNN.

This was no contest. I, frankly, was depressed by the media saying that 'the bar was so low' that no matter what Palin would come out ahead.

False. I refuse to lower my bar of expectations. She didn't know the answers to basic questions earlier in the week, and didn't seem to know them tonight. All I heard from her was maverick and reform and 'we're gonna get it done, heck yea we are'. Absurd, insulting to suggest she qualified herself tonight.

I know this post won't reflect it, but I really do consider myself independent from St. Louis- socially liberal, fiscally conservative- and I have to say, Sen. Biden solidified my vote for his ticket. He spoke about every issue with such knowledge and passion, that he really didn't even give Palin a chance; I knew she wouldn't hold a candle to his responses. But don't try to tell me she came close to victory. Please.

If I'm worried about filing bankruptcy and losing my home, Sarah made me feel better that the energy policy would be handled so adroitly!

Tina Fey in 30 ROCKS makes much sense, I guessed?

This is ridiculous. It's perfectly true that Biden and Palin faced different sets of expectations going in to the debate, but to suggest that they should therefore be judged on different standards is absurd. One of these people is going to be vice president. They should both be judged on their readiness to assume that office – not whether they are good "enough." In leaders, we need more than just "enough."

I am watching this debate from Tokyo. Palin proves again her lack of knowledge on all major economic and financial issues. America, be prepared to be the world's laughing stock by electing Palin as VP...

I felt palin mostly avoided the issues- biden had the answers. Palin knows how to sell herself to a typical crowd that doesn't know better than to relate to her position. Will her soccer-mom skills come in use parenting one the largest countries in the world? I hope not.

we are chosing a president not a by- pres. palin have more experences then obama . he is bery well espeaker but he is a lier. only small brain peaple can bolive that crapp.

Biden var good, Palin was good. They just had different styles.

One thing that keeps surprising me, is that when people write that Palin has NO experience and NO expertice and so on, they always seen to forget, that the TOP of the democratic ticket has NO experience and NO expertice... If experience and expertice are important to the voters, then the only choice if McCain, since he has Obama beat, big time, on both!

What I look for in politicians, are oppinions! Whom do I agree most with on my key issues. I dont care how the message is delivered, I care about the message itself!

Most will say that the VP debate was a draw.; that each side will just further consolidate their respective base. Others will say that there will be very little sustained reaction from the debate.

It was obvious that one of Biden´s key objectives in the Vp debate was to connect the McCain campaign to the decisions and actions of the Bush administration. In this, he was denied. Palin got off one of her best sound bites in, ¨there you go again looking backward¨.

Palin was obviously the most successful in communicating campaign issues within a colloquial context suitable for working and middle class digestion. Yes, she will be belittled and criticized for her homespun discourse in this regard, but that cannot dismiss the fact that she communicated clearly to this demographic, not with Washington techno-babble, but with plain talk.

Those two points, which may go unnoticed by the post debate punditry, are in fact, quite important and should have resonance beyond the standard 24 hour cycle.

As another watcher from Australia, who has observed US Presidential politics over 40 years, I offer the following comments. First, in any ordinary test of intelligence, Palin is not an idiot. She gott elected as a mayor of a small town and then as governor of Alaska, and that counts for something most of us could not achieve even if the state has more bears and moose than voters. But she is not running fro mayor of Wasilla any longer, and the stakes are very different. If she screwed up in Wasilla, what was the worst that coould happen? Maybe the garbage wouldn't get collected. But if she became President after a McCain cancer death, what is the worst that could happen? It doesn't bear thinking about. You get some idea by the fact that the last State governor who held the Presidency has possibly been the worst Prtesident ever, and at least we can be thankful that we are all still here. And he had the benefit of experience as the governor of one the big states, with all of the advantages of having had a daddy who was President before him. Today Palin showed that she could follow a script and rise above people's expectations of her. Good on her for that. We don't have to completely ridicule the lady to be left in no doubt that she is unfit to be standing behind a President who might fall off the twig at some point in his term. Stay in Alaska, Sarah, and do the best you can up there where you belong.

I'm your average American and I want answers. Palin should go to Hollywood, not Washington... she memorized and recited well enough for dummies... I'm hoping that other average Americans can see past Palin's obvious act. Come on, we need REAL CHANGE with Obama.

Palin – "I may not answer the question the way you want to hear but I'll talk straight to the American people" What she meant was, if I cant answer the question I will avoid it, repeat the cliches drilled to me in the past week and say "Maverick" as many times as I can. Her performance was abyssmal.

A very good debate... Much better format that is allowed in Canada (too many participants). Both candidates are strong but the big question is can they make a difference? The United States is a great country and I hope that it will continue to be so. A most likely scenario is a slow evolution into something else. Idealism is wonderful, but in reality it doesn't happen overnight. The bottom line is which party will make a significant change which will satisfy the majority of the population. My concern is that policy recommendations by the Democrats is an evolving entity. When they are hypothetically in power,
what will they recommend? I'm afraid that right now....it's what ever will get them in power!

Jezz.. Palin's answers are ready for a beauty contest. Unfortunately, this is a VP debate. Winks and smiles and a readymade script written by some one?? She is a disaster

I believe that Sarah Palin far outperformed expections; the format aided that. She was on target with scripted “non answers” and kept repeating the maverick mantra. She kept her cool and kept winking and using catch phrases. Joe Biden, a good candidate, was okay. He could have been tougher, but treaded a fine line to avoid being labeled “too tough”. He should have labeled McCain the “10% maverick” for John McCain’s voting record – 90% with Bush; so where's the "beef" of change with him? It's not in his record. Why don’t they call him on that more? Or Biden could have referred to the Rovian “repeat the lies often enough” technique that Palin is clearly adept at. Her criticisim for looking to the past is about taking responsibility/accountability, something conservatives are supposed to love. McCain should take responsibility for votes and statements that have proved wrong. Isn’t that what being a man, especially in Alaska, is all about? You own your junk! I'm afraid the voters will be energized by Palin..................

I found that Palin spent the time reciting a stump speech as opposed to Biden who addressed the questions posed to him, or rebutting what Palin had said. She would head off on a tangent or LEAP to an entirely different subject much of the time.

Biden came for a debate. Palin came to talk about the things she prepped for.

I was a bit distressed to hear her repeatedly mispronounce the word "nuclear" (nucular) and "infrastructure" (infastructure" among others.

Homey and folksy is a nice in a librarian or "hockey mom" but in a world as fraught as it is today. Serious discussions with serious people can make the difference of life and death. No serious world leader would be able to take Ms Palin seriously. Seriously.

Palin would be performing well in a theater play, but not as vice-president or president for the United States.

I'm a Republican and am appalled that our party would even consider her as a VP candidate, especially knowing the health and age of McCain. I am voting for what is best for our country and I believe that is Obama.

As an Australian I was not very familiar with Joe Biden and have only seen Sarah Palin in the few interviews she has given, so I was keen to watch this debate to learn more about both of them. I was extremely frustrated with the way Palin did not answer the questions and appeared to read from a prepared script, that is not debating. Biden on the other hand came across as a very knowedgable and genuine and he answered the questions! I actually felt embarrassed for her.

Today's Vice Presendential Debate showed that Barack Obama and Joe Bidden have a more clear and workable plan that will help the American people but will also bring more world wide peace. America has been the leading nation and should set a good example and not be the BIG BROTHER.

Sarah Palin and John McCain will just follow suit with what Bush did the last 4 years i.e. Draw more Americans into believing that theey are putting their Country FIrst when they are just leading America into more deeper trouble.. I hope the Americans will not make the mistake again of electing another republican who wants to follow what Bush did.. If they do it again, They have lost all common sense and logic of their democratic right..

As a working mother of two with a higher education I am appalled at the post debate coverage showing Governer Palin WITH her special needs infant child at nearly 11:00 in the evening attending a rally. Does this infant need to be made the poster child for republican diversity agendas? Should a candidate who champions mothers and family drag her infant along the campaign trail at every photo opportunity? Why is her pregnant teenage daughter not posing in profile for the cameras? Is she more vulnerable than an infant? I cringed as she (Palin) patted away her nervous energy into the back of this child on the stage after the debate. The child deserves better, our nation deserves better.

America are YOU better off, safer than in 2000,it realy is the only question to answer,remember the Clinton era you had a budget surpulus,people respected America in the world and Sara you can't say forget look forward but don't we have to learn from the mistakes somone paid Sara American marines with their blood .Mission accomplished were not the words of Obama/Biden it was G W Bush and Sara you can't say it ain' so.We are at the crossroads who would trust ! Mc Bush or a new begining with Barack.

Some of us in South Asia were up very early to view this much hyped about debate to find out if Sarah Palin could stand her own against a political veteran such as Joe Biden.

She clearly didn’t demonstrate much substance in terms of her grasp of the issues being discussed and her refusal to answer certain questions further evidenced her lack of experience to take on such an important role as the Vice Presidency of the United States of America.

The winking and repetitive “hockey mom” routine was clearly overdoing the ‘girl next door” image. Especially since this debate was about who would make a better Vice President of an all powerful nation and not who’d win the next Miss. Congeniality contest in American Politics.

My wife and I watched the "50% debate" tonight. I call it that because only one candidate showed up....

Having read all of the comments so far I am relieved to see that most of you saw exaclty what I and my wife saw.

Did McCain really think that we the American public are so stupid that we would nod our heads in agreement as Mrs. Palin spewed out her canned responses and wandering drivel???? She did not answer one question...

I am a registered Republican with an MBA and I follow all the candidates very closely. I can tell you right now that if I had any doubts as to whom I will be voting for, they have been laid to rest tonight...

I will be voting for Obama and Biden.

Come on people, if the American public can vote Bush in for
8 years...I'm sure if Stan Laurel (VP) and Oliver Hardy were still alive, they'd have a very good chance of becoming the next world leaders. That's why I think that McCain and Palin still have a chance even though
they will be a complete disaster not only for America but for the
whole World.

Palin won the debate for a cheerleader for America.

Biden won the debate for a vice president of America.

The debate was a wash out. But your opinion poll results suggests that 79% thought Biden won. These must be Obama supporters. So much for the skewed results in such unscientific polls. I also wonder if your out and out Obama slant in reporting is responsible for this.
Rajgad

Palin is in a sure win situation....

Either she wins a junior seat in the White House or a leading role in Hollywood and win the Best Politician Award...

Sarah Palin did a great job. I really think the negative views here are for people who have closed their minds to anything positive about her. There are some areas where she didnt get 100% but that is Ok. She put her ticket's policies foward. You either like them or not. But the fact is she put them foward.

I am not a US citizen, and can thus not vote in the November presidential elections.
As a foreigner, I can see why Gov. Palin probably appeals to many in the US: so many appear to be like her. As citizen from outside the US (and the US wishes to be an example for the world and regain some leadership), though, I would not bet on a VP Palin being able to come up with reasonable ideas to solve an international issue, not in the interest of her own country, and not even to speak in the interest of others; there I would have more hope that Sen. Biden understands issues better in a global context, can listen better to allies, and sense where dangers or traps lie with opponents. Besides, he appeared to understand issues outside of Alaska, while Gov Palin showed that she can learn a lot in a few weeks of good coaching, but does she understand what she learned?
At least that, to me, was the impression I got from the debate tonight.

palin clearly won against palin. she was different from the tina fey we saw. but palin against joe biden? she was only advertising her energy alaska family wassila world. biden was some times teaching not debating about the facts. oh .... the palin afterparty .. 'celebration to nowhere'

"I felt that she displayed many of her strengths and worked her way around her weaknesses" CNN Anchor and Reporter, Jonathan Mann

that's for sure but the fact of the matter is when you are running for the VP you better have 95% Strenghts and 5% weaknesses, not the other way around. Keep it real...like Ali G says and be real, she is not there yet to be the VP. 40% of the US is voting for GOP can be the major reason why Obama want to put billions of dollars in to EDUCATION.

The most telling point of the debate, for me , was when Joe Biden called Dick Cheney the worst VP ever and laid out the differences between what a VP was supposed to do and what Cheney has been doing. Palin just looked bemused as Joe spoke.

Surprisingly, talking heads and commentators chose to ignore or overlook this...

What I also found was that during the questioning period (by the moderator) Gov. Sarah Palin was constantly checking her notes. As Joe was talking, she was not listening to him (except couple of times) , rather she was busy with her notes preparing herself for the next answer. She knew that she had to dodge the question and be used like a parrot or robot (whatever!) in order to avoid any mistake. John McCain should do her a favor: replace her with someone credible and experience in these American matters or lose the election completely (just be honest to give the Americans a reason why he wants to do so) – it can be a clean sweep.

Cheers.

Syed

I fail to see on an intellectual level where Palin did well. She couldnt answer a question. She had to keep going back to the envoronment or anything else that she was scripted for. Scripted you could see as she was nose deep into her notes and turning the pages. Additionally, her fighting spirit directed to Senator Biden was uncalled for. The remarks were cheap shots and I dont think that this type of behavor will sit well in trying to negotiate with foreign diplomats or world leaders.

i am a pakistani woman at the moment residing in germany .i have to say about Mac cain n palin comments on policy about war in iraq. that time has shown clearly that the surge in iraq was a blatent mistake i think they better admitt it ,as the saying goes that , to committ a mistake is just a mistake but not being able to realize that mistake at right time and to correct it is the mistake of as another nature and of far greater magnitude. And i truly hope and pray that they may not repeat this mistake in pakistan and rather solve this very sensitive issue as pakistan is, in all terms ,immaculately and wisely.

Biden didnt impress me. I expected a veteran to do better than he did . I dont know where you guys are getting all that credit unless you are overgenerous with credit. Both candidates told us what we already knew about their agendas. Tell me something specific that Biden said that is worth all this praise

Robina,

Roll the tape back to Joe talking about Cheney...

Admirable as she is, Palin is not suited to be the vice-president of this country. She does not even know what a vice president does. She maybe coached on this but Biden put a lot of perspective. He knows by heart the role and responsibility of a vice president.

She keeps on attacking on Obama but was clueless on McCain's record. I liked it when Biden answered on "maverick" image of McCain. Palin did not refute him on that.

The debate will not end for Sarah Palin jokes. She have given SNL and guys from Comedy Central another round of gaffes. But it was heartwarming to see both VP families congratulate each other.

You poor Americans, how you love to focus on frivolity. Was Palin better than at her previous interviews, yes, did that make her Vice President ready, absolutely NOT. Not even close. Please can any of the impressed people tell me what she stands for. If she was Vice President under McCain how are they going to take the country from the mess it is in to a more productive place. We know how Obama and Biden will, but her saying and continuously that the people need to be responsible for thier money is elementary, that will not solve problems, yes we know that already, but will Wall Street be controlled, is deregulation the answer, what please enlighten me, she did not answer the question, she did what alot of us get lost in, she gabbed. Secondly, how can you say you are interested in solving the environmental issues, and your solution is digging for oil, please tell me how that will reduce emissions, or protect the fragile topography?That is an ecoomic plan, not an environmental plan. Thirdly, what is the victory in Iraq, you go in there, tear a nation apart, kill the innocent, and call them all Al Quieda, destroy their infrastructure, and bring their economy to a halt, please enlighten the people what is the victory. I fail to see it, when will you win, when all the Iraquians are dead and only Americans remain, what is your victory. It is clear to everyone on the outside watching that Palin stuck to topics she is comfortable with, no matter what was asked of her. How did you all miss that . No I was far from impressed by her, Biden on the other hand was excellent.,

just wanted to point out one small flaw with how palin kept saying that john McCain knows how to win a war. Yes – he is a great war hero – but to put it into perspective please remember that HE WAS CAPTURED. That makes me think he may not be the best person to be planning offensive tactics or that he knows how to 'win'.

I'm disappointed with all the talk on CNN about Palin being a success tonight just because she didn't get her eye stuck in a cheesy wink. What happened to these "expert" panelists? They're just falling over for this woman just because she's smart and can stand on two feet. As a strong and independent woman, I am offended! Biden was knowledgable, passionate, sincere, he played nice with a girl, he was charming. I want a VP I can have pride in... Palin would make us look like a joke to the rest of the world! SHE CANNOT EVEN ANSWER A QUESTION STRAIGHT, for that she is the typical politician that we no longer want in the white house.

I had thought she would be destroyed and was wrong. She was engaging, inspiring and in touch with far more issues than I expected. Pleasantly surprised. But when will CNN turn the focus on the special sweetners made behind the scenes to 'bribe' these senators to approve the big financial bale-out?

Why is Sarah Palin's baby being carted around at such a late hour? Put the poor child to bed and stop using him to campaign!

Watching from Sydney as an outsider I found it amusing. All Sarah Palin went on stage is to campaign to her peers..Hockey mums and joe sixpacks as she calls them..
One can ignore her not answering the questions, not trying to defend current adminstration or any of the Republican past records, but purely on the way she talks and behaves on the stage I would vote for her in a school debate, may be as a local council member, a cheer leader of hockey mums but a VP of USA? Good Grief....
The fact that some people think she can be a VP of US is a worry.
Hope this isnt a reflection of American standard, you can do much better

I was sure she was going to say "Some of my best friends are gay"....

Does anyone think Sarah Palin has anything in common with Joanne Herring who was made famous in "Charlie Wilson's War"? Do you think this type of eccentric character is rally what is required in the leadership of the United States at this time? Can we really afford a female version of George W. Bush?

Watch the debate in Asia here... Can't believe Palin could be the next VP of America! It horrifies me as what happens in USA affects the whole world indeed. She basically couldn't address any questions properly. She has no points, no knowledge and no capacity to be a VP at all. Wake up, Americans.

Clearly Sarah Palin is inexperince as to the issues that was posed to both candidates. She did hold herself well and spoke well, but addressing the issues at hand she was clearly vague, I belive most of her answers were script written to answer and not out of expericece on the facts of the issues.By this I meant that when a question was posed to she had a prepared answer. She also kept harping on answers which i belive that was not true.

"Past is Prolog Gwen"... Biden hit the nail on the head! We had better learn from history or we're in a world of hurt! Only an idiot would say that we never look back! My high school History teacher laid it out clearly... "I love the subject of history because it gives us the opportunity to do better than we have"

I don't know about you people, but more and more I listen to this idea of change from both campaigns the more I'm thinking if change is really that apart between both sides? I got an idea people, think of Sarah Palin as a rose, a rose dosn't talk and yet people love roses without any discrimination nor prejudicial remarks. Woudn't it be nice if we Judge Sarah Palin the same way? Where's the love? I mean, all you have to know is that she's qualified. McCain didnt pick Carly Fiorina a CEO that dosnt have any qualifications to be VP since she's a CEO and he didn't pick an actor either? The point is he picked a governor.

CHANGE = ? = What? = HuH? = Obama? = McCain?

Come on this emphasis on change is getting old and really both parties aren't going to be able to get us out of this mess. We will see Obama how he performs along with his share of blunders in the white house. Then come and talk to me about change. Lets face it, most voters are so simple minded that their just going to vote for Obama because he represents a democrat and after eight years of a republican president they think that there's going to be a big difference. People wake up and get down to earth. All Obama wants is to get in the white house to prove that he can do it, that's all ! Well guess what Obama, I believe you can make it to the white house but you ain't change.

After having watched the entire debate live from Sweden via CNN.com (thank you for this CNN), I have taken some time to digest what I heard and tried to process the information. I want to be able to understand the picture of the world (or given situation) that is presented to me- i.e. it should comport with my reasonable (hopefully) assessment of reality (e.g. what is the current state of affairs, why is it so, does it need to change, and if so- how). Further, I want to gain a sense of the person (i.e. how reliable and trustworthy is he/she, is he/she oversimplifying facts or delberately evading questions, can I really sense that I can identify with this person, etc.).

In my overall assessment, I feel much more aligned with Biden than Palin. His view of the world seems very genuine to me and his (and Obama's) views of how to progressively move forward (on concrete issues such as Iraq, Afganistan, the economy, and taxes) make sense to me. I found Palin's smirk, wink, and liberal use of the word "maveric" disingenuous and something akin to Michael Jordan "Gatorade" commercial or the equivalent. I found Palin's logic faulty, at times, such as when she blames the financial crisis right now on a lack of oversight and governmental involvement (typically more of a democrat position but who can say anything to the contrary right now) but then she makes the fallacious argument to the effect that (paraphrase here) 'look what the feds have done to the financial market and imagine what they could do to healthcare if it was nationalized.' Such doublespeak is incredibely tiresome and speaks (in my mind) more to someone pushing an agenda than seeking the truth of the matter. One other point is Biden (and Obama's) interest (or at least openness) to sitting down with certain dictators and trying to resolve matters (or improve them) face to face. I think, with regard to the middle east (particularly Iran), this is a must and I have great respect for U.S. politicians (and people generally) who will meet and have frank discussions with problematic individuals as opposed to cowardly casting opinions from a distance where a response to any counterargument can be carefully tailored. Dynamic discussion is often a preequisite for dynamic change. Finally, I have great respect for Obama (i.e. his achievements in and of themselves but even more so given that he has had to overceome that racial counter-current in the U.S.), for Biden (given his lengthy and esteemed career and his ability to stay on track even though he lost his wife and youngest child to an accident just two months after being elected to the Senate), and finally for McCain (as a war veteran). I just can't help but see Palin as someone lacking a level of substance commensurate with the other three candidates.

I think after this debate America would have a clear choice of electing Obama and Biden as their next leaders. Palin was pathetic. I guess a disaster for Mc Cain Campaign. A leader who claims to be a Maverick cannot commit a blunder of choosing his second an immatured unskilled politician. Will after this debate McCain be able to corner Obama of being less experienced for the job?

Biden came across as knowledgeable, and this is what you will expect from a guy who has been in Washington for a long time. I felt I came away with a better opinion of Biden after this debate.

As for Palin, I think she did a terrific job reaching out and connecting with middle America. WIth all the bad press she has been having, I expected her to be sounding like a bumbling idiot. But she was very impressive in this debate. Yes, she dodged a few questions and was probably shorter on specifics compared to Biden. But we all know she was never going to beat Biden in terms of Washington experience.

I think a significant number of people vote with their hearts. This was the group of people Palin was speaking to, and she did it well. I think her performance will provide a positive boost to the McCain campaign in the days ahead.

Her deftness at skirting the actual questions was impressive. I can't believe she's getting marks just for not falling on her face.
Her new campaign slogan: Sarah Palin—not quite as flakey as you thought!
Sheesh...

Biden on the other hand is the kind of steady hand America needs as second in command. Today he proved this beyond doubt.

biden has more substantial things to say, as for palin all I can say is she did a "darn" cute job, *wink-wink*.

I did not have high expectations with Palin, and she came out roughly as shallow and pre-programmed as I had expected. The real surprise for me was Biden. This was a very strong performance – maybe as good as any Obama himself has given. This is, no doubt, a very solid ticket with two extremely reflected, knowledgeable politicians. I feel sorry for Palin, who is really likeable and nice. But this race is not about that, but about solving some of the most serious challenges America and the world have ever faced.

This debate is a classical example why SIR HONORABLE PRESIDENT OBAMA wants to invest billions of dollars in to early and higher education in America. Govern Palin is definitely eloquence and smart enough to dodge the questions and work around it with some fabricated and scripted answer to show her strengths but it matters to the logical-minded public how much weaknesses she possesses vs. the strength

Fair dinkum, if Americans vote the McCain/Palin ticket in, then you are dumber than I thought. Surely the "aw shucks" and "god damn it" comments by Palin can't possibly be the standard American's set as the 2nd in charge of your Nation. Not only would you be the laughing stock of your own country, take it from an outsider, you'd be the laughing stock of the world!

I'll grant you that Palin didn't do as badly as everyone was expecting, but that still doesn't grant her a pass on winning the debate. Biden stayed on topic and answered the questions, unlike Palin.

Think twice when you head to the polls on November 4th, Obama/Biden is the smarter choice. Afterall, you're not just voting for your Nation, the rest of the world needs a restored confidence in the USA too.

I think Governor Palin did a very nice job. However, she clearly is not qualified to be President of the United States. Senator McCain made a major mistake in choosing her. Can anyone imagine Governor Palin in the White House dealing with this economic mess, let alone our difficulties abroad?

I am very sorry to say this but Palin is dim witted. I can not think of a more horrific stand-in if something were to happen to McCain and lets be honest he is no spring chicken. On Iraq she was wrong on Afghanistan she was wrong, she failed to answer questions posed and she simply repeated comments which clearly did not deal with the question. The fact that she said it in very plain English (well sort of) did not add substance to what she said. I wonder if those who say she did better than expected were listening to the debate or whether their expectations of her were so low that even a poor performance on her part was more a reflection on her improvement than a refection on her ability to answer questions posed in a logical and coherent manner, I should add that if she was up for election in any other country with a democracy she would probably get less than fiver percent of the vote if that.

America had great standing in the world, GW Bush put pay to that. If McCain and Pitbull palin win , the last sane person to leave the USA please dont forget to turn out the lights.

I agree Palin did much better than expected -which isn't saying much as I'm comparing with her past interviews. But we have to ask ourselves why is there such a drastic difference? McCain, Obama, and Biden all seem to be the same in all situations. Palin doesn't. I have to wonder if I want a leader that can only handle certain pressures. Her speech at the RNC was well executed ( it was written for her) and she has been prepped by McCains campagin staff for today since she was nominated VP.

Politically Palin did fine; as you say Johnathan she outperformed our expectations.

But shouldn't we ask more from the potential president of the united states? Being "down to earth" and so on, a hockey mum or whatever is all fine – but that doesn't mean I think they should lead the most powerful nation on earth during a time of financial and geopolitical upheaval.

The fact is there is a distinct possibility McCain could pass away during his term – just ask yourself if that was a presidential debate, if you would be comfortable voting for Palin as president.

Iraq was more important for Palin when asked to choose between Pakistan and Iran?@#!~ What's the Republican obsession with Iraq anyways?

I think Joe Biden was excellent. He spoke clearly about the issues, and a wide command of facts, and was able to clearly distingish himself from both McCain and Palin and also being very supportive of Obama. Palin didn't make any major mistakes but also didn't win over any people who were looking for signs of intellegence and insite and instinct, properties needed in a Vice President.

Biden was the clear winner and in fact made a pretty good case that perhaps the Obama Biden ticket could also run as a Biden Obama ticket and still have credibility.

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

What did Pat Buchanan watch?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please, CNN, stop him from speaking. What ignorance! Sure she looked good and didn't run out crying... how does that make her "sensational?" Biden needs credit for meeting high expectitions rather than Palin getting credit for meeting very low expectations. We wanted answers out of this debate and she gave us none! Please post some of the comments that have been submitted on this 'Leave Your Comment' so people know the truth about what people are really thinking about this thing.

Hi, David here from the UK. I am a British Citizen and I have been very interested in the election campaigns and debates. Through out this debate it is clear that Biden won and Palin is just not ready to be vice president. She is not capable of doing the job. But also and you have to consider this; Do you really believe that Palin could be president if anything happend to McCain?? NO! This is what you have to consider, as this could potentially happen, And McCain, a hot head old school tie at 72 years old!? (correct me if im wrong) – He WONT last the distance or pressure of being the most powerful man in the world!
I have to say Obama HAS to be the next president of the US. He is young, new, fresh, intelligent, articulate and KNOWS what he is talking about!.

If as Americans you are looking or change – consider this! In 1997 the conservative government had been in power in the UK for 18 years. The british people wanted change. They got it! Labour and Tony Blair destroyed them in the elections! The British people made their vote count! The Labour Party won the general election in a landslide victory, leaving the Conservatives in tatters after 18 years in power, with Scotland and Wales left devoid of Tory representation Labour won 419 seats (including the speaker) – the largest the party has ever taken. The Conservatives took just 165, their worst performance since 1906! Tony Blair – at 43, became the youngest British prime minister of the century.

If you really do want change from a Bush Administration and republican government – That will NOT change if you vote McCain – Then use your voice and vote Obama as your president! If you vote for McCain, you will be laughed at around the world. If you cannot see the clear evidence that Obama will be a great president, since Bill Clinton(i liked him), then you are a fool! Vote Change! Vote Obama!

Imagine McCain kicks the bucket a week after winning the election and this "Russia is next to Alaska" woman becomes president and is handed the keys to the 'nukular' weapons to use on 'Eye-Rack' and 'Eye-Ran' (how would Americans feel if others were to call their country 'Oo-Sar'?). Scary!

One of the Most Interesting statements she made was when she said
the "Difference between the Surge in Iraq and A surge in Afghanistan is the fact that we have NATO Allies in Iraq", Really; and we have none in Afghanistan? I'm sure the Brits/Auzzies that are dying there would take exception to that! Unless, now all of a sudden England and Australia are no longer NATO members, like Spain :)

Yeah I agree with most of the comments here about Biden showing his experience and Palin basically showing her corny small town theatrics.

She didn't fall on her face because they worked out her strength. Don't answer questions at all costs, talk about nothing but use as much of your personality as possible. Talk to the lowest IQ out there. Someone else will make the decisions and tell you all the best soundbites.

It's the Bush school of politics.

Before Bush got re-elected I thought, "America will do the right thing, they've seen what a numbskull he is...what he's doing to the country..."

Then he won...by a bigger margin.

Surely now people will know not to vote republican.

But just like American Idol, you must vote. We might all assume it'll be ok for the favourite, but if you don't vote they might get kicked off.

Don't forget to vote America.

I watched the VP debate on tv last night. I must say that between Gov. Palin's winking, her use of "Joe six pack" and her not answering the questions with a sensible response(other than reading her over used quotes), I'd say that Biden did a better job.
We have to look at the issues( the economy, Wall Street, unemplyment, mortgage crisis, the wars in Iraq ans Afghanistan) and find ways of addressing them instead of trying to look cute and dance around important topics.

I think we can all agree that Sarah Palin is the most equivocative politician ever. Rove's strategy to bully the moderator before the debate was brilliant. Once it was clear that the moderator was not going to moderate Palin she was free to read her cue cards for 90 seconds on prepared remarks. The debate lacked any dynamic moments and was mostly pointless, you can read the exact same talking notes before the debate.

All in all a big disappointment that Palin is kept on such a short leash that she is not allowed to think for herself. Women everywhere must be disappointed at how patronizing McCain and the republican party is to prevent her from espousing her views.

What was John McCain thinking when he choose Palin as running mate!!!!! Come on you talking about the greatest power on earth. Palin showed to-night that she is not ready by a mile....to run with McCain. Sorry McCain....here goes your chance for winning the Presidential Race. She never spoke from her heart...only from speeches...written by others....it showed. Hands down Biden is a winner 100 percent. We also got to view the family man today, who first hand experienced pain, he spoke with authority and good knowleged and Palin was dodging the questions and giving her own answers. GO BACK TO ALASKA THAT WHERE YOU BELONG PALIN.

One more thought from me...

Biden was very good. Solid. Actually he was better than Obama.

She would make a wonderful President

Watching the live debate from the Netherlands, Palin has not made a signifcant difference in terms of acquiring more substance and clearly danced around on questions she could not answer. Biden showed the steady stream of knowledge gained through years of experience as a senator and was on track in aswering the questions. Biden conveyed with passion and conviction on what he and Obama believe they can do to change the country. Palin used the old trick of beauty contestants to charm the audience to cover and distract her obvious lack of knowledge and credentials to be VP.

I can only wish the Americans the best of luck for you will need it badly should you choose the McCain-Palin ticket.

Nothing exciting here. What was noticeable though was as with most of these events the question is asked and you get a response that covers everything under the sun with the exception of the answer to the question.
Ask what time is it, they tell you how your watch works but never the time.

What is worse the mediators let them escape with those kind of
responses.

Americans have seen enough the last years of people telling them half the truth in order to put their agenda through. The 'Maverik' duo does the same. So no change. America need to become more reliable within the global environment and needs hard knowledgeable workers to clean the mess in the years to come. And that needs clear strategies to be followed and not a ' today this and tommorrow something else' approach.

Palin -She was totally out of focus...we need a President who can at least concentrate and focus on the issues at hand..not someone running off on a tangent. Totally confounded. Way out of her depth..this would have been an ideal time for her to use one of her life lines.

Biden – A true statesman..a gentleman..when he could have pulled her on issues,how eloquently he restained himself from not embarrasing her.

Please America vote for change – Vote Obama. Remember that your vote (oh yes – please vote! – many people around the world are prepared to risk their lives for what we in the west take for granted) will affect not only you, but the rest of the world also. As a global constituent (australia) I am really hoping that you do not put Palin one heartbeat away from the presidency. Your image around the world has taken a bashing recently, but believe me we want to admire the US, after all the values you espouse are akin to ours. All people around the world aspire to the freedoms in your consitution, even people in those countries that publicly despise the US.

We watched in horror 4 years ago when you elected GW Bush for a second term (he would be funny if the impacts of decisions didn't impact so may people), please dont make the same mistake again, the rest of the world is counting on you.

Franco!! "She would make a wonderful President"???

Are u hallucinating? get to bed – i think you must have sleep deprevation!

Let's stop analysing and dissecting this debate like sports commentators do when analysing a heavyweight boxing fight.
We, and the media like CNN need to wake up and consider the fact that our country is now in uncharted waters with this financial crisis.
This is unprecedented. There was one astute member on the post-debate panel who raised the most critical point:
In the event something happens to McCain, are we ready to hand the reigns of President of the USA to Palin. PLEASE thik abouit this.
This is something we as responsible voters MUST consider very hard. I am quite disappointed by Andersoon Cooper and the post-debate "analysts" who simply do not understand that we no longer have the luxury of discussing Plain's so-called "improved" performance over the disaster interviews she gave a few weeks ago.

I repeat..There has NEVER been a time when we need to SCRUTINIZE and really THINK HARD when we pick our future leaders. Our right to vote and pick our future leaders also carries with it a huge responsibility. We must take this very seriously. We CANNOT and MUST NOT approach this and pick leaders like the the way judges pick the winners on American Idol.
I am seriosuly scared and horrified when I even ponder the remote idea that Palin could be sitting in the Oval Office.

To my fellow Americans and CNN members, it's one thing to have greedy and incompetent peole as CEOs in Wall Street plunge our economy into chaos, and having Bush spend billions of dollars a .WEEK, along with casualty toll on a senseless Iraq war..

BUT having them in the White House is unacceptable.

"She would make a wonderful President" ~ Franco

Spoken like a true Franco...

Let's stop analysing and dissecting this debate like sports commentators do when analysing a heavyweight boxing fight.
We, and the media like CNN need to wake up and consider the fact that our country is now in uncharted waters with this financial crisis.
This is unprecedented. There was one astute member on the post-debate panel who raised the most critical point:
In the event something happens to McCain, are we ready to hand the reigns of President of the USA to Palin. PLEASE thik abouit this.
This is something we as responsible voters MUST consider very hard. I am quite disappointed by Andersoon Cooper and the post-debate "analysts" who simply do not understand that we no longer have the luxury of discussing Plain's so-called "improved"

I found it really embrassing as a woman that Sarah Palin came out shook Biden's hand then was more intersted in winking, blowing kisses and waving. She is a joke. Please america please think long and hard about who you are going to vote for. If Palin ever was to become President you would be a laughing stock to the rest of the world.

She is not of the Bush school of politics and neither is McCain.

McCain and Palin want to end this war ASAP, anyone thinking he/she likes it and wants to keep it going is out of their minds. And Biden could not do it any faster then McCain or Palin. That is a given because they all have to listen to our best Generals.

Remember the "General Betraiou" crowd. THEY WERE DEAD WRONG!!!. Obama was part of the crowd, and still is.

JM & SP are a couple of Mavericks with a capital "M".

I watched the debate from Sydney. No, she didn't start shouting homophobic obscenities, no she didn't say the capital of England was Paris, no she didn't absolutely fall flat on her face. But she didn't actually SAY anything (except "also" and "maverick" a lot). McCain's put this poor woman in a position where she is totally out of her depth – I actually feel sorry for her and think she's doing a good job IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES. The circumstances being that she totally and utterly lacks the knowledge and experience required for the position she's been asked to run for.

The post-debate conversation was ridiculous – how could people say that she stood her ground against Biden? So what if she surpassed the incredibly low expectations. What happened to critical journalism??

What is encouraging is the debate and views shown in the comments on this page. I'm glad to see that a lot of you saw through her subterfuge and distractions and identified that she was just not equipped to engage in a proper debate. Let's hope it's people like you that vote on November 4.

Go Obama / Biden from Sydney, Australia!

The VP debate looks like a debate between a professor and a high school student. One candidate has so much knowledge & experience but the other has almost nothing but textbook memorization. It is an analogy of Goliath and little David; except that the big Goliath is a good guy now while David is sided with an evil clan. Although David have brought her sling but she has forgotten the pebble. In the debate, one candidate supports his points with detailed facts, while the other candidate sidetracks the question several times. Now, if you know whom I am referring, you know then who win the debate tonight.

I agree with Joe Values

We can't set the bar so low for someone that may become a president.

Quote to Myself:

I won't deny it, I support Obama more than McCain, but you know why he lost me? because he decided that this woman was a good VP candidate...

and Today I think we can see, she really is nothing but air.

She kept running around the same issues and avoiding questions, she went after Biden a lot of times, but he didn't attack her... want to know why? because after hearing what she said you can't feel anything but pity.

The reason you all think she did good is because the Bar was underground, she just had to Walk over it and everything was fine, but guess what? that is EXACTLY THE PROBLEM WITH US... Why we have to set the bar so low in the first place? they are both running for Vice President of our country, a very important office in our government, why is the bar so low for this Alaska Barbie? what is wrong with us?

McCain had my vote until the day he picked her as a VP candidate, he demonstrated to me that Obama was right, he had no judgment... and I would rather have a person with ZERO experience and good Judgment than a person that CLAIMS to have lots of experience yet is willing to risk our country with "The hockey mom".

I had enough with our Drunken fool, I am taking a vacation, but on November I am surely voting for Obama/Biden at least Obama says he wants to hear the opinions of people that don't share his views, McCain on the other hand got himself a pretty android that will do and say anything he wants.
End Quote.

That is how I see this "rebate" even thought Biden wasn't awesome, I like him a lot more than "Socker" mom.

U_U

Tonight we saw a man who is prepared to be a VicePresident, and a nice woman who hides behind slogans to cover her narrow mind. She got my sympathy for her effort. He got my vote.

Missed mention of Latin America and inmigrations issues.....I'm a latino American citizen. Hey! we are here and vote!!!!!!!

Mr Mann did not reflect the content or spirit of this blog in his comments to the CNN news some five minutes ago

Richard..A VERY CONCERNED AMERICAN
Well said – The world is hoping Obama is the next president! I am!

ok its now 05:42 in the UK – bed time!

I think it was one of the republican’s strategies to raise question about Sarah Palin qualification as a vice president candidate before the debate; because that will allow her to perform to her average abilities in the debate but earn much higher credit VS if she went in the debate with higher expectation and expected to answer the key question with convincing answer. After all they are professional politicians.

In this debate she only proved her moderate qualifications as a vice president candidate but she is no match to Joe Biden in any issues outside of Alaska.

I watched the debate from Australia and have to say that I am seriously concerned at what I heard, especially from Sarah Palin. As has been reiterated in previous posts, she consistently pivoted from the question she was asked to the talking point she had been intensively coached on over the past few days. She failed to articulate substantive policies that a McCain/Palin White House would implement, instead relying on the tried and tested truisms of the Republican party line. Moreover her 'folksy' charm, as some have labelled it, frankly grated. It seemed to me that the underlying point she was making was that those people who don't speak like me with my dogonit's and darn its etc. etc. are inferior because they don't "understand the American people." It's condescending. And for those who believe she won the debate, please remember that the bar had been set so low that in the absence of any major gaffe the only place to go was up.

Biden on the other hand, while not as "personable" as Palin, demonstrated what a debate actually is. Making an argument for your position by backing it up with facts and knowledge of the topic.

I watched in horror four years ago when Bush with the same certitude and "folksiness" Palin has consistently exhibited managed to win the presidency again. It astounds me that history is about to repeat itself with a VP nominee who, given the health concerns and age of McCain could be the US President.

I can only hope that the American people look beyond the soundbites and actually look at their candidates and their issues closely. They do say that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

I was amazed that on CBS, one of the undecided older adult voter said that Joe Biden did not answer the moderator questions, while Palin did. I wonder if he has dementia or sleep during the debate. The old voter should not be there to embarass himself.

Basically there were no big surprises in the debate. Biden needed to not screw up, and he succeeded. Palin is painfully unqualified for the office, and again that was obvious. Overall you would have to call it a tie. But as the pundits will say, a tie is essentially a win for the ticket that's ahead and a loss for the ticket that's behind.

Franco,
David from the UK is right, you are SD..sleep-deprived. Go to bed.

A Hockey Mum, which is, according to Sarah Pailin herself a Pitbull with Lipstick, to become Vice President of a Superpower like the US? Very hard to believe.

Considering the possibility that this "Hockey Mum" may eventually even be President, God forbid!

However, this Presidential race is more entertaining than an Action Movie!

I do not understand how any political journalist can possibly justify why different "bars" should be applied for candidates when reporting on a debate of two people who could be the next president of a country. There is only one vacancy to be filled here. There can be no place for double standards in judging applicants for this job.

I watched the debate. I saw one candidate who would make for a good vice president and a good president, and one candidate who would make for a good tape recorder.

Honestly I don't know what debate AC360 analysts saw, specially the republican "analist" Mr Rollins...
Sarah Palin, tip toed out of every single question on the economy and versed his script on energy and Alaska as if the rest of the country were against that great state, that by the way is now owned by Mrs Palin...
She did not answer anything substantial, and honestly it was quite boring to hear her say over and over again about her so called experience on energy in Alaska...
It seems that she's is looking for a job as secretary of energy...
This one is 70% to 30% in my book for Obama-Biden ticket,,,
Sen Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America....
Is about time a much needed change...God bless America! ! ! !

Sarah Palin did win on Style. Thus she lost the debate.

All the hits that Senator Joe Biden made on Senator John McCain was exactly what he was meant to do.

He successfully informed people concentrating on the Presidential race for the first time of the unbreakable connection between President Bush and Senator John McCain.

Sarah Palin did not say much about Senator Barak Obama at all. Mainly because of the political landmines she wanted avoid stepping on.

As someone above mentioned Senator Biden's highlighting of understanding of Kitchen Table Economics was clear and concise. Sarah Palin offered nothing new.

So over time as the style fades and people consider the issues Senator Joe Bidens victory will become apparent.

I think while Joe Biden did very well it will be Sarah Palin, by gummy, that they will be talkin about tomorrow round the republican pickup trucks, and soccer fields of America. She showed em, you betcha, they got their 'old girl' back. The one they fell in love with at the GOP convention gosh darnit. And I'll bet you beavers to buffalo chips there's sure to be a puppy bump in the polls tomorrow because she didn't just throw the campaign over a cliff. All the spunk and confidence and just down home values came right on through by golly. In fact we have not heard a candidate use so many colloquial phrases since Andrew Jackson debated John Quincy Adams in 1828 (or since Dan Rather left Television). Dag nabbit she's an acorn that one, and as y'all know a pair a shoes is as good a mule that won't take you nowheres.

I cannot agree that even if Palin was "perfectly acceptable" that that would make her the right candidate. This is not a high school test where scoring a 60 on say, a Foreign Policy-class would be "perfectly acceptable". In my opinion, "perfectly acceptable", like many other "students in the class" is simply not enough to earn such an important position.

The VP must be someone who does better than perfectly acceptable, who excels at it, like Joe Biden, who, due to his years of experience, scores way higher than "perfectly acceptable".

"Energy is my expertise"... Give me a break Sarah.

Sarah Palin was well rehearsed for answers and well coached in presentation techniques but you got no sense of a serious intellect behind the surface glamour. When she ran out of prepared answers she avoided answering questions, reverted to slogans and sound bites, and to recapping her experience in Alaska. She is a lightweight, out of her depth and in no way ready to be VP. The prospect is truly scary.

Joe Biden came across as a substantial and experienced politician, knowledgeable and with soundly based convictions. He didn't duck questions, he was to the point, and he was in the far more difficult position: he couldn't get too heavy, he couldn't attack, he managed to be a gentleman. He easily won the debate.

It seemed a very gentle affair. The questions were not very challenging or searching and neither candidate was pressed to actually answer their questions. I didn't learn much that was new. Given that we are talking about the two most crucial and powerful jobs in the world, it seemed the bar was set pretty low.

The only thing Palin MIGHT have done was to cancel out a portion of a bad interview with Couric. She did nothing for McCain, not even much for herself. It's over, goodnight and now let's move on. Congratulations Obama-Biden.

As a complete outsider with not US political leanings (being Australian) i find it absurd that there is still debatable who should win this election.

Without a doubt the last 8 years have been absolutely atrocious in terms of leadership and doing what is right for the future of the US and the world. Terrible decisions have been made not just in foreign policy but of course in leading/managing the US economy (impacting economies and businesses/families all around the world).

How the most prosperous country in the world consistently falls back to populist pandering and blatant fear mongering just blindsides me.

Palin is obvious quite unintelligent, not possessing even a basic understanding of economic principles or the nuances of foreign afffairs. Lets be honest – what does she bring to the table, what meaningful support would she offer a president?

McCain would continue the disastrous policies of the last 8 years, with only a slight 'maverick' tweaking occurring.

Obama understands the issues and is a supremely intelligent and hard working individual. Biden understands the world and how Washington operates better than most.

What choice?

After tonight VP debate, all I can say is if I have to spend a night with any of the two, I'll choose Sarah Palin. However, if I have to trust my life & future to one of the two, then I have to choose Joe Biden.

Sarah P is great at invoking images meant to appeal to Americans but what did she tell us? Nothing of substance. It is like a PR and Advertising speel – Maverick, Maverick etc I feel your pain but can't tell you what our plans are – maverick – remember that!

As an American living and working in Tokyo, I am in 100% TOTAL greement with Ian from Australia.

CNN..As Ian mentioned, we live in a world now where globalization makes countries so much more interdependent on each other.
Here is a VERY IMPORATNT point you as a news organization need to do a story on..

The economic "bailout" will carry a price tag of about USD700 billion.
Well..we taxpayers will have to pay for this, but who else will have to pay for this huge tab ? As always, countries like Japan and China which, out of their unbelievable faith in the US, have purchased billions and billions of US debt. Now, though USD700 billion is
an unbelievable amount..what is more mind-boggling is that we spend this much (even more) every month on the Iraq War, and
the "surge" which Palin and McCain rant and rave about.
Palin and McCain said the war will continue until victory is achieved.
Well..How will our country pay for this ? By making suckers out of Japan, China, and other countries who are sucked up into purchasing US debt. This will continue forever until our deficit has ballooned to a point where these lenders shall say, "Enough is enough".

CNN..As a responsible news organization, you need to ask
the question..Surge in Iraq ? Well...If we never went to war in the first place, we would've never had to pay for a surge.
CNN..You need to do a huge story on this fact...WHAT WAS THE BASIS FOR THE IRAQ WAR. THERE WERE NO WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
CNN..THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED.

I am surprised from the abilities of sen Biden to eloquently display and say concisely all issues that I was aware of during this exciting campaign.
He is open, trustworthy, fatherlike and honest speaker
I am amazed and all my love goes to him.

sen palin was more like our former comunistic speakers from the pre miloshevic era: we shall, we must, we, we
but the numbers and wrotten statements goes against theme
they are out of touch with yhe modern world, justice and America , in which we all look like an example of democracy, human rights, and
nation which leads the worlds in most human issues

DR. Nino Vasev
Oncologist
Skopje
Macedonia

This is more than simple. After watching the first two debates it is clear for me that the Obama-Biden ticket is far stronger. Good try for Mrs. Palin, but this is what educated Americans are not looking for.

Was any one else completely disturbed by Palin's winking? I found it to be disturbing, I nearly barfed the fourth time she winked.

Sarah Pallin was poised, polished and impassioned. She did a fine job and most certainly resonated with millions of women around the world. You have to give her full marks but when you get right down to it she is not ready to take on the mantle of president of the United States should something happen to John McCain.

I find it amazing that although the Presidential election campaigning has been going on for over a year Mrs. Palin has not been interested in the issues. Her interest in the race has obviously been with Senator Obama. She is totally in support of Obama's policies and has convinced Mr. McCain to adopt most of Obama's plans to change things in Washington and now he has branded Obama's ideas as John McCain's change agenda.

I am Australian and I tuned in to watch the VP debate for a bit of entertainment and have been following American politics for a while. It wasn't as entertaining as the past intervews but I can't believe you can say Palin did well.

She lacked the obvious knowledge and experience that Biden had. Biden's debate was informative – he knew his facts and figures and history and gave specifics to back up his argument, repeating important statements he wanted to get across in succinct one-liners whilst addressing the camera. Palin repeated her lines, often not answering the questions and was devoid of any specifics and figures. Sometimes, I found myself getting lost in what she was saying after about 10 secs. She did try to name drop as many names as she could....

And it is just embarrassing that she keeps citing her experience as governor of Alaska, Mayor, etc as being sufficient experience for VP or Prez (if McCain goes)

It was very touching to learn about Biden's child – whereas Palin seems to parade her family circumstances and at every opportunity to gain some sympathy and at a weak attempt to connect with the public.

And if I hear the word "Maverick" again......

She is clearly out of her league. I actually feel sorry for her but at the end of the day as VP, whether you are a man or woman, if you are not qualified you are not qualified.

It really goes to say something about McCain's sanity to have chosen someone like Palin as his running mate (or should that be a criticism on his ability to make decisions?) Scary......

I can't believe there are some Americans who are actually considering voting for McCain and Palin??!!!

Aren't you worried about the financial crisis in the US? How can you support war and the fact that McCain and Palin can offer no timeline to end war in Iraq and the billions its costing your government and taxpayers when you are losing you're jobs, houses, etc. I like the fact that Biden was able to provide specifics and policy on withdrawing from Iraq, how they planned that Iraq should fund their own given their surplus, etc, etc. He provided substantials and planning.

Palin just looked pretty and tried to charm and appeal. It was just sickening to watch and an insult to women to think that a person can just get by on one's looks, charm and charisma without substance and intelligence. The standards should not be lowered on the account of gender.

The world is watching – Please for the sake of America and the world, vote for Obama and Biden. McCain and Palin are the laughing stock of the rest of the world.

Both Biden and Palin offered change – Biden was more believable.

Obama may not have the experience as some suggest compared to McCain but at least he has a good head on his shoulders and is more like the "six-pack Joe" than the 7 houses, 13 cars-owning McCain..... and is less likely to die during the 4 year term.

What Obama lacks in experience will be supplemented by Biden's knowledge and experience and advice as he stated that he will sit in the offcie with Obama on all important deicisions. What happens if "maverick" McCain needs advice if he's in office? Will Palin be giving her informed advice?

I didn't know anything about Biden before the debate but at least he sounded coherent, experienced and someone I could trust. He talked straight. Palin sounded like a used car salesman.

I followed the debate keenly from India and felt that Palin was weak on content .Her knowledge of Foreign affairs was shallow and her answers seemed all prepared and not her own.Should USA have such an inexperienced VP candidate?

Okay did anyone really notice what was going on? Biden was totally smitten with her. She flirted with him also.
they had a connection,, even though she would basically insult him he would smile and look at her as to say" awee isn't she cute" I think he did the best he could up against a very beautiful intelligent woman who crinkles her nose really cute when she makes a pointe,,
ANOTHER MAN TAKEN DOWN BY A WOMAN,
SARAH THE NEW EVE
BIDEN THE NEW ADAM
JACKIE BOO

I bet they're gonna say that Biden is being sexist ... for being too nice to Palin just because she's a woman

Listening to Sarah Palin puts me to sleep. She is amazingly boring as she parrots the GOP desperate party line. How anyone could pick her as a running mate to sit across the table of world leaders in times of so many crisis is unimaginable.

Sure, GOP supports love her. She speaks of guns, mom and apple pie and other out-of-the-mainstream GOP values.

John McCain is, objectively, a bad decision maker, desperate and reckless. He knows that his party is in trouble and that the Democrats have the advantage; so what does he do?

First, he picks a very conservative, inexperienced female governor from Alaska, who until recently did not even have a US passport, as his running mate. This was an obvious act of desperation, thinking that he could pull the Hillary votes in the election. A heartbeat from the US Presidency at a time when there are two ongoing wars and our country on the verge of economic collapse and he gambles with a “Hail Mary” touchdown pass? This is not the man we need as President.

Then, not even a member of the Banking committee in the Senate, and self-described “not knowledgeable on economic issues”, John McCain tries another “Hail Mary” pass by rushing off to DC to “save the world” and tries to demand Obama suspend his campaign and the debates? The US is on the brink of economic collapse and McCain puts politics and election desperation above the future of the country? This is not the man we need as President.

During the same period, Barack Obama has proven to be cool, intelligent, and a good decision maker. This should be obvious to anyone with the mind to actually think what is good for the country and not about politics.

John McCain is desperate and reckless. We don’t need desperate and reckless people leading this country.

As an American living and working in Tokyo, I am in 100% TOTAL greement with Ian from Australia.

CNN..As Ian mentioned, we live in a world now where globalization makes countries so much more interdependent on each other.
Here is a VERY IMPORATNT point you as a news organization need to do a story on..

The economic “bailout” will carry a price tag of about USD700 billion.
Well..we taxpayers will have to pay for this, but who else will have to pay for this huge tab ? As always, countries like Japan and China which, out of their unbelievable faith in the US, have purchased billions and billions of US debt. Now, though USD700 billion is
an unbelievable amount..what is more mind-boggling is that we spend this much (even more) every month on the Iraq War, and
the “surge” which Palin and McCain rant and rave about.
Palin and McCain said the war will continue until victory is achieved.
Well..How will our country pay for this ? By making suckers out of Japan, China, and other countries who are sucked up into purchasing US debt. This will continue forever until our deficit has ballooned to a point where these lenders shall say, “Enough is enough”.

CNN..As a responsible news organization, you need to ask
the question..Surge in Iraq ? Well…If we never went to war in the first place, we would’ve never had to pay for a surge.
CNN..You need to do a huge story on this fact…WHAT WAS THE BASIS FOR THE IRAQ WAR. THERE WERE NO WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
CNN..THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED.

I was greatly disappointed in Senator Biden.

As I recall, during the debate he made a comment that Senator McCain voted for an increase in the national debt (or perhaps he said it was the national deficit). Buenos Dias! We are in a war! Reagan ran up the national debt (and thereby its deficit) to win the cold war. Defense has a real financial cost. Whether or not you agree that we are fighting the correct war in Iraq, we ARE fighting a war on terrorism. Since September 11, the United States has had much to do to protect its citizens at home and abroad. The Department of Homeland Security, our armed forces, our intelligence apparatus and more require real financial expenditures. (In the same way that Reagan, in his second presidential contest, asked if we were better off then than four years earlier, I do wish the Republicans would ask "Are you safer than you were on September 11th?")

Senator Biden's comment felt like he was playing Americans for fools, and ultimately that indicts his personal integrity and credibility. I would fully expect that Senator Biden, as a long-time senator of the United States, fully understands the necessity of the increased national debt. It sincerely worries me that Washington politicians have become so used to shadow boxing that they don't even recognize their own baloney.

Senator McCain has my vote!

Boy, I can't wait to see the next instalment of SNL

They said that McCain's choice of Palin would work out to be either a disaster or a stroke of genius. I live outside the US and am fairly neutral about all this, but objectively, it seems to be becoming ever more abundantly clear that McCain has lost any chance he may have had of residing in the White House next year.

My view is that it was obvious one person was actually convinced and convincing about what they are saying and the other was just trying to stay afloat with a dilligently learned script.

But you can spar over facts, impressions and agendas as much as you like, if you dont go vote in November you may end up seeing McCain and Palin being sworn in next year.

You know the saying "Every country has the government they deserve."?
Think about it.

Well it was another slam-dunk for the Democrats.

Can we just go ahead and elect Obama now? I am tired of listening to Republican lies.

I was so impressed withSarah Palin's ability to control that debate, to expose Biden as a liar over and over with a smile on her face and I was inspired by her spirit.

NOBAMA 08

I see another poster has noticed that CNN's John King is one of the must boring people on earth. Life would be good to never hear another word from him again. Also, all focus groups should be banded.

I watched the debate in Australia. It seems to me that the Republicans managed the preamble to the debate well by encouraging everyone to set their expectations of Gov. Palin as low as possible. I guess the best that could be said is that she met those low expectations. I was disappointed that the moderator was not authoratitive enough to insist on more relevant answers to very important specific questions.

Palin is very structured, well prepared on her speeches and rebuffs...she did not answer the questions from her own mind / experience but it feels like she reads from what she was coached. It is not natural.

Biden is very natural and he can answer questions with more specifics; while Palin murmured thru. Clearly Biden knows a lot what he has to say and understand the mechanics of the economics, strategy and national policies. Palin did not get into details of any of the issues...she appeals more to the house-wifes, consevatives Christians and other middle class groups, but to be a VP, i think America needs more than a joe-six-pack or housewife mentality.

No doubt, my vote goes to Biden.

The post debateCNN panel, and Jonathan Mann were far too kind to Palin.

She fared poorly in the debate; granted she didnt make any serious gaffes, but she showed her lack of in depth knowledge on subjects that will affect Americans- and people world wide as an outcome of this election.

And how did the panel miss the point on 'Achilles' heel". ? palin couldnt answer that!!! Arent Americans tired of politicians who do not know what their weaknesses are, and how to work on them?
Or is it something that Palin didnt pick up??? More material for Tina Fey...

I do not appreciate being "winked" at by a candidate for the highest office.

Just to show how in-experience she is, and how little she knows about foreign countries, Sarah Palin said the US Embassy is in Jeruselam. is this correct? I thought it is in Tel Aviv. Pls correct me.

i am very impressed with how palin hold her own in the debate.
mark you, i'm a obama supporter for more reason than one.
that's why you guys rock. where a country can take a 'rockie' and but in such a high goverment office and actually can or did the job.

how can you elect someone who doesn't know what a VP does and doesn't know the name of the general she claims is saying something?

here is a woman (Palin) who can read lines into a camera– but do you want her to be worse than Cheney? With her gun slung on her shoulder– I dont know how long McCain will last anyway– then the whole world will have to put up with her dictatorship (as she has been acting in Alaska)– ofcourse Alaska has surplus– American tax payers have given her the pork– courtesy McCain!

over the past 12 months or so of watching the day to day coverage and debates of this election i have seen a lot of things from the republican ticket that just don't add up

for example, am i the only one to notice that for the past two months the republican candidate "adopted" obama's platform of "change"?

am i the only one that see's that mccain picked sarah palin in a move that seems blatantly obvious as a ploy to gain women voters?

does he really believe that woman are that simple minded that he could or would gain their votes simply for having a woman on his ticket?

and finally, for the past two weeks we have seen sarah palin switch between spouting non answers and ALREADY CORRECTED LIES (i.e obama wants to raise your taxes .. when in fact he will only raise taxes on the upper 5 percent of all income earners in the u.s., obama has still not admitted that the surge worked, obama wants to wave the white flag and bring our soldiers home from iraq in shame etc. etc.) to making some of the most embarrassing blunders in recent history (i.e "when putin rears his head and flies over u.s airspace .." as her answer to having foreign policy experience!!!).

and now she is being praised for not falling on her face like she did in the katie courack interview?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

she has been coddled to the point where joe biden had to make sure not to look like he was trying to beat her in a debate because that might offend women voters?!?!?!?!?!

from my persective, giving a woman preferential treatment while she is running for the vice presidency of the united states of america is sexist, biased and offensive.

it is an outrage that john mccain stands up and tries to sell himself with obama's message of change while all of the facts point to the fair assessment that john mccain will not do anything to change the current political climate. add this to his embarrassing choice for vice president and the constant repetition of faulty information and i can barely listen or bear to watch the garbage they are peddling to the us citizens.

i pray to god that the american people on are not as stupid as the mccain camp treats them, and that they will not support the mccain/palin ticket .

i pray to about this everyday, because we cannot take another minute of this terrible situation in the states let alone 4 or 8 years more of it.

rome is burning.

I can't believe that so many people actully believe that Sarah Palin won the debate by simply doing better than expected. So she didn't blow it, does that mean she is qualified to be Vice President or God forbid President? Tonight she proved that she is very adept at avoiding answering tough questions that the American people deserve answers to. In contrast I felt that Joe Biden answered the questions put to him in a thoughtful and even considerate manner showing a clear understanding of the issues.

"Dig baby dig".... Palin digs herself into a great big hole in this debate. She has clearly illustrated that she does not have the intellect nor the political ability to manage the VP position. Palin is dependent on her hockeymom buzzwords and rehearsed lines and comes across as completely out of her depth. God help America (and the rest of the world) if you vote in this doggone hick.

I tend to become very uneasy when Mrs. Palin tries to be goofy and overly chummy. I believe everytime she does this her aim is to cover up her deficiencies . At this point she is showing us all that Sarah Palin does not know about McCain's plans for America (The same plans she supports) . Outside of her pre-programmed topics for the debate Mrs. Palin has no clue about a lot of Sen. McCain's campaign positions and she was unable to respond satisfactorily to questions which demanded of her a personal response.
Mr. Biden did not respond to some remarks Mrs. Palin made about Obama. I wanted him to. I believe Mrs. Palin hammered home well her two messages of energy and what she has done as a leader.
Mr. Biden was able to show that Obama has chosen a running mate more than ready to be President (If god forbid the need arises).
Mrs. Palin was clearly chosen by John McCain to shield him and to also take the focus off Obama.
Obama's popularity and the media coverage his rallys attract is clearly seen as a threat to John McCain.

Dutchman in London.

Mr Mann: "I felt that she displayed many of her strengths and worked her way around her weaknesses."
You mean she dodged and avoided answering questions and just droned what she had rehearsed the days before the debate. Yes, she was very camera savvy, just smile, don't take any questions too serious.

Biden showed far more intelligence an statesmanship than Palin will ever do. But I'm afraid it won't matter, since most Americans will not vote using their brain. As with the current president, they will favour the folksy type from next door.

If its not sad enough that the republican community was disgraced by this poor attempt at a leader – we have people pretending that Palin did a good job in this debate, merely because the expectations were so low for such a sad excuse for a vice-presidential candidate.

If people were pleasantly surprised..... by palin – as it was put – it must be because they were surprised that she could avoid answering direct questions with such confidence.

If it was not clear enough before this debate, it is DEFINATELY clear now that the OBAMA/BIDDEN campaign is destined to win. Just because Palin is a woman, does not make her anything close to Clinton..

As an aside, if i were Palin, I would never wink at the camera, ever, EVER again.

I can just see Sarah Palin being voted into the White House as VP, and going on her first trip overseas meeting Mr Putin. Sarah to Vladimir (Putin): Can I call you Vladdie? I'm the gollie hockeymum VP from Alaska, Vladdie do you know that I can see your house (in Russia) from where I live! That makes me an expert on foreign affairs, in particular Russia! Please wake me up before it is too late.

I suspect the McCain/Biden ticket is what the US needs – lots of depth, experience, substance, and integrity.
The Obama/Palin ticket looks hopeless – shallow, inexperienced, untested, and superficial style.
Unfortunately, due to flaws in the electoral process, the choice is not between these best and worst tickets. Instead, two medocre tickets are to be presented to the voters.

She needs to be running for President, Obama, McCain, and Biden combined would be fine Vice Presidents...

This debate is a perfect example of Washionton, and the Media being totally out of touch with the American Citizen...

Will they ever figure this out?

It scares me to think an inexperience candidate such as Palin is being considered for the role of VP when she looks as if she is excited to be selected for a reality show, while grinning and smiling and winking over subjects of solemn issues.

I wonder how much midnight oil was burnt by the Mc Cain campaign managers trying to coach Governor Palin and prepare her for this VP debate. This was very evident even to a casual observer.While she showed some knowledge on Energy issues, she appeared very superficial on important issues like the shape of the US and World economy, exit policy in Iraq, how to handle difficult and unfriendly countries like Iran and N.Korea, nuclear disarmament and Global Climate change. On all these major issues, she offered no tangible solutions or plans to solve them. She kept harping on tax breaks and I don't think any Middle Class American believes her. On the other hand, Senator Biden was far more articulate,natural and being a veteran showed restraint and maturity during the debate. Unlike the first presidential debate where I thought both candidates neither won nor lost, Senator Biden was the clear winner tonight.

Palin did well for Sarah Palin, she redeemed herself from being an incoherent VP wannabe. But this whole issue is not about whether Sarah Palin jumped over the bar that was lowered for her. So she carried herself well enough in the debate,and she looks like a nice person. That doesn't compensate for the fact that she seems to be only knowledgeable about oil, Alaska and how to talk in a folksy way. There are huge problems in this country that she avoided addressing in the debate so I doubt she is capable of handling international relations or the financial crisis that the country is facing. Palin is still ignorant about alot of things a VP shouldn't be ignorant of. The idea that she's a heartbeat away from being President of the U.S. if McCain departs scares me to bits.

Only in the US would people consider somebody a "winner" because they didn't screw up...what does this say about standards? maybe that's why the country is in such a mess!

It saddens and scares me to think that anyone can believe she is fit for politics. If McCain gets elected and disappears, she has to take over. Who do you think will lead the country, her or the unknown forces behind her?

Leave the Federal Government out of it,suggests Governess Palin at every turn just when that very same Republican government (quite rightly and with Democrat support) needs to spend 700 Billion Dollars to prevent another Great Depression. This is just pure ideology. Governments are the only ones left to look after fellow men and women when all other resources, especially bankers have failed them. And a democracy is about discussing how best to implement such painful measures.

Hillary Supporter

How can you even think that Palin even came close to control the debate? If you are truly a Hillary supporter you would be with Obama!! Maybe you just want to see a women in the position.... either way Palin sure as heck is no Hillary. She couldn't even play dress up in her shoes!!! Are you in it for the issues or just because she is a woman. I am a woman and I wouldn't vote for this dim wit if they paid me to vote for her. Americans need to stand up for the issues not gender! As a Hispanic middle class American and teacher I would never vote for someone just because they are Hispanic. Maybe you like her winking at you and talking like she has no education with her "gettin." If Obama ever spoke that way, people would criticize him over the bridge no nowhere!

Palin did not support facts with figures. Biden had all the facts with figures. Palin is pretty. But vice-presidency is not a beauty contest. This position needs some one with proper judgement and intellect. She lacks that. Biden did portray alot of knowledge and depth in mmany issues. Wake up America!!! It is alright that viewers will not be subjected to another debate of this nature. It appeared to me that all that Palin knows is Alaska. An American president is a Worlds President. She did not even mention anything about Africa. At leat Biden has been to Chad and has seen the suffering there. And e did talk about Darfur. Please Americans......

Hillary Supporter – are you serious? I thought anyone supporting Hillary would cringe at what Palin is doing for women. That alone would be one reason to not vote for the McCain/Palin ticket.

Initially I was never a Hillary supporter, however during the pre-selection phase I grew to admire how credible and how much of a strong leader she would make. With no vested interest in the choice between Obama and Hillary I believe either candidate would be an exemplary choice by the Democratic party.

Fine if you don't like the Obama/Biden ticket but America would be better off if people like you just stayed home on November 4th.

I'm an American living and working near Zurich. Watched this debate live on CNN. Ms Palin can't and did not hold a candle to Biden on national, domestic, foreign, and economic issues. If she were elected and presiding over the House she would need training wheels on her bicycle for a long time. She clearly disappointed the guy in the focus group from Columbus, Ohio who said, prior to the commencement of the debate, he very much wanted to hear what the McCain-Palin plan is for the economy and other domestic issues. Her sound bites and out-and-out failure to answer many of Gwen's questions just didn't do it. America-let's get real about electing highly qualified people with a plan.

For Richard-anxious American, and Americans like Mark....

Ahmedinijad ( the so called mad man by Americans) has predicted the 'fall of the American empire"

Unfortunately, it seems he is going to be right. ...Hearing Palin today, and reading that ordinatry Americans may still vote for McCain...

America is deep in debt. How can they afford to fight terrorism? Who are their allies? Geprgia and ?????

The Republicans have played straight into the hands of terrorists and Al Qaeda... think about that before you vote

I must admit that I am a bit baffled about the "John McCain KNOWS how to win a war!" comments.

I would never belittle what Mr. McCain went through. He showed spectacular courage and honor in the way he deported himself in the Hanoi Hilton. Staying until the rest of his comerades were released while taking daily torture is astonishing! However, that doesn't teach one how to win a war.

It teaches how to take a beating. How to be a hero. How to be an honorable person. But ultimately, the US lost the only war he was in. It's not his fault, but if any lesson could be learned from Vietnam, it was how to lose a war.

John McCain was not part of the greater command structure. He was not strategizing battle plans (his forebears perhaps). He does not know how to win a war. He does not know how to run a war. He knows how to fight some battles and knows how to take a punch like a man.

No one (in this election) has the experiential advantage when it comes to "knowing how to win a war". Anyone who claims different is trying to pull the wool over the public's eyes.

American people need to wake up and realize that McCain and Palin is repeating the same old news as the Bush administration, people are hurting in our country, Palin is all talk and full of jokes, she is not going to help working mothers, the middle class, or education. Our country is hurting after 7 years from the Bush administration, what is it going to take for us to wake up and realize we are hurting, more jobs being lost, families hurting and losing their homes, lost jobs, education programs suffering in every state. Teachers are being laid off. What is the Bush administration doing for the middle class or what is he doing for the military families. Palin is a joke with fancy non funny words, I like to see her walk the streets with real Americans and making light of their situation. Being poor is not funny these days.

As an interested Austalian I felt Palin spoke very well as did Biden but I felt her policies were out of coulter with what the Americans mostly need now due to the crisis in Wall Street

Palin was evasive in her responses. Biden was substantive. Palin came across as a greenhorn that every thinking person should be wary of about entrusting her with the huge job that she is seeking. Biden seems to be ready for his job and his role.

I watched the entire debate with amze. I saw an experined person and a housewife wanna be V.P.

I have run many companies and we always hire based on experience and not if she is a good hocky mom. I think america needs to wake up and do the right thing and get rid of republicans in the whitehouse. They have done enough damage to our country and our money with their self serving lies about the need for a war and other things.

I watched the live from Taiwan. Palin sure looked pretty confident. However, being confident is not the only point to be a VP. She talked about global warming is not man-made. US is the country that pollute the most. Look at your recycling system. At least, Taiwan is practicing recylcing system in details that our government mandate us to protect our environment. We promote carrying our own grocery bags when we go grocery shopping. Look at Wal-Mart, other big stores in the US, plastic bags are all over.

I think Biden is great. I see a man with wisdom with all the years of experience. I think he will be fantastic VP to be Obama's great consultant. He knows his role very well.

I believe that most people will give the debate to Palin because the expectations on her were so low following her last few interviews. However, she has again has shown that she does not seem to understand the questions that come her way but rather prefers to fall back on political rhetoric and not answer the question directly. She still likes to play the role of the Hockey Mom and seems to think that somehow Moms have a greater understanding of family issues than Dads, a point that Biden pointed out quite clearly. I think she will prove to be the Achille's of McCain's campaign.

in what other technically demanding job would saying "I know nothing about all this but I'm a good person" get you the job? Her performance was competent but her inability to speak with authority and familiarity with relevant facts (as apart from being able to deploy withering volleys of down-home affectations and withering cliches at the first sign of trouble) exposed her as a pretender. As ever, the American love affair with rank unexceptionalism as a qualification for leadership bewilders me – particularly given the past 8 years.

Biden was as good and professional as someone with his background should be. There was only one qualified person in the room.

Palin did a pretty good job for someone who was clueless.

But it's only fairy tale to think that an average joe who has no experience can lead the country, and her black and white view towards middle east really scares me.

And certainly, if she becomes the VP, she will embarrass us with more eccentric and ignorant remarks..

I listened for as long as I could take it, but ended up turning it off after 45 minutes of question dodging and both candidates' apparent contest to see how many times they could mention their running mate's name...

I woke up 7am Pakistan time just for the debate. I needed that last assurance that America isn't risking bringing in more of the same in this election, and I got it.I went back to bed relieved once and for all: The Mc Cain/Palin ticket is over.

As a non american, I am more than a little dumbfounded at how supporters of Palin, including experienced political figures, can overlook her glaring lack of understanding and knowledge on so many issues. I can tell you that a candidate like that could NEVER survive, let alone win, in an election in my country. They would be annihilated. They literally would not get out of the starting gate. Only in america could such an abysmal candidate do well. And the reason?? We are told she is just like "joe six pack". Is that the qualification for the job of vice president and potentially president – to have no qualification? To be joe six pack? Do Palin supporters actually believe that it is more important to likeable than have a deep command of the issues??? Elections are a popularity contest sure, but its not supposed to be a beauty contest. I don't understand. I really really dont understand.

It seems to me that when evaluating Palin and Biden you have to ask yourself the same question that you do with respect to Obama and McCain – how would they perform as president, because they could very well have to step into that role. While I like McCain as a person, the idea of Sarah Palin as president absolutely terrifies me. And I dont think I am alone.

To supporters of the Obama ticket, I can tell you that most of the rest of the world is pulling for your candidate. Please God, let Obama/Biden win on NOV 4, and restore america to her position of leadership and trust that has been abdicated under the Bush regime.

Sarah is not prepared to be V.P. She lacks experience and exposure. The KO IMHO was Joe when he said Cheney was the worst V.P. in the history of the U.S. Hard to imagine more truth than that,.

Palin is charming and articulate but has no substance or experience. That was very obvious during the debate. Biden has my vote.

watching the debate here in NZ I cannot believe that some Americans
actually want Palin to be the next VP, just beyond comprehension!!

I can't believe what she said about climate change.

Where is she?

I've seen some comments about experience in wartime. I don't think being in a prison camp means you can run a country. I don't think it means that you're going to make a proper judgement about going to war.
And by the way, stop going to war America! You're no good at it.

It's like that one joke a comedian gets a laugh on once, then keeps trying to relive it.

World War II was it. Even then dropping the bomb was highly questionable.

But after that....what war has worked for America?

Speaking of insane.....what was it that Einstein said about insanity?

Oh yes, continuing to do the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.

As a Canadian living abroad, I truly can't believe that Americans would 'consider' Palin as McCain's running mate. I hope and pray that your nation doesn't restore the most unpopular president in your storied history with someone who may turn out to be far worse. Not him so much, but seriously, Palin? WInk, wink, nudge, nudge was great when Monty Python was doing it, but from a VP candidate? Appalling! Plus George Bush has completely ruined your image abroad. Believe me, it's all I can do to defend your country for you all the time. Go with Obama/Biden, they'll get it done.

US Americans, be serious!! Sarah Palin answered nothing at all!!

By the way, the McCain/Palin combination makes me think of the movie Air Force One; a Vietnam veteran President (Harrison Ford) and an unknown Vice President (Glenn Close) who handles the crises of the hijacked presidential jet.

Cinemascopic Deja Vu?

That's quite clear a B+ result after a week "crash course" form McCain.
If that made her a qualified VP ? No way !
I bet thousands of "Desperate Housewives" out there can do the same if not better. America, you are on the cross road deciding who gonna run this great nation and world. Face the reality. Palin is only a McCain's political "Cinderella".

Dude, what do ya wanna do, go for the looker or the dude that knows his stuff? Hmmmmmm.....

Hello,

There was one gaffe that you missed and that I think is very telling.

During the debate Gov. Palin tried to explain her running mate’s statement about the sound "fundamentals" of our economy. Here is what she said:

"John McCain, in referring to the fundamental of our economy being strong, he was talking to and he was talking about the American workforce," she said. "And the American workforce is the greatest in this world, with the ingenuity and the work ethic that is just entrenched in our workforce. That's a positive. That's encouragement. And that's what John McCain meant."

At first I thought she made a mistake by using the term "workforce" until she used it two more times during that statement. I think she meant to use the term "workers" because "workforce" is the sum of all its parts (i.e. all the workers are put together to make a workforce). I hoped she consulted with Sen. McCain first on this.

So, if Sen. McCain thinks the "workforce" is fundamentally sound, then why is it that thousands upon thousands of our workers are losing their jobs? By the way Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin, those thousands upon thousands of workers that lost their jobs made up your "fundamentally sound" workforce. Still think it is fundamentally sound now?

As an european with his fair share of populistic politicians, I really must say that Sarah Palin is in a league of her own. What's left when you cut through all the folksy "I'm from Alaska and therefore in touch with the american people"-clichés?
I've lived in the US and visited your beautiful country several times and met so many openminded and friendly americans, that I can't believe that this conservative, rightwing-christian and politically unexperienced woman, who sees it as a qualification to go moose-hunting, is your best bid for the second highest position in your country, maybe in the world.
I just hope that this will end as the joke it so clearly is, and that America will get back on track as a truly democratic and responsible world-leader. You need the world as much as we need you, so please give us all the best possible foundation for further dialogue and cooperation.
Don't be so scared of the outside-world, that you hand over the political and military power of the presidency and vice-presidency to people, who acts and talks like America hasn't made any mistakes during the last eight years and like they still regard the rest of the world as the root of all evil.

As an outsider looking in, hope nobody minds if I hold up a mirror to the collective American face: Since Americans want so desperately to "re-earn" the respect of the world community by showing that they can once again, quite literally, lead by example, it amazes me that they have allowed the bar on the VP race to be set so low, that the performance of a candidate is gauged by how much he or she surpasses the very low expectations these candidates have respectively set for themselves. My unsolicited advice: Set the bar for the elective office based on your expectations of the OFFICE, and not of the person running for it, and please, set it high.

Sen. Biden 35 years at Senate = Check his record and see wat he has accomplish.

Barack Oboma 4 years in senate = Look at he's record and see wat he has accomplish

Sen. Mccain 25 yr = look at his record and check wat he has accomplish

Gov. Palin 2yrs = Look at her record and see wat she has accomplish.

I think is fair to judge by thier records and not wat they say most often. Judge by wat they have done as a Sens. and as Governor.

Governor Palin received credit for her crafty political spin during the debate, but for those of us who are cognizant and utilize our intellect, it was clear that she was confused, unprepared, and grasping for life-lines to stay afloat. How else could one explain the way she broached topics that had absolutely nothing to do with questions being asked...this is not clever political spin, it is complete ignorance and demonstrates her inability to answer basic questions about domestic and foreign affairs.

This was a one-sided debate, with only one participant willing to answer questions and provide clear and concise policy components. Gov. Palin lacked substance, depth, cleverness, and even a basic respect for the Office of the Vice President.

If Americans want to see "someone just like us" helping to direct the country's affairs, we should first ask why and secondly, we should ask "how far has that gotten us?"

As Americans, we should all want the Vice Presidential candidate and Presidential candidate) to be much more brilliant, eloquent, intellectually gifted, respectable, and charismatic than ourselves. Why would we want the average "Joe six pack" running our country? Haven't we seen the consequences of electing to office a regular "Joe"? Two wars, a massive mortgage crisis, an economic crisis more serious than anything witnessed since the 1930's, an exponentially increasing public debt, a broken health care system, an uncompetitive and neglected public education system...should I go on?

Good on you Palin! You did much better than I expected. After the debate I believe that you are ready for the VP job.

I read in one comment where someone referred to Sarah Palin as an "empty suit", which reminded me of the last time in political commentary that we heard those two words. They were used then to describe the candidate George W. Bush.

Indeed, it seems that Palin is indeed very similar to Bush in the sense that they both suffer from a lack of subject matter knowledge and a lack of relfection, which they cover up with a false sense of bravado.

I think it's time to pick an administration which has the resources and intellect to get us out of the many jams we, as a Nation, are in.

Sometime i dont actually know wat ppl are looking at in people, is it experience or wat u can do and wat u hv been able to do. Are we goin to eat experience.

Even looking at experience, i think she is more experience than anyone in this race both on her own part and on democrat too.

She has been in a wassilla Assembly, Mayor 2 terms, work in Oil Company, and now Governor of Alaska. Oh ma God. I think she is more than qualified to be the president of America. She has tested all. Knows that more than those at the senate saying YAE OR NEY.

If Palin was making a joke when she asked what does a V.P. do, then she must have been practicing her stand up routine during her interviews with Katie Couric.

While she ticked off the list of issues for she learned in her 2-day debate cram camp, it was clear that she was struggling to find answers on the economy, global warming and diplomacy (let's face it, the climate is only changing one way, so let's call a spade a spade) that would give her plausible deniability in case history turns against her.

I'm looking for accountability in my leader, not flexible evasiness.

i got up early to catch the vp debate in india and was surprised that sarah palin managed to hold the debate – which is good. it surpassed a lot of expectations.. but that's about it. There was not much debating after that because she lacked the substance in her answers and most of the time, she repeated what she has been saying all along. Sarah was well groomed for the debate but Biden took the cake! He gave specifics, answered the questions and counter-fired her stand to the full hilt! Joe Biden made sure he didn't overstep the line but made sure he highlighted the differences between the 2 parties and took the upper hand on most of the foreign polices to domestic economy. OBAMA BIDEN WILL WALK THE TALK IN 2008.

Sara Palin reminds me of President Ronald Reagan, where common sense prevailed over old Washington rethoric..and he won the cold war.

Jorge

Are you joking, Jonathan? I've seen you on CNN and never thought until now that you lack basic analytical skills? It's all smoke and mirrors from Sarah Palin's side. What a scripted performance. I'm very disappointed in your analysis.

I've always thought that as a democracy every person should have a vote to determine the future direction of our country. Here in Australia, voting is mandatory.

In the five weeks since Sarah Palin become the VP nominee, the erratic nature of the McCain campaign on a vast number of issues – none more so than the recent economic crisis, has left me feeling extremely thankful for one thing: American's are not legally bound to vote.

If America is to command the respect it once had in the world, I urge those conscientious voters to choose substance over style.

It is extremely frustrating when I hear Republicans (not all Republicans though) spouting the ridiculous notion that the Hillary supporters will automatically flock to the McCain/Palin ticket simply because there is a woman on their! This combined with the moronic assertion that foreign policy experience rests with one's proximity to a foreign nation. I mean Karl Rove even said this! A man who has helped mastermind the Republican domination over the past 8 years.

People expect their leaders to be informed and to have solutions to problems. They are expected to be able to think on their feet, divert from the message from time to time and not to spout meaningless platitudes.

It amazes me that political campaigns treat the voters with such contempt. I believe that people do not like being treated as if they are dumb, yet from what I have seen in countless campaigns is the appeal to the lowest common denominator instead of well articulated differences and debates on the issues between the candidates.

This charge that the "liberal" media have been too hard on Sarah Palin is another farcical charge that only manages to deflect attention from the fact that she is unable to give a meaningful answer to the questions given her.

I've read people claiming that Katie Couric bullied her repeatedly throughout her interviews. I watched those interviews and cannot fathom why they believe that. Politicians have to justify their positions and give at least one reason for why people should vote for them, not try and answer the questions they want to answer. I mean Sarah Palin couldn't even answer what newspapers or magazines she read!!! After being asked 3 times!!!

Also, when the news organizations ask people who won the debate, they fail to contextualise the win. Obviously there will be, in the next couple of days, a large number who state that Palin won, based on her ability to give a performance and to recite very well rehearsed lines.

However, as was demonstrated after the Obama/McCain debate, the real winner emerges after a week or two. Biden clearly won the debate demonstrating his ability to draw on the lessons that history teaches and to articulate Obama's future for how to tackle the multitude of problems that face not only America, but the rest of the world.

At the same time, I remember not too long ago another candidate proudly declaring that he never read the foreign affairs sections of newspapers and look at what he managed to accomplish in office.

I can understand the appeal that Palin has, especially to the evangelical conservatives. However, there is too much focus on the personality of the candidates rather than the substance of their policies. (surprise, surprise)

And this is where the Republican party machine excels. If they manage to divert the topic to the personalities of the candidates and not their policies then we can only hold the media responsible for failing to do their job.

But based on the performances and policies from both political parties, the Obama/Biden ticket manages to bring both style and substance.

The McCain/Palin ticket is being found out for what it is: a little bit of style desperately searching for that one bold 'maverick' move that will deliver them the White House. So far its found nothing, said nothing and, if the last few months are any indication, will win nothing.

For a position as important as the Vice President of the most powerful nation on this planet, I would certainly look for substance. Someone who knows and understands critical issues such as the economy and foreign policy because these have a spill over effect on the rest of the world.

Folksy styles and a fresh face may be nice to look at, but they don't address real hard issues the world has to deal with. Biden answered the questions, and answered them well. I thought he delivered a sterling performance. Palin delivered well only on rehearsed lines. On questions she could not answer, it was all waffle.

I must admit I was looking forward to seeing Palin fall on her face and having a good laugh at her expense. However, what I did feel instead was a sense of disbelief at how she got away with not answering the questions asked, and how robotic she looked. My biggest disbelief however, is how media is responding to her. That is was "ok" for her to do such and making her sound like a hero. I saw nothing but someone who had rehearsed her every moment. I'm not American, but as a Canadian, I realise how important it is for Americans to pick the RIGHT person to lead the world's superpower. I live in the United Arab Emrates and have been in the Gulf for 8 yrs. To think this person (Palin) could one day be the American president is scarey. The Palestinian issue is a real one, with Palestinians being killed, raped,etc, by Israeli soldiers. She lives in a bubble and knows nothing about the issue and it's clear which side she takes. It's time for Americans to take this election VERY SERIOUSLY and to open their eyes to what WILL happen if the choose a McCain/Palin ticket. I suggest you look at this election with a broader scope. Palin doesn't know the issues, she's proven that time and again, and certainly did tonight by ignoring the real questions. This election is important to the world, not on the USA. God help us all if you make the wrong decision.

Everyone reading this post should know that foreigners are not voting in our elections. As a true American I never have cared what people from other countries think about us. Next time someone asks for help from the United States I say NO. We should have never stopped BOMBING certain places. I find it amusing how spun up foreigners get about our elections while saying the US doesn’t matter anymore. Get a grip, a good portion of people living in the United States don’t like you anymore than you like us, and they will be there long after the self-hating politicians and east coast immigrants have moved like locus to feed like parasites in some other part of the world. Not everyone in America is the son of an immigrant. There were people here before.

As for the debate, they both did well, Biden didn’t say anything too stupid and Palin held her own. I will vote for my land (not for freeloading people). And the very fact that one of the political candidates is popular among foreigners will make me vote the opposite. Thanks for making up my mind. Along with my family.

I was not surprised that Palin does not actually know the name of the commanding general in Afghanistan, Gen. David McKiernan. Her mis-step on his name, calling him instead Gen. McClelland (a civil war general) was bad enough, but the second time I had to really question whether any of what she was saying was coming from her own mind and experience, or from what seemed much more likely as the debate went on...her memorized cheat sheet on the podium in front of her. Any self-respecting fifth grader can memorize a fairly lengthy page of facts. But the Vice President of the United States of America should have a firm grasp of basic principals of government learned in high school civics, and maybe even honed in college. "In my own family" just isn't enough for me. Philosopher Carlos Santayana famously said :He who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it." Please America – didn't you learn your lesson about down-home good old boys and girls from George W.? There has got to be a backlog of historical information and intellectual skills in higher level thinking and problem solving in the brain of someone who wants to lead the free world.

I'm amazed at how anyone with a functioning brain and an unbiased stance can dare say that Palin even came close to winning this debate. She was dodging questions better than your current president was at dodging the draft.

Please America, do the world a favor and don't subject us to another 4 years of accelerated extinction.

I just read the transcript of the debate, where Sarah Palin apparently said the following:
"Say it ain't so, Joe, there you go again pointing backwards again. You preferenced your whole comment with the Bush administration. Now doggone it, let's look ahead and tell Americans what we have to plan to do for them in the future. You mentioned education and I'm glad you did. I know education you are passionate about with your wife being a teacher for 30 years, and god bless her. Her reward is in heaven, right?"

First – why should we just forget eight years with a miserable president, when the new republican presidential candidate and his VP-candidate hasn't said or done anything that marks a new course?

Second – as an european it puzzles me how Sarah Palin can get away with that nonsens about Bidens late wife getting her reward in heaven. I would feel it as an insult and as graverobbing to hear my political competitor use personal life and my late familymembers to make herself look caring and compassionate. But just out of curiosity – how does that remark from Sarah Palin sound to americans? Is it normal to talk like that in a political debate?

Hi,
I can perfectly imagine Biden's advisors telling him : do not bite, it may be more convenient for us Palin alive than beaten up.. I don't think any responsible republican voter does really like Palin as potential -not VP- but actually President.

All I can say is her looks got her through her political career (She make no sense) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Palin is such a lier. One one ahnd she is a creationist (or part of a Church who believes God created earth 6000 years ago) and on the other hand she claim climate chnage is also due to nature. Well over what time period. Over the last 6000 years Earth climate has been stable until the late XX century (with man being the cause of the rise). Or she refers too a much longer period of time but in this case she cannot believe Earth was created 6000 years ago. So one of the 2 has to be a lie. Could the press ask her to clarify her view.. On what period of time does she believe the Earth climate had some natural changes not linked to man actions ??? If she says the last 6000 years, then she is factually lying, if she says million of years, then how can she reconcile this with her professed faith ?

I watched this from the Europe. Although not an American, the policies of America send ripples around the world.
I think Biden came across as a measured and experience man, and a very human politician. Palin came across as a polished, rehersed candidate for high school president, she didn't answer the questions.
She used the word Fear too much which reminded me of the Bush tactic of using fear to frighten people into voting for him.
Yes people are afraid of their economic future, but they don't need it drummed into them, her party caused the problem, helped along by Mr Greenspan.
She repeatedly suggested she is an expert in energy, however on research I can find no 'expertise' in this field other than the fact she happens to be the governor of and energy state, and not the only energy state in the USA.
Yet when asked direct questions on other subjects she went back to the old chestnut 'Lets talk about energy'
She is gutsy, I'll give her that, but she is no Hillary Clinton, not even in the same town, never mind ballpark.
I lived in the states for 2 years and I think the average american will be insulted by the folky tone, especially the 'Joe six pack' comment. This is a VP debate. Catch yourself on girl.
Biden was generous, and gracious, if I was voting in this I would vote for change, and vote Obama / Biden

Contrary to the wishes/hopes/prayers of some of the noncitizens posting about their preference for who should be my country's next president, only USA citizens (hopefully) will make that determination.

If I were to state my lifelong political registration, race, gender, education along with who I am going to vote for, 99.9999% of you will scream "liar." Nonetheless, for the first time this "yellow dog" will not hunt with the pack. No debate, commentary or opinion will change that certainty.

Oh great. The most powerful nation on the face of the earth is going to be run with the collective wisdom of "Joe Six Pack" and a "Pit Bull With Lipstick" !!

P....LEASE

I was really angered by how Sarah Palin insulted Americans, calling us "Joe Six-Pack", etc. Listen, lady, a lot of us are brilliant, well-educated people who can hold our own in any economy, any profession in the world, and we WORKED HARD to get that way. America created NASA, the Discovery and Nat'l Geo Channels, and a whole hell of a lot of high science and high culture that is admired worldwide. We have the best universities and some of the best brains in the world. STOP labelling Americans at this demeaning low level. We love our Joe six packs too, but we are NOT all like that, or else the States would be a banana republic by now.

SARAH PALIN DID WELL. DON'T TRUST OBAMA. BIDEN IS ALL TEETH.

No gaffes???? Didn't anyone notice Palin say the problems on Main street have brought down Wall street? She learned her lines down on the farm in Arizona but muddled them up. There were many slips like this if you can stand to listen closely enough. It was like the professor trial-debating a junior high school student. And I know who I want to have just a heartbeat away from the presidency and it doggone aint Palin.

Another view from Australia...

Something everyone seems to be missing is that in their efforts to get Palin to perform adequately, her minders didn't give her space to say anything of her own (assuming she has anything to say). I can't see how the hard right she is supposed to appeal to would have picked up much from her: she hardly touched the usual hot buttons. Gay marriage? No difference in the candidates. Abortion not even mentioned. Tax cuts for the rich? No strong cut-through message. About the only hard right position she said much about was the notion of drilling your way out of the oil crisis, which view apparently makes her an "energy expert".

Overall not impressed and not just because I don't support her politics.

A well coached parrot would have exactly done what Ms. Palin did.
A parrot with lipstick, that is.

Hillary supporter,
Are you for real?
Did you support Hillary for her command of the issues, her empathy with the ordinary american, her personal political experience, her belief in fairness?
Or did you support her just because she is a woman?
If you admired Hillary for her political expertise and command of the issues then how can you possibly support Palin?
Hillary is an outspoken, well qualified, champion of women throughout the world.
Palin has neither the experience, the command, the understanding or the wit of Mrs Clinton.
Hillary Clinton believes in Meritocracy, not token women.
I think Hillary would be amazed at your u turn.

I think this debate had only one purpose, to show that Sarah Palin is not an option for the white house. I believe it is irrelevant that she actually performed not too bad during the debate because at the end of the day she is still just a person who was trying to take the exam without having taken the class.

I dont think one can have an honest point of view on foreign policies if one hasn't traveled at all.
Please America wake up and see that you are being fooled by the biggest political media stunt in US history.

If you vote for this rather tasteless Hollywood story don't expect a typical Hollywood ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Palin is not qualified to be the Vice President of the USA. She has not shared her own thoughts or views. Moreover, I am confused about HER vision and do not know or have confidence in her leadership without being provided a true picture of HER thoughts and goals. God forbid, if John McCain is unable at some point to lead this great nation, I do not believe that I would sleep soundly knowing that Gov. Palin is in charge. I really like Sen. McCain, but I know what right looks like and at this point, because she has not met the Commander-in-Chief test, a McCain/Palin ticket is not appealing. She really needs to step up and meet the standards set by at least one of our great American Presidents for John McCain/Sarah Palin to get my vote. Low expectations and achieving the standard is not the measure of which we need to qualify someone as being capable of becoming the leader of the free world.

Almost all these comments are negative toward Palin. You wouldn't know that at least 40 pc of Americans, at the very least, are impressed with the woman and want her to succeed (I think a small majority of Americans feel this way, actually, but we will see in November).

These comments reveal the politics of CNN viewers – they tell me nothing about how Palin is actually doing. I visit CNN to keep up with what the metropolitan class is thinking, just as I do the BBC in Britain. But I am not stupid enough to believe that there is anything other than extreme bias toward leftish politics here. Stop patting yourself on the back and be afraid, very afraid, of Palin.

I was very disappointed when the handhold devise concentrated on man and woman polls instead of Rep/Dem/Ind. I couldn’t compare the debate between the Pres candidates and VPs. I wish you all in America the best with the elections. I follow the Champaign Trail religiously and am even watching the debates three o'clock in the morning! I myself am a politician on local level – just remember, when a politician makes a decision, it has an impact on your future – please choose carefully!

I live in Berlin, Germany. I am interested to see the full debate at a reasonably day or evening hour here on CNN Europe. Although we appreciate the comments of your correspondents from Japan and Pakistan. I prefere to hear voices from Europeans also.
From what little I have been able to watch from the debate, Joe Biden won by a huge margin. Sarah Palin looks just like another reherst puppet of the current administration.

Karin Shepperd

Does Sarah Palin suffer from a nervous tic in her left eye or is it just a wink,wink,nudge ,nudge don't believe a word that i say.

Either Sarah Palin did not understand the questions or she just did not know what to say to questions that were out of "her past 5 wk syllabus" – More likely both

Its a shame that a VP /potential presidential candidate has such low caliber and has to only justify to the media that "she held her own" with no solid opinion on any issue or demonstrable intellect. Is this all the list of qualities that a VP must have?

Is the responsible media listening?

I can see it now,
President Palin sits down to discuss world affairs and crisis with:
HU Jintao – China
Asif Ali Zadari – Pakistan
Grdon Brown – UK
Angela Merkel – Germany
Nicolas Sarkozy- France
Pratibha Patil – India
Dmitriy Anatolyevich Medvedev – Russia
Ehud Olmert -Isreal

Can you imagine it?

Now picture Biden in the same position

Get the picture?

why can't republicans pronounce nuclear properly?

I thought she was well-trained and robotic (with a smile and wink thrown in, how folksy)- the only good "job" she did was probably rehearsing and getting drilled on this for weeks. She never answered the questions directly. This is a continuation of the Bush style – just keep lying, somebody may start to believe it. I liked Joe Biden a lot. He just seems like the real thing. Palin is just "show business". It's terrifying to think of her in a position of power.
PS. She keep calling Iraq "Eye-rack" – is that being folksy too?

I'm British and a confirmed Yankophile, but I am not enamoured of CNN or you, Mr Mann. I switched on the tv. this morning, and you presented viewers with examples of post debate comments from viewers. In your usual un-evenhandedness, there was only one comment in favour of Governor Sarah Palin, 3 or 4 in support of her opponent. I am sure that you are aware of how powerfully this works in his favour. Sadly, it is all done by design and not by unfortunate accident. Governor Palin and Senator John McCain have had to contend with gross but subtle unfairness, even ridicule from the US media, especially from CNN. This contributed greatly to weakening support for Senator Palin. Senator Obama and Senator Biden have received much more media exposure on your channel, and have been shown almost exclusively, in a positive light.

I was impressed by Governor Palin's courage and resilience last night, and by her very effective, and intelligent performance. I stress the title Governor with some gusto, because I remember too well when Senator Hillary Clinton was in the running for the Democrat nomination, commentators on CNN would sometimes refer to her as Mrs Clinton, and to Mr Obama as Senator Obama. Another subtle partisan ploy, which was unfair, and surely damaging.

I would be heartened if you and all those who represent CNN take greater care in future to be scrupulously fair in your approach. If you show Senator Obama speaking at a rally, do the same for Senator McCain. If you fill our screens with pictures of Senator Obama, let us see an equal number of Senator McCain. Apply this to their running mates, also. Over the past weeks, because you have not given the candidates equal exposure, or shown them in an equally positive light, time and again, you have served to plant the idea in voters' minds, that Senator Obama and only Senator Obama, is the President in waiting. This is far from being true. I wish that CHANGE would come to CNN, too.

What Sarah Palin's performance shows is that Coaching Works. But if, God forbid, she has to replace John McCain, will she have to sequester herself for a week at someone's ranch every time a crisis arises just to get up to speed on the basics? What if there's more than one crisis? Does she take a sabbatical while the world waits so she can work up a Bluffer's Guide to whatever it is? As Barack Obama said, as President you have to be able to do more than one thing at once, She can barely do one thing.

One thing, though–she's given me hope. I'm going to take a week's course on jet engine repair and offer myself to a major airline. And I'll be just as dangerous as Sarah Palin.

Biden did great job, sarah palin was still draging & Lying, she said Iranian President Ahmednijad threatned directly to exterminate EUROPEAN continent! wasnt it ISRAEL? Iam astonished because Iran has French & Russians building their Nuclear facilities.

I wanted to vote for McCain until yesterday, but i have changed my mind today not to trust such an orthodox arrogant women. she reminds me of Howard Dean Rally 2004 though he was honest person. She should bow out for the good.

Tobias Shireman

Tampa Bay, FL

If BS was a tradeable commodity on Wall Street, Palin stock would be appreciating. It was totally obvious that her strategy was to stay clear of answering questions correctly and directly, but to keep talking about what she did. The only problem is that McCains policies are to be used. Their ticket fails on all the majors fronts, economic ( did not support dergulation and keep saying how strong the economy was), taxes (the support corporate america and the wealthy), health care ( proven time and time again by external parties that his plan would actually hurt) and foreign policy ( plan to follow Bush's plan they have said so time and time again). America needs to wake up and smell the coffee and see that the McCain/Palin ticket has nothing new to offer to Americans, let alone the Global citizens.

God save America if Palin becomes Vice President. It was crystal clear after last night debate that she is worse than Bush who doesn't know anything about foreign policy and the issues that affects American people. Winks put me off. Can you believe she sitting with world leaders and winking. Oh my lord !!!

Gold Help America !!! God Save Mccain !!!

Did Sarah Palin did well? propably. But does that mean that she is good enough for America? I don't think so. For somebody who claims that there is victory in Iraq or in any other war that the United States engaged itself in, i should say that that person is not only delusional but ignorant!

I believe Joe Biden had an outstanding performance. He really proved his worth. Actually, I was rather surprised by the level of restraint he showed...There were many instances when he could have just eaten her alive but did not do so. This shows the level of confidence in he has for the Obama/Biden programme.
Yes, Palin definitely exceeded expectations although in substance there was little to take from her script. One telling aspect of her responses is that when asked to analyse herself or her programme, she was simply not able or willing.
In conclusion, Palin proved she has the capacity to be a Governor, but Biden to be a President.

I have followed every inch of this campaign with great interest. Is it just me? or is Sarah Palin not one of the most annoying people you have ever listened to or watched on TV? The little idiosyncrasies she uses to somehow sound 'cute' are even further annoying (or does she see all of us on the same par as her own children?). And everything she does have to say of substance simply sounds parrot/puppet-style rehearsed – that's wy she kept side-stepping issues she hadn't 'rehearsed'.... Very poor showing.
And please don't get me going on what a bore Johnny-boy is.

Vince
South Africa

Serious time call for serious people in the office. This is not a student council election. American people must be smarter and clearer in their head. Given that there is no dream team, the better choice and a more serious team should be elected – Obama/Biden. This is so clear when we from outside America watching and following the events. Mccain does not has the temperament (though more experience) and leadership quality to lead America in this critical moment. He seemed to be rash and agitated easily and a real opportunist – dangerous! We do not want World War 3! America is losing influence globally (economically and diplomacy). God bless you all in US. Make a sensible choice and don't screw yourselves and the world.

Neither candidates will sway voters from the opposite sides of politics. But it is more about the independent vote, I think Biden had a better sway since he was better at answering the questions (if long winded) than Palin who try to put the charm on, which was sort of patronising.

As a non-American, I am positively scared to death at the possibility of Sarah Palin being a heartbeat away from the presidency. All this nonsense about her being like an average person only reinforces that she is not qualified to be America's Vice President. If you're average, you cannot aspire to that office... it is meant for people who are extraordinary leaders with exceptional achievements!!!

Ms. Palin is America's No.1 national security risk. Her fundamentalist beliefs and ignorance of international affairs will put the fate of the whole country in jeopardy, when she has her finger on the red button. What will the Almighty whisper to her in that moment? I don't really want to know. If she had any common sense, and love of her country, she would withdraw her candidacy.

Palin, in a sense, sold herself instead of selling her Presidential running mate McCain while Biden introduced Obama in every question to let the American people know that he is "Change". And why is everyone so bent out of shape with Obama's experience when instead of voting on major issues for 626,932 people in Alaska, he's voting on issues for 305,321,451 Americans in the U.S. for 2 years so where's the experience issues, with a V.P. whose voted on these issues for longer than I have been living, coming from.

george: you warn us to "be afraid, very afraid" of Palin. I think you will find that many are genuinely afraid of Palin. Who wouldn't be scared when a woman as unqualified as her is VP, or god forbid, President!

I'm also shocked at the CNN reporting of this debate. We should not be discussing how well she went in relation to the expectation. We should look objectively at how well she went compared to Biden, and its quite clear that she is not good. How can these reports miss this? This isn't fox.

I am sorry Mr.Biden,but Ms.Palin is absolutely right when she
insist that McCain is not like Bush,and does not follow Bush's
destructive ways. Absolutely not: McCain is worst !
(The voters for this guy should be shipped to an island so to be the
only ones to feel the effects of their vote).

The American people who are thinking to vote for the McCain/Palin Administration should be seriously rethinking their strategy. It is very evident that their campaign is similar to the Bush Administration. Palin's debate was clear that she had been through "Debate Camp" and is inexperienced (just like the Bush Administration). Anyone can be put through what she went through in the last week and deliver a debate like she did. Is that a reason to vote for a VP?. She sounded like a robot and will be one if her administration will be picked.

Senator Obama and Biden are members who compliment each other by bringing in experience (Biden) along with change and a fresh outlook to the country (Obama).

I am not American and hope the people of the country don't make another tragic mistake by going for the Stubborn Republican candidates and put the greatest country in the world into more problems for another 4 years!

Watching the debate from Australia, I was surprised by both candidates; relieved to see that Sarah Palin did not make a fool of herself as we need competent women participating in public life and impressed by Senator Biden's more comprehensive answers – he seemed particularly good on foreign affairs policy. I applaud his and Senator Obama's committment to put a deadline on withdrawal from Iraq and to give more support to Afghanistan.
Could I take this opportunity to ask – where in the world is your current VP – is it still Dick Cheney or have I missed something ? I have not seen him at all on TV either during the election campaign or during the current financial crisis!

Listening to the media analysis surrounding the VP debate I was initially shocked to hear that many commentators were declaring Palin as the winner, simply because she did not actually mess up. I immediately thought what had happened to the great aspirations of the American people, why were expectations so low? Then I realized that the destruction and failure of the Bush administration over the last eight years have lulled the American people into a mindest that if you don't mess up you have succeeded. America needs to re-awake its greatness, realize that Bush Inc is the most defined example of unAmericanism.

I'm not a democrat, I'm not a republican, I'm not even American but I'm a woman and I was appaled at seeing Ms Palin's baby on stage at such a late hour. She gave me the impression of using him as a stage prop. This is not the sign of a responsible person.

Jonathan,
Sarah Palin appeared, for the most part, very confident. However, she did not directly answer the questions, whereas Joe Biden did. You said there were no gaffes–was Gov. Palin really referring to Civil War Army Major General McClellan, or did she mean to say General McKiernan when talking about Afghanistan? Also, she didn't appear to understand the very common term "Achilles' heel", and when asked what hers really was, said, "My experience as an executive will be put to good use as a mayor and business owner and oil and gas regulator and then as governor of a huge state...", and then continued to tout what she considered her attributes and contributions, not mentioning at all any perceived weaknesses. Perhaps this lack of general perception on her part is her real Achilles' heel that will lead to her downfall.

After having seen the debate, i really pity all you folks in the US. You guys really do to not have a choice. You can keep debating but this is the truth. One is slick and the other is Crass. I am sure, either way, you will get a taste of the brand of politics that India has been suffering from for over 5 decades and soon the vast majority will be completely disillusioned with whoever comes to power. Not being cynical, but this is reality.

@not a foreigner,

you are right in not caring who the rest of the world prefers as YOUR president and YOUR vice-president. it is YOUR vote. ironic though that after stressing that, you go on to say that "the very fact that one of the political candidates is popular among foreigners will make me vote the opposite." spiteful much?

I posted earlier that as a people, Americans should raise the bar high for the elective OFFICE; based on @not a foreigner's above remarks, maybe there should be a call to raise the bar high for the voters themselves.

Hello everybody,
I read everywhere that Mrs. Palin's performance was above expectations. Do people really have such a low opinion of the vice-residential candidate?

Are you sure Sarah Palin is running for the president? I am fed up of Obama-Biden camp repeatedly linking McCain to Bush. this argument for argument sake is illogical

I am becoming increasingly frustrated watching the best political team on television’s post debate coverage. I have to believe that they must have been watching a different channel. I challenge anyone to print a word for word transcript of the debate. Governor Sarah Palin was embarrassing. She rarely addressed the questions that were asked and when she did her speech was generally loaded with grammatical errors and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Even if I do not agree with Senator Joe Biden’s positions, I clearly understand his arguments and clearly he was the winner of last night’s debate. He simply did not have any competition. The Senator crushed John McCain’s past record as it relates to his voting history on critical issues like the economy and the war. The best Governor Palin could come up with was some dribble about not living in the past, however, she conveniently pointed to her past record as a Mayor or Governor when she founder herself downing at the podium. In short, if the Vice Presidents office is a heartbeat away from the President’s chair in the White House, it scares me to death to think that Governor Palin has even a remote possibility of sitting in it.

To paraphrase Julius Caesar- I Came, I Saw and Couldn't believe my eyes and ears. I am not an American and my comments will have no bearing on the voting. But I do have many American friends and for sure I am campaigning hard for Obama-Biden. Ms. Palin's winking and "heck yeah" had me in throes of anxiety. I make some points that I urge my American friends to seriously think before casting your vote.

#1. This is the woman, if elected, would not only be a 72 year old heart beat away from the Presidency but also from the Nuclear Football. To know more about football follow this link ( http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/systems/nuclear-football.htm).

#2. Her foreign policy knowledge was next to zero. A choice between nuclear Iran or unstable Pakistan her first choice was Iran. Goodness Gracious! Pakistan is already nuclear!!! And has been in a huge proliferation scandal. What would she do?? Enter into an all out war with Iran?? ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?

#3. She talked about the surge in Iraq (I-rack) and how a surge in Afghanistan was the need of the hour. I am totally dumbfounded. The terrain alone is different. Gen. McKiernan ( link to that is here http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1986) has totally rejected the idea. A program called the "Journal" aired in DW TV (the link is here: http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,262268,00.html ) talked about the German soldiers serving in Afghanistan. These European troops are training the local police. The patrol leader accepts a kind invitation from a local tribal leader for tea. The reason : INFORMATION. Moral of this. You need more HUMINT ( human intelligence). If you want to catch and bring to justice Bin Laden this is the only way. Electronic surveillance can only do so much. Did McCain or Palin talk anything about this. NO!!! Zero. Mum's the word. Instead she winked and used such language which I am apt to say was in such poor choice.

#4. Her so called strong point. Energy. What a joke. McCain and Palin are right on top of that. How?? Well drill away. But she says that she is against that. Oh please. If you have resided in California and in the valley then if you do not have a car, then you can't travel anywhere. Public transport is virtually nil. There are a lot of wind farms though. But what exactly are their plan? Well her handlers forgot to mention that to her, because they do not have one. If you want to know how much emission USA actually does the link is rite here : http://www.eia.doe.gov/bookshelf/brochures/greenhouse/Chapter1.htm

Up until now I was humoring Ms.Palin as a candidate for the second most important office in the Democratic world. Now, after her debate, I have to admit that I am scared. Sen. McCain is not only a maverick, he is also certifiable. To even consider someone like Ms.Palin as his VP, he has shown that he lacks judgement and would do anything to become the President.

AMERICANS BE WARNED. YOU WILL BE PLUNGING THE WORLD INTO ANOTHER ERA OF WAR MONGERING AND SUFFERING IF YOU CHOOSE TO VOTE RED. THEN GOD ALONE CAN SAVE US.

MR.OBAMA I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR YOU. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT IF YOU GET VOTED INTO POWER YOU WILL HOLD ON TO YOUR AGENDA, PEACE OUT!!!

I can not believe that anyone could feel confident with Sarah Palin watching the debate now, she really is dodging the questions and is showing that she only has certain topics that she is able to answer. I do not understand why the question master is not pushing her more, it feels like she is being let off the hook. It is amazing that we are talking about some one who could possibly be President of the United States, I think most of us in Europe are astonished by her appointment.

Just to take a comment Palin made that McCain knows how to win wars due to his experience......
I guess sitting in jail during a war that incidentally was lost qualifies him for 'knowing how to win a war'

As for Palin, she was not capable of disputing any accusations of Biden that she was wrong, she merely brushed it off with saying that whoever analyses the debate afterwards, i.e. the news media, would prove her right.

I did not hear anything informative or original out of that woman's mouth, and had to yawn whenever she started off on her 'Wasilla' tirade and how Washington needed some 'Wasila' procedures.

This was a very boring debate and only informative from one side, i.e. the Democratic side.

I am french, living in the Netherlands and dreaming to move to the States... I saw the first debate and McCain using the same arguments than Bush... the fear... the pressure and finally the urge to trust him as only alternative and now we see someone who learned so well her lesson, prepared like a bad actor to resist to the professionalism of Biden.... but like wrong actors..the patterns come in between and time to time she was imitating Tina fey... how can we smile when yesterday my friend in Ohio was crossing a mall she knows.. almost empty.. shops gone.... where business established since 100 years are closing... nothing to smile about.... A good amateur is only depending of the text but the text isn't enough... nothing new..for example the so named "surge".. this name came months after months to resume the situation in Irak and now it is brought as strategy but to higher the number of soldier is not a strategy but a response to the situation on the battle fiel and to pretend that it will work in Afghanistan is stupid, ridiculous and dangerous.. it is to forget that Taliban has been build with the money of the States...! can you imagine one day... this woman at the head of the USA? the free world will tremble... actually the all world laughs about Bush.... several years ago Bush father said in an interview.. speaking about him... My son is not an idiot !!!!! and soon the daughter of Sarah Palin will say... my mother is not an actor.... Positive point of the debate... Biden.... reasonable... perfect in his role... not falling in the trap (famous context of that debate) not making Palin ridiculous... which would have been a disaster for him.. I have been impressed... A good actor is the one who is helping the other actor to be good.. The intelligent one is the one who is making the other intelligent... Voltaire said that..... Hundred years ago...he was French and went to the Netherlands for having the right of free speech..

I see that my comment about the Palin/Biden did not meet the criteria of the Democratic moderater as one of the glowing reply of Biden and the results of a B.Hussein Obama/Joe Biden presidency. I guess CNN and Jonathan Mann will not be happy until AMerican have to wait in line for months to get standard medical treatment. I guess they think that is Ok because every one will have to wait. Just like in Canada where the only ones getting propmt medical care are the Immagrants that dont stand in line but go to the emergency room for treatment of even the common cold. Of which has all but banckrupt the Canadian government to the point that they cant even afford to defend their own country! Inspite of the fact that they have one of the largest natural resourse in the world. TOO busy paying for social programs!! Leave it to the American to defend us!! Until they are as socialist as Canadais and cant afford to do it any more. Well I have news for you in the foreign world. If America elect s B. Hussein OBAMA and Biden and you will have to pay for your own defense in Less than 4 years. You will be on your own! Maybe I will vote for Hussein after all

Does being a maverick mean you do not support your own party's policies and your own party does not support your policies?

This isn't the time for a gambler.

Surprised by the Biden-Palin debate? How could one be surprised! Palin is great at delivering lines...very much like Ronald Reagan that other actor who looked and sounded good, but who had little experience except in looking good and sounding convincing delivering his lines. Biden was kind in the debate, and he still out shined the vapid Miss Palin.

The choice of Palin to serve as Vice President of America is as frightening to me as it would be if Paris Hilton had been chosen. She is like one of those characters out of "Men in Trees". What on earth was John McCain thinking when he chose her! It's an unsound choice, similar to that other unsound choice he supports: the war in Iraq!

Would Obama be that much different to Clinton, we know a Dem president can be bipartisan.

I watched the debate here in Berlin Germany. and my observation is that Sarah Palin is a glorified cheerleader for the Republican Party. She proved to me with her soundbites and lack of concrete answers, that she will be going back to Alaska and do whatever she does there. But no way should that lady be in the White House.

Joe Biden by far has shown that he is ready and able to serve as a competent and principled number two and fellow team player while Ms. beauty Palin shocked us all with her better-than-expected-well-rehearsed-overloaded-motherhood-statements...As one analyst mentioned, she did well for her re-election in 2012 as Governor of Alaska...ahem. Nothing more, nothing less.

I believe there has been nothing new.
Biden tried to connect McCain with Goerge Bush and its bad police and Palin suggested that Biden does not stand for change.
Nevertheless I believe Biden won the debate.
Palin seemed to be "untouchable". She said that she did not promise anything so far who she can not maintain.
Futhermore I do believe both candidates and VPs will both do not do as much as would be needed for the enviornment.
Clean coal and nuclear energy are maybe part tiem solutions but no final solutions!!!

I really hope that people really listen to what the candidates had to say in this VP, but I am pessimistic because time and time again people have lured in by the delivery of the speaker. I, personally, liked and agreed with what Senator Biden had to offer but it seemed like he sort of gased out toward the end and that Palin remained strong throughout the debate in what she said over and over. Again, if people only tune into the delivery and not the what was said, then we might see a resurgence in the polls back to what they were prior to the economic crisis where McCain was on top.

Sarah played to her strength – rote memorization. However, her weaknesses were glaring – sarcasm and vernacular that is unfitting of a vice president or a president! She had to return to talking points whenever she was unable or unwilling to answer questions, i.e. the energy policies that she claims to know so much about. When she did not answer the question "What is your Achille's heel?", I believe this question was avoided because she had no idea what
" Achille's heel" means!

It was an unfortunate result for the Republicans. It gave Ms. Palin the courage to go forward on the ticket ... when the best thing she could still do is drop out and let a more experienced candidate in. Unfortunate result for the Republican ticket.

There is right wing and the left wing. Here in Australia we have a healthy economy, good working conditions, free health care, jobs, because our politians are fighting for the middle ground. Your right has just had a turn, and managed it badly, but also swung the balance away, from Main St. The Dems in one term could redress the balance, but not take you toward the downside of socialism. If you didn't like 'em, go back to the GOP next time, but it seems time the Dems had a turn.

Eg Because we have solid banking regulations, our banks are well placed to ride out this credit crisis. They are also extremely profitable.

Not sure why Main St would settle for just a trickle down. But the trickle is being plugged as jobs and spending go to china. The playing board has been tilted toward the big end and the ref sat in the corner.

incidentally...her smiles and winks and smirking at Joe Biden's statements of substance...is to me appalling...God forbid, McCain and Palin win...and should McCain kick the bucket and she becomes president...how could we america?!!!

I found it amazing that after being coached for days and embarrassing herself during previous interviews, Ms Palin still smiles winks and does not answer questions, as if this was sufficient to make her VP material, "god bless her little heart" and god help us if she becomes the VP.

Biden won. McCain will not win. Palin will go home YEA!!!!!!!!! Life is good

An American in Germany-
I think we were all anticipating a bit of a train wreck this evening. And, the fact is that there wasn't one. Gov. Palin demonstrated poise in the face of an opponent whose thirty years of experience/preparation made it unrealistic to expect her to win the argument. There was no way that she was going to be able to thoroughly answer all of the questions she was asked. I am proud that she stood up and handled the event with grace, whether or not I agree with her.
Joe Biden demonstrated the expert knowledge of a career politician and the decentness to respect his opponent. I appreciated the fact that he answered many of the answers directly, if not fully. He more than convinced me that he would be an asset to the president.

Bottom line–not a game changer, but my respect for both went up. The fact that this civil discourse occurs as an inherent part of our political process gives me pride. (the exception, not the rule)

I’m American Expat in the Middle East; recorded this debate due to time difference, and had great time this morning watching hilarious comedy. A totally and “pathetically” inexperienced Candidate for the VP post debating with 25 years experience who’s been there done that. No way to compare. I don’t understand how such amateur debater with casual answers and winking smiles would qualify for such sensitive official job? Moreover, she has such bold nerve to defend the catastrophic administration of that lame duck in the White House!!

I also don’t appreciate dragging her kids everywhere she go, I felt so sorry for her little sleepy baby carried around on stage last night.

Sen. Biden generally answered the questions. Atop that, he amassed points with us because he knew his statistics –and corrected Gov. Palin's (same old, same old) parroting inaccuracies. Gov. Palin generally didn't answer the question asked. Instead, she veered away, as quickly as she could, to a memorized spiel that often was unrelated to the question. This lady doesn't undertand questions! This was obvious to me and my friends.
Gov. Palin was far more pleasant than The Grinch.
But Sen. Biden was Presidential.
I do NOT want my local waitress or cab driver to be Vice President, no matter how pleeasant the conversation. Alaska has a small population, and perhaps (not sure) Gov. Palin can manage without heaping more scandal on herself for the kind of cronyism that occurs in small towns and among buddies. But please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is America's future we're talking about! As for the debate, it was no toss-up. Biden won. One of my friends who was going to vote republican changed her mind last night, when she heard what Sen. Biden had done for women.

Really, people what you are falling for : some foggy rhetorics, depthless thoughts and phrases like "we are here for you". I wonder how much undiscovered political damage she has done in Alaska ?
She is unconvincing, unsecure, lacking experience in foreign and US politics and above all: shallow if not empty. I watched for years US presidential TV debates just for fun and I never encountered something to move my mind. Sorry but that's how we feel here in Europe.

oops! By "The grinch, I meant Sen. McCain. Sen. Biden was no grinch!

I live in Tanzania and have been following the U.S elections with a lot of interest.

Palin is pretty, that is a given, and pleasing to watch until she opens her mouth. It is so obvious she is intellectually shallow as far as international and national issues are concerned. I really do wonder if she had any time to read when she was governor, what with her tight hunting, hockey schedule.

We all know she had to do a lot of cramming in the last few weeks but it is depressing and annoying when one watches the future V.P of the greatest country on earth repeat the same lines over and over. The same lines are used to answer questions on different unrelated issues.

Americans please open your eyes and minds or the world and you will have a regretable four forthcoming years.

I gets an A for not being stupid. Other than that I don't see where this changed anything. I thought Biden walk a fine line the whole debate. Palin to me seemed like she was flirting with the American people. All the winks and stuff were to much.

If you were for Obama than you still are, and same goes for McCain.

I'm in Uganda and I woke up at 4am to watch this debate (though I'm not an American). Sarah Palin dodged almost if not ALL the questions asked. She simply recited points she had been trained to present though she had a good screen presence (which doesn't count much when you are dealing with real issues – maybe when you are a model). On the other hand, Biden came across as someone who knew what he was talking about on almost all issues. Palin is simply NOT ready to be VP and Americans had better realize this!

Big sigh

I guess I'm what most people would call an average joe......And let me tell you...I had more respect and connection with Joe Biden and felt irritated while looking at Palin's performance. Yes I said performance...
The oneliners, the winking, the slang....it all felt so scripted to me.
Half of the time I was raising my eyebrow to Palin thinking ..."who you're trying to fool lady?"

Joe Biden was the real person...he anwsered my questions. And when he choked up...wow I had to fight the tears back myself. He did good. He really did.

Pippa writes from Africa:

Joe Biden impressed me, He is a gentleman
and his experience and style, sealed this election
for the Democrats.
Bearing in mind that, six weeks ago,
McCain put Sarah Palin 'out there',
to be savaged and maligned by a bias
media, I think the woman has guts and is a quick
study. She acquitted herself in this debate, not McCain.
Watch out for the voter who votes on emotion.
Give Sarah Palin four years in Washington and she
could be quite formidable in politics.

I do not trust 'messiah' Obama. He does lie.
How much 'Washington' experience does he
have?
He has escaped deep scrutiny from the media
and his stance on Israel is worrisome.
He panders to capricious Iran.
I sincerely hope that he employs experienced advisers
that understand many faces of terrorism.
Drawing American troops down from
Iraq is not an easy picnic. Such promises he makes!

McCain lies like a cheap watch and is a 'has been.'

If I may say, an ideal ticket for me would be Hillary – Biden.
Best of luck America.

Thank God I live in Africa. (The lost Continent)

Sarah Palin's acting performance is truly good. So good that it is a match for Joe Biden's substance. She makes the impression that she dodges questions because she has no clue. And she does that by repeatedly returning to her own topics which she has rehearsed even when it is totally inappropriate. Biden also dodges questions, but for quite the opposite reason. He knows very well what complexities lie behind the simple questions.

Here is a piece of information for Joe Sixpack and Sarah Hockeymom: the industrial revolution happened in England and not in France while France in many ways was better situated. Historians have pointed to one big difference: France had a weak government that was especially weak in getting taxes paid.

Taxes, my friends, pay for police, for justice so businesses trust that their investments are protected, for education so that you can actually grow your productivity, for soldiers and intelligence services to protect you. Taxes are essential for a country to work. The basic gut feeling that government should by definition get out of the way and let the private sector handle it (as Palin said) is fundamentally wrong and also in contradiction with the enormous oversight McCain and Palin now say that they want to create. It may sound nice, that government should get out of the way, but what about the police, education, defense, environment, justice (including oversight for Wall Street)? Should they get out of the way too?

Palin sounded like a person with high school education while Biden sounded like someone with a solid Ivy leaugue knowledge and experience.

In this country we need people who realy know what they are talking about and who have an opinion like Biden. We do not need anymore people like Palin who say exactly what they are told..it is obvious.

...and I am sorry but someone who constantly uses a month old baby to get sympathy just doesnt cut it. We have had enough with these hypocritical marketing tricks to win votes.

Clearly Biden was the winner

I have never sent out a blog in my life, but I have to say that I believe Sarah Palin is a new low in pandering to the electorate. Nothing she said in the debate convinced me that she has the slightest grasp of basic economics, foreign policy or even enough constitutional law to serve as vice-president or president. A Palin administration would truly be the blind leading the blind, leading us into the abyss and perhaps global environmental destruction guided by some vague Christian platitudes and a not too well-disguised jingoism born of sheer ignorance of the world beyond Mooseville.

Frankly, I'm not surprised. I thought Biden would be concrete, precise in his answers and by doing so nail Palin, and that's exactly what happened. It's really easy to see that he knows what he's talking about, he's strong and confident in his answers, where as Palin is just circling around subjects, trying to sound smart and all, calling herself a "maverick"?!? Well, sorry Sarah but no words can make up for experience, which you just don't have to be a VP and GOD FORBID A PRESIDENT OF U.S! Seriously whether you are for Sarah Palin or not, whether you agree with her views or not, or support her, because you want a woman to be the first VP, ask yourself whether you would be absolutely confident allowing someone like her to be the next president of U.S, in a such a hard time for America both domestically and internationally. Let's face if McCain won he would be the oldest president of America, and chances are within the next four years he could either have serious heath issues or die. When that happens do you really want to give all the power and one of the most important offices in the world to a inexperienced bimbo like Palin? Once that happens, America will be surely doomed and then nothing and no one will be able to help us.

Anne Hendricks-go girl. I totally agree with you on who real Americans are, how we think, and how we prefer someone with credentials and experience to represent us in the legislative and executive branches of our government.

If I were two invite one of the two candidates running for VP to a dinner party, I would go for Palin. But then again, this is not what the issue is about, right?

My point is when it comes to choosing a Vice President, experience and knowledge of what´s going on in the World is what really matters. Senator Palin lacks those two fundamental skills.

Oh, and BTW. Many people claim that Ronald Reagan won the cold war (and G.W. Bush and S. Palin are like him).

You know who won the cold war? Eisenhower did! He put the nation on a path to educational and scientific excellence. He knew the war would be won with economic power.

Reagan just came into a situation where the USSR had already lost. He reaped what Eisenhower (and in his wake Kennedy a bit) sowed. It is no wonder that the same Reagan-approach that was followed by G.W. Bush and now is proposed by McCain and Palin fails. Because the ground work to make it happen is not there.

Obama seems to understand this. He knows he has to lay another foundation. In education. And in setting a country's ambitious goal (Kennedy: the moon, Obama: energy). If he succeeds, some empty suit in thirty years' time will reap the rewards.

Yesterday night I listened to Joe Biden and saw a VP Candidate who could aspire to be President.I also listened to Sarah Palin a VP candidate who can aspire to ... be a marketing tool of a Republican Presidential campaign built on Weapons of Mass Distraction instead of giving an answer to our dire problems. I am sorry but America should demand more from a VP candidate, much, much, much more than what Sarah Palin can offer. Yesterday I only saw one person who could be considered "VP material" and therefore my decision to vote for Obama-Biden was only reinforced.

Palin a serious candidate for the job ? She did well ? Come on, get serious. It was painful and embarrassing.

Having lived in the US and come to love the country, it is terrifying to watch that someone with the qualifications of Sarah Palin can become the Govenor of a state. If this is all it takes to become vice president of the US, America will continue to go down the drain and become a second world country by the end of McCain/Pailins first term.
An astounding percentage of the american people do not seem to have the most rudimentary understanding of the way economy works and therefore no way of taking action against those who ruin their country, their savings and their lives.

Watching live from Denmark, I was curious whether Biden could 'hold his horses' and not decapitate Palin.

To my pleasant surprise the whole debate came out 'clean'. Biden held back on Palin, seemed calm in his argumentation and Palin 'escaped' the obvious holes in her political life with some sweet clichées. Not pretty, but neither game changing on the surface.

But face it, she's just not capable of going into the oval office, despite her obvious qualities. Period.

What i saw was a debate between a statesman and a local politician. I hope you americans choose a statesman for office. Otherwise the financial crisis wil be the least of the worlds problems.

I am not from US but the comments are so funny here. A couple of months back Mrs Clinton was talking about substance, experience, specific issues but every one used to love Mr Obama because he was fresh and talked not of issues but the process change. Now the criterion is reversed and Mr. Biden is substance while Ms Palin is only heart. If this criterion was applied Mr Obama could not have been nominated. Is not Governor higher in Government ladder than a Senator and just one ladder below VP? It will be interesting to know if any first term Senator has been elected President. It seems the President need not have experience but the VP must have thirty years of experience.

Gvr Palin does not represent the average American: she is an average American. She is friendly, resilient, unashamedly ignorant of the world around her. Is that VP and potentially President material?

Palin did a good job, but only because she did not make as much of a fool of herself as she did on CBS News with Katie Couric. She was coached to present her talking points and avoid answering questions with flair. And the icing on the cake were the use of slang, the winks, and references to joe 6 pack and hockey moms.

As an educated, career woman and mother, I found this totally appalling.

If I look in Sarah Palins eyes I see four letters: LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good show Mrs Palin, good drilled by advisors. But not enough to lead this country.

I agree with Neill at the top of the blog. Sarah Palin was INCAPABLE of answering questions. Even a high school debater knows that when you show up for a debate, you should at least answer the questions. What a dumb idiot...... I'm sorry. John is dumb, Sarah is dumber. The only Americans who think this is entertaining are the few left who think Reagan still lives. McCain/Palin need to be taken out– and quickly– before America continues down the path of Republican lies– not to mention economic and military destruction.

God bless Joe Biden (great statesman and gentleman). He has within his veins the blood of a Democrat– a true champion for America and the things that matter.

The achilles heel of America is that far too many people admire the dumb, loud mouths who say a lot but never say anything of significance. Republicans have made us the laughing stock of the world............

I'm an ivy-league educated, ex-banker and guess what, i'm in the .01% of income earners (that's 7figs, lol) yet i do not believe getting a tax break is more important than SAVING THE CREDIBILITY OF THE USA!

God bless the Dems in getting us out of the terrible mess........

As a VP candidate, Palin should know how to pronounce Iraq and Iran correctly. I am sick and tired of hearing her saying "Eye-Rock" and "Eye-run" all the time. If she wants to know the foreign policy, she must start from knowing the name of a country first. Don't tell me that anyone knows a person well but can not pronounce that person's name. By the way, it should be pronounced as "EE-Rak".

I am not really surprised at all by the debate. I expected Palin to perform better than she has been. I mean come on, she did spend a week holed up in her room studying, or rather cramming for the exam while Biden was out in the public as he has been the whole time.
Palin's performance has in no way changed my opinion of her and I remain convinced that she does not have a place in the White House. She crammed as thousands of students world wide do for exams, but this does mean she knows what she is talking about. She parroted out what she stuffed into her head, but I have no doubt that she will lose this newly acquired "knowledge" very soon, just as any student who has ever successfully or unsuccessfully crammed for an exam.
Biden is still more qualified. His experience in politics and his true knowledge of the issues at hand are what we need, not someone who can study in her room, spit out the correct answers and then say, "Phew! Now that that's over I can get on with dressing that moose!"

I really wanted Palin to bring it to the table. I support Obama but as a female, I wanted her to do well. I was sick of hearing the term "hockey mom's" and "there ya go joe". Really..who was she talking to in this debate? It was embarrassing that she could not answer the questions. Our economy is a disaster and it frightens me to imagine her as the next Vice President. When I read comments that she did well.. I am confused about what they watched and question if I missed Palin make an intelligent comment. Can she relate to anything other than a hockey mom? She seems so out of touch its scary.

nice entertainment on tv but one doesn't need to actually have most of the votes nov 5th to become president with use of electrical voting boxes and brothers ... to save money let's call of the election, put all four into the white house, lock the room untilthey reach an unanimous decision

No, no, no. The US does not need a eyebrow-twitching, grimacing, geriatric maverick and a working mum without a clue for president and vice-president. It needs leaders that command respect and at least sound as if they have a good grasp of domestic and foreign policy issues. Is it too late to place an ad?

As an American living overseas and working for a US company, I find it amazing that there is any support at all for this M/P Republican ticket.
I was a Republican. I am one of those idiots who voted twice for GW.
I sincerely apologize for that action in retrospect.
Let's just put this into perspective...
After controlling the house 10 of the past 12 years and having the head honcho spot for the past 8, I have watched a huge surplus turned into the biggest deficit the country has ever experienced, the largest downturn in US economic history, the Katrina disaster, lies about war intelligence, denial of global warming, and an attitude that GW and the boys should treat the rest of us like uneducated children.
When the country needed leadership and communication the most, these guys hid inside their turtle shells then chastised us for asking questions or doubting them. They work for us!!! How dare they hide.
Enough is enough.
I want a leader who is an elitist.
I want a leader to know more than I do.
I want a leader to be a genius
I want a leader to have a presence on the world stage, earn respect, command respect and get respect.
Throwing a person this inexperienced in foreign policy and international finance in front of the American people at this very critical stage in American history is insulting to anyone with half a brain.
It is even more insulting that anyone who thinks "outside" of small town values is now branded as "far left" or "socialist." That is rubbish.
Please Republicans, admit this woman is NOT ready.
I now think that anyone who votes for the M/P ticket should be branded "unpatriotic." I'm at the point where there should be IQ tests and breathalyzers at the polling booths to keep anyone without common sense from voting.
This is one of the toughest times in United States history and the Republicans give us a ticket of a geriatric "close to death" Bush clone and a bobble-head doll replacement. I am appalled. I'm now a Democrat voter for the fist time in my 51 years on this earth.
If any country needs regime change it has sadly become my own country.

Good for Gov. Palin! Looks like she can dish it out as well as take it! From what transpired, she did an excellent job in the debate. Of course, so did Senator Biden. But the real proof is not in what was said, but what will they DO. Politicians always talk a good game prior to an election; after they're in, its another story. No matter who is elected, that person at least deserves a reasonable opportunity to show the country what they're made of and what they are able to accomplish. You may not like the Dogcatcher, but if he/she is able to rid your streets of problem animals, you like 'em, right? But what does it matter – your vote won't count anyway – the archaic Electoral College will take care of that.

Further ........... hope all can remember Biden's comments re: family ! His emotions clearly said that he is a man with a heart ........... that's what not only the American's need, but the whole world needs. Great leaders are Human and Powerful.

Great debate by Biden ......... Great "show" by Palin ... wink wink wink.

The Governor is fond of the phrase " Joe six pack" .
I live in a small town in an eighty year old house, My wife and I are over 50 and still working, still paying for our childrens education and our taxes.

I resent the implication that I spend my time in a bottle.

Of course if called on it I would predict that she'll start talking about soda pop.

I get the feeling the repubs are underestimating the average intelligence of the American people by putting this woman in her current position. It was like a Live advertisement. All talk, all image – no content. They must really think they're dealing with mentally challenged people if they expect them to buy their transparent, obvious and almost insulting means of trying to claim votes.
All we hear from them is; "Trust me, we're gonna pull it off. Not Obama and Biden! They're a very, very bad choice for our country."

Please, Palin? McCain? Mind try and tell us WHY you're thinking that? Come with ideas and don't tell us Obama 'doesn't understand' or Palin knows what she's doing. It's all bluff and hot air. Palin did a great job yesterday in proving once again that they just don't know how to deal with Obama/Biden. They know they'll lose in substance and that's exactly why they try to avoid a confrontation.

Surely, she scored relatively more points – not surprisingly when starting at such a low base line – than Biden by not failing utterly, but she ended up in credibility where Biden took off. I have no confidence in the expertise to the republican candidates, for they aren't showing anything! Hiding your incompetence is one thing, but doing it poorly is another.

If Palin would become VP we're in trouble. Woe the day that she'll become president – it would be a travesty unheard of!

"When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened"

-Joe Biden

I would like to see some intellectual honesty on how Palin has been torn apart for her small gaffes, when Biden has major gaffes like the one above and I see little to no reporting about it.

I feel that the people on the message board who say that she lost hands down, had their mind made up that she lost even before the debate started. I don't think either one blew the other out of the water. Both dodged some questions, both answered some questions well. There is not always a clear cut winner in a debate and I think that it is intellectually dishonest to say that Biden was a clearcut winner.

Well Jonathan I think you hit the nail on the head in that, "The questions she wanted to answer and those she didn’t ", pretty well explains the entire McCain-Palin platform. What Republican sound bytes could respond positively to McCain's record and proposals?

1.) No response to McCain's reduced health care benefits will be taxed,
2.) Palin's lack of understanding that small business owners don't make $250,000 and won't be taxed under Obamas plans,
3.) The perversion of facts in the accusations by Palin against Obama's no-vote for troop funding in Iraq when McCain also voted no.
4.) Palin's perversion of Obama's motive when stating Oama voted for tax relief for oil companies only because it also included alternative energy solutions.
5.) No response to McCain's deregulation of financial institutions
6.) No response to McCain's non-support of alternative energy
7.) No response to McCain's tax relief for oil company profiteering and confusing Obama's taxes for rich with erronous tax increases for mid-America.
8.) No response to McCain's Iraq war vote
9.) No response to McCain's failure to recognize or acknowledge the pending sub-prime crisis
10.) Palin's denial of the devestating effects of "collateral damage" in Afganistan.
11.) Palin's confusion of the constitutional power and authority of the VP role.
12.) McCain's lack of support for education.
13.) Palin's failure to attribute the scientifically recognized fact that man has had a substantial impact on global warming.
14.) No response to Biden's mention of McCain's rabid stance on non-negotiation with foreign governments, which even include Spain.
15.) No response to 3 weeks of funding for Iraq is greater than all money spent on Afganistan.
16.) Proponing that a surge strategy is better than judicious use of military force.
17.) Thinking Iran is a greater problem than Pakistan.
18.) Palin's sexist insinuation that men have no understanding of parenting difficulties.

The questions answered by McCain-Palin indeed comprize a very small list. Understandably so when the records they bring to the platform are so full of failures.... but with change? I'm sorry Sarah, but what change. I fail to see what you will change and how you will change it. When you forego the sound bytes and do present specific plans, why is it that they seem to be only more support for fat cats, more tax for mid-Americans and less tax for oil companies, oil companies drilling in national reserves, deregulation benefiting the greedy instead of the elderly and needy, or just continuing another one of the many Bush tried and tested status quo policies of failure, so cutely disguised in that folksey talk?

The only thing I didn't understand about that debate is how Biden didn't manage to mention how Sarah Palin's CEO experience with microBush-economic policies of irresponsible tax cuts while inflating government spending resulted in a 24 million debt for Wasilla while she was mayor. Can somebody explain why we need a CEO with that kind of experience?

American expat in Spain
(NATO member, in case you didn't know Sarah and John, but don't look for any support here for your 100 year wars.)

Palin got waxed in this debate, plain and simple. Biden’s mastery of the issues and ability to communicate his message effectively was such a stark contrast to Palin’s tried and true, canned rhetoric, much of it ill-informed and downright head-scratching. Palin just revealed herself as the empty vessel that she is (we don’t need SNL for that!). God help us that we get another “dumbed down” candidate. Look what happened the last time we fawned over a lower-the-bar, folksy, aw shucks candidate. America is smarter than that and deserves better. (PS – yet again, the American people are more informed and politically astute than the pundits... Jonathan Mann, ouch, what were you watching...?)

All I can say: "Palin is the next Bush with lipstick !!!"

Obama/biden 08

John McCain’s “maverick” trait led him to choose Sarah Pallin as a purely mercenary tactic – to get women’s votes. In choosing somebody of her suboptimal calibre, however, he insulted women. To rub salt into the wound, he treated her in a sexist fashion by chaperoning her and keeping a tight rein on her media exposure.
John McCain’s whimsical, “maverickish” choice of Sarah Pallin is a very cynical and worrying manifestation of McCain’s mindset.
By the way I also detected John King’s Republican inclination and Jonathan’s pale analysis (motivated by-I suppose- that “sitting on the fence” is the most comfortable place to sit).

It was evident by the non- response to some questions that Gov. Palin was not ready for the debate. According to where she started from at the seletcion for V.P. she has improved on her knowledge, style and public presentation. This debate highlights the need for American public officers to have a greater working knowledge of what is taking place in their country, in the region and in the world. They need to be aware of what is taking place in and out of Washington. Many times there was a questioning look on the governor's expression and a lost look when responses to her debating partner could not be forthcoming. Then skill took over and she bluffed her way around the question. I felt her appointment became questionable at this debate.

The GOP has been hijacked by hard line right wingers – and so have there catch cries – small government, low taxes equals more jobs etc, no regulaton. They may say that, but it doesn't mean what it used to.

Investments don't trickle down when they are moved offshore.

The last eight years has shown that they do not really believe in small government, they spend big time.

Rather than competent governement they just remove all regulation. Big business becomes anti competition and anti Main St.

Hence the economy has crashed like a traffic system with traffic rules. Everyone just gambled on just running those red lights. No traffic cops funded, no rescue service if there's a problem. No town planners looking at how the traffic is flowing, where the bottlenecks are, where the danger spots are. No contracts to build highways, no oversight on which neighbourhoods would be bulldozed.

Joe Biden won that debate last night because he spoke directly to the isues. Palin, deflected questions on important issues choosing instead to speak only to matters that she was comfortable with.
Sure, she is cute but you cant ignore how she opted to gloss over her apparent ignorance on key issues with a wink and a smile.

hi,is it because palin had foot notes why she did not make any mistake?
I think it not the same as an interview..

I keep hearing CNN report about Sarah Palin resonating with voters because she came across as an "outsider" and that Joe Biden is somehow an "insider". Isn't John McCain an "insider"? How long has John McCain been in Washington as a senator. If Joe Biden is to be faulted for being an insider then Sarah Palin and CNN need to apply that label to John McCain as well.

Sarah Paolin is a nice lady and Joe Biden is a nice guy. However, let's remember this is not some vote for the high school prom king and queen. Substance is the issue. The principal issue in this election is how far we want government to control our lives. It is a difficult question as it appears we cannot trust the private sector to act responsibly. I am at my wit's end on who to vote for.

Palin should have been told that the debate was about the United States and not about Alaska.

I am just baffled at how little you expect from a candidate. All Palin had to do is not screw up. First of all she has dumbed down her language like we are two years old, and I find it almost embarrassing that some of you buy that. Second, if you listen to the content of the issues she discussed, she sounds like a mini cliff note, not to mention she didn't answer half the questions. Third, I don't want my president to be average, I want someone that is better and smarter than me. We already have a baboon running the country. I am just amazed had how fickle some Americans are about this. Since when have we had such low expectations for a vp? To me this just seems like a really bad reality show. Furthermore, not one time have Palin or McCain acknowledged or addressed how America is perceived by other counties. I am stationed in Japan, and I can tell you that America does not have a good reputation anymore. Obama and Biden that, and to me that is important.

Last night I saw the tv-debate between Biden and Palin. I'm not an American citizen, so I had to stay awake till 5 o'clock in the morning, but I watched the debate because I think that it is important that the United States will get a solid new president. I was really dissapointed about the answers of Sarah Palin, she told some stories about Alaska but she never answered directly the questions. I was really shocked about here view towards global warming. She said, that the United States will only sign treaty's if counties like China and India will do so too. I think that the United States have to take responsibility not only for themselves but for the whole world. My opinion as an European citizen is that the States should work out plans to decrease emissions and to be careful with commodities.
I know that everyone is free to vote for the president and vice-president of his/here choice, but I my opinion there is only one candidate who is able to take the responsibility what's needed the most at the moment, in this changing global village and that's Barack Obama!

I was really shocked at the level of political immaturity of Sarah Palin. Anyone, who is not somewhat blinded by the media induced charisma of the Governor of Alaska, would have found out the extreme lack of substance in her delivery during the debate. This low quality was evident in not only answering questions, but also in articulating the exact policy directions of the McCain/Palin ticket. Americans deserve better.

Sarah was excellent. Values mean so much more than knowledge. The higher You go, the less meaning facts have since they are always manipulated.

Such thing as a fact does not exist in politics, has never existed and will never exist.

So Sarah, keep it simple. Sophistication comes from inaction, and that is not what US or world needs today.

As a more or less neutral observer I am deeply shocked about this debate. How could it even get that far? First of all I fail to understand why someone wit the knowledge of Sarah Palin was elected Governor of a State in the first place and then elected as VP candidate. Her fundamental lies and her hypocrisy are so obvious. Fact is that she is a power loving career woman who puts her political job far above her family. Which real and devoted mother leaves her big family behind to follow her own career? If she is taking on the enormous responsibilities and the job pressure and all the committments to be the VP of the USA she can definitely not be there for her children when they need a mother – and she certainly knows that. Is a mother who is leaving her family behind in favour of her job representing the traditional family values? Definitely NOT! Why did no one ever challenge her image of the great mother upholding the real family values?? It always makes me sick seeing her holding her challenged little baby in her arms while the cameras are on her to show the world what a good mother she is – and seconds later giving the baby to one of her other children, turning her back on them and icecold following her political ambitions. And worst of all: everyone still seems to buy that image of the caring, lovely, charming Hockey Mom. Let's face it: career woman on the highest level and traditional family values are not compatible.

On the debate she seemed to be nervous at first, maybe afraid she wouldn't find the right answers in her rehearsed repertoire of empty party phrases. Then she seemed to get away with her talking a lot and not saying anything and she got more confident. She got so confident that she started to behave like she is in a reality show. That's where her winks and her reharsed phrases and her "Hi Mom and Hi Dad..." might have made an impression. I have not heard anything from that Lady that resembled a coherent logical thought, or that gave a hint to an idea about how to change anything. The incompetence in all the important matters was so obvious. The only tangible answer about a program was related to her favorite topic energy. Her plan to become energy independent and to reduce carbon emissions is "drill baby, drill..."
Come on, how dangerously shallow is all that? Does she even realise what is at stake over there and ultimately in the rest of the world?
I have to give full credit to Senator Biden. He was a Gentleman, he was standing above the issues without doubt and I admire his generous patience. He just played in a compltyeley different league.
Sarah Palin at times didn't even seem to have any clue what Joe Biden was taking about. Just an example that I didn't see to be mentioned before: Biden explained how McCain let Wallstreet run wild because he consistently defended his wrong mantra of deregulation to stabilise the economy. Palin seemed a bit confused at first and then just mumbled how much McCain did and how much he and her together will uphold and strengthen and enforce more rules and regulations on Wallstreet to prevent a desaster. I got the impression that the comprehension of her boss's magic formula of deregulation might be too much for her intellect. -Scary!

American does not need a "hockey mom" in the office of Vice President. How can any intelligent person think that she could handle that role much less the position of President if that need would arise. Wake up America.....the entire world is watching you, watching the debates with you, and sometimes laughing at and not with you. There is more at stake here than just who got the most points in this latest debate. I pray that sense will prevail in the upcoming US election and that Obama will win by a landslide.

To NOT a Foreigner: Guess what? I believe you live in the "free world", at least that's what your gov't is always going on about when they invade other countries to make them "Free"..???? We who live in this world, controlled by American propaganda do matter when it comes to America elections, unfortunately enough. Everyone has to bow down to those in YOUR precious gov't when it comes to going to war for America or being told theyre' going to be sent as "peacekeepers", only to be left cleaning the mess the American Gov't created.
My view is, neither of the candidates are good choices. Obama is an intelligent man,with fantastic views and good presence, however, many Americans won't accept a black person as their President. I would fear he would be gun downed by some crazy white extremist. Sad, but real possibilty. And McCain, forget that...what we don't need is someone running the USA whose spent time as a POW. His age is against him also, and Palin would be a nightmare.
American elections affect ALL OF US. It's not something we asked for. It's our reality. Palin is arrogant, condescending, and unfeeling. And I say that as a woman. She's sarcastic and well, I could go on and on...I digress. Do the right thing, vote Obama/Biden..it's the right choice.

I just watched the Biden-Palin debate. Sen. Biden came across quite sincere. He used his record and facts to back his arguments. I think he would be a reasonable VP that relates well to us. I liked him much better after the debate.
Gov. Palin never mentioned any of Sen. McCain’s senate voting record. Her PR team must have worked overtime. She had only glittering generalities, clichés and much flag waving. How many times did she mention 'the American People". What's with that wink, it's as phony as when my dad did it. Each hair is combed and sprayed perfectly into position. She seems to be very concerned with her looks. I wish she would stop throwing family and kids at us as if she was the only person in America with family and children’s' concerns.
She really needs more substance. I found her superficial and condescending as if we were all 'Americanly challenged'. Is this the same governor of Alaska that opened up our national forests to oil drilling?
I am quite conservative in my political beliefs (that is I want to conserve the freedoms we are guaranteed in our constitution), but she is not conservative she is a radical, a right wing radical. She wants more legislative power for VP. She needs to go back to high school civics and study the separation of powers in a non-dictatorship. I love our country, not because I happened to be American but because having traveled the world, I have not found a better system. I support those that seek to preserve that system and am against those that seek to change it for their gain. Jefferson said, big government is bad government. The president already has too much power; we should be reining the executive powers in, not expanding it. I hope peole vote based on their past records and by a flashy smile, mom and apple pie.

"Biden – Sugar coating same sex marriage?'
What was the mess with Biden when asked about the union?
Was it only me, or prior to Palin's straight answer – did it sound like Biden was for gay marriage?

Palin proved that she is not ready. She had memorized lines and spoke them word for word. Most of the time she seemed not to understand what she was talikng about. She ignored the moderator and Biden and told what she wanted, often out of context. God save us if she is ever called to be the President. The Bush administration will seem like heaven!

Is anyone else frightened that Palin wants the VP to have MORE power? Someone without knowledge of the nuances foreign affairs, who fires people who disagrees with her, wants more power as VP to steamroll over people who disagree with her ultra-conservative views that she is trying hard not to reveal to the general public.

While the system of checks and balances in our government can really slow things down, there is a reason for it – to try to avoid the one person lording their views over all other (of course, that system of checks and balances didn't seem too effective these past eight years, did they)?

Sarah Palin is not qualified to be the Vice-President of the USA.

The cold, hard facts of the matter, is that she is a young impetuous Mother, who should resume her duties and responsibilities within her family unit, as primary care-giver and accept that role, instead of running all around the country, with her 'sugar daddy' promising her the 'world' and pretending to be the 'sole' answer, to the Worlds problems.

Should McCain be successful and become the President of the United States of America, who falls prey to the vulnerability of the common 'heart attack', we are then at the mercy of this inexperienced, young and impulsive runaway, with her finger on the trigger, so to speak.

What America does, affects us All and who America appoints as their President, affects us All. There's a hell of a lot of artillery in them there States of America and I for one, would not like this inexperienced, breakaway, runaway wife of an Alaskan miner, to run berserk with 'THE POWER', if Putin looked over her shoulder.

I think it is high time, she realised her responsibilities, games over and returned to her 'husband's side' to nurture and care for that youngster, she's brought into the world because he, is going to need all the love that only she can give and let a more experienced, more formidable opponent take on the role.

The going's gonna get TOUGH and she is in, way over her head. Time to get out, before it's TOO LATE, for all our sake's. When the USA needs a woman like this to lead them, then all I can say, is GOD HELP US.

What is wrong with some Americans??? why can you not pronounce NUCLEAR????? What is with nuculer???? and while I am at it ALUMINIUM not aluminum????? How sad.................

Joe Biden responded to all the questions extremely well, with confidence, knoledge and experience. he is ready for the VP. I feel that USA. is safer with Joe Biden than Sara Palin.
Sara Palin has an awful scritchy voice, and is very unpleasent to listen to that all the time.

I think Palin did a very good job. I anticipated she would and that there must have been alot of debating & other skills to get her were she is now. Having said that she did her best to avoid answering almost every question as she was coached to do, she kept returning to her memorized speeches. Biden addressed issues as asked – on a level playing field of equal expectations he clearly "won" the debate.

I am so tired of McCain saying he didn't win Mr Congeniality, he's a Maverick (a nickname he heard another candidate use in the 90's and liked so adopted) and Palin talking about the kitchen table and home towns. Obama grew up on the streets, in a single parent family, struggling to get by – Biden raised his kids on his own and also grew up in a family with little money traveling where ever the jobs where.
ENough of this!

When will Palin and McCain get off their memorized stump speech and when will Palin stop playing this hockey Mom thing. She is good – but I sure don't want her or impulsive John running my country.

PALIN WAS SIMPLY EXTRAORDINARY IN HER COMMENTS AND SHE WAS SUPEROIR IN ALL THE TOPICS..SHE IS SURE TO GO ON A WINNING SPREE

I am from Pakistan and it was disgusting to hear this debate. It just proved once again how narrow minded the vice presidential candidates(and by proxy both presidential candidates) are when it comes to foreign policy. Both VP candidates compared Pakistan with Iran. As a Pakistani it is disheartning to hear that after 8 years of sharing this war on terror with the Americans, after loosing far more lives that 9/11 and all US soldiers in this war combined, Pakistan and its people are being considered a threat to the US and Israel of all countries.
Although Pakistan and Israel have no foreign relations, not once in my life have i heard the Pakistani government treaten or say anything bad about Israel and likewise there has been no such dialoge from the other side.
All the windows of my house were broken in the Marriot blast just a few weeks ago. We have been far more affected by this war than any american, soldier or civilian, ever has. Yet Pakistan is considered the enemy....Makes you wonder what is actually going on here.....

Hi, I am an american living in Australia and an independent,I have been following the election and debates very closely. Watching the debate last night was like watching a housewife who won a contest and the prize was the chance to debate against an experienced debater. everyone seemed proud that she didnt fall apart but didnt address the fact that this inexperienced person didn't answer one question She spoke a lot about the need for change but didn't offer any solutions. Biden seems so ready for the position and Palin needs a lot more experience before she is ready .

I found the colloquialisms which Palin adopted to be incredibly insincere. Her belief that the American public are going to going to vote for her and McCain because she is a "middle-class hockey mom" struggling to figure out how she's going to pay for her children's college education, is incredibly condescending. Nothing, not even her non-sensical-Ned-Flander's-like comments, can compensate for her lack of experience and pure lack of knowledge on important foreign policy issues and issues relating to the economy. She seems very comfortable talking about her state of Alaska – frankly, I think she should stay there. America cannot benefit from her backward views on pre-marital sex (look at her own daughter for the evidence). The nation needs someone who is eloquent in speech and experienced in dealing with the economy and international relations – Palin and McCain are NOT the ones for the job and I think today absolutely proved that.
In contrast, Biden was intelligent, concise and despite his use of technical "Washington" terminology, was accessible to the audience. He was the candidate who best answered the questions in a straight-forward and honest manner. Clearly, he was the winner.

With "Fix" News heads like Sean Hannity and other right-wingers chipping away at moderator Gwen Ifill leading up to the debate, the stage was set to allow Sarah Palin to change the debate format and answer only those questions she had prepared for.

Biden and Ifill went out of their way to let the mediocre Palin have her way, avoiding questions, sticking to her scripted talking points and phony "folksy" facade. Nobody, not even the Palin haters, had the stomach to watch her implode again the way she has in recent, unscripted interviews.

I am horrified how american media translate Palin debate as "sucessful" and I would like to be explained where exactly she succeded ? No real answers to most questions but superficial pre-learned lessons, if not reading, and when no answer at all change subject ! What a joke. How can you American Media that were an example for the world in term of integrity, how can you talk about success here ?

Gwen was bullied into not doing her job of moderating. Often she let evasive Palin of the hook when she dodged questions. Thought Biden should've been more camera focused but he sure did a great job perhaps the best debate in the series so far.
Palin chose Iraq when asked about nuclear concerns about Pakistan and Iran. Is there some obsession with Iraq by the Republicans anyways? I think Palin is ready to learn while Biden is ready for the Job. How long did it take Palin to earn a degree in journalism? The VP job does not allow the luxury of changing schools.

Just to clarify something, on the term Bosniak

The Bosniaks or Bosniacs[25] (Bosnian: Bošnjak, pl: Bošnjaci, IPA: [bɔ'ʃɲaːt͡si]) are a South Slavic people, living mainly in Bosnia and Herzegovina ("Bosnia") and the Sandžak region of Serbia and Montenegro, with a smaller autochthonous population also present in Croatia, Kosovo and the Republic of Macedonia. Bosniaks are typically characterized by their tie to the Bosnian historical region, traditional adherence to Islam, and common culture and language.

A dictionary is a wonderful thing

I can't believe a great number of Americans are supporting Sarah Palin as VP of US. She is an obvious failure from any angle you see it: no substance at all, and just republican marketing and populism. If people react positively to the winks and childish-forced facial expressions, rather than the weight and exposition of ideas, facts and policies ...simply US needs to revise its IQ level.

It'd be a scary thing, and a dangerous one also, to have her eventually as President if the circumstances emerge.

Dominican Republic

Spoken by a true soccer mom: “Ahmadinejad AKHmadinejad”, “EYEraq”, “EYEran”, “nucear”. I shouldn’t be surprised that she is re-stating (and continuing to mis-pronounce words from) the Bush doctrine on foreign policy, “Dangerous nations who hate our way of life” – making it, once again, “them” versus “us”. When is the US going to wake up and realize that not all nations, cultures, people think that our way is the best way? We live in a culturally rich and diverse world. Why should American ideology should dominate the rest of the world? Palin seems to have already set the standard for future foreign relations. For those of us living overseas, gee thanks a million. Like we needed more misunderstanding! Obama/Biden all the way!

This debate showed that Palin wasn't a complete moron... Unfortunately not being a moron isnt quite enough to qualify for VP.. I think McCain should change VP candidate. hopefully its not too late.

Why is my comment "awaiting moderation" when I question your so called top job people on their pronunciation of NUCULAR and ALUMINUM?
BOTH of which are WRONG
The world has had to put up with George Dubya crucifiying the English language for the past 8 years?????? Both words for the record are pronounced NUCLEAR & ALUMINIUM – GOT IT??????

At least Barack is articulate – if I lived in the USA, which I am glad I don't by the way- I would vote for Barack all the way

Again Palin was on to teasing Joe, disrespecting him by not calling him senator, using slang language and bringing the quality of debate down, talking about personality rather than ideaological issue like biden did and overall trying to use sexism in television to attract male audience to like her and give her favourable reviews.

Joe Biden was at huge disadvantage, due to the fac that he was competing against a beauty pagent and whenever he picked up issues related to ideology and technically, Sarah would bring it down to people and politics. Sarah did not give a single reason why she was ready, other than asserting again and again that she is ready.

Vice presidents of America should be known for their intellectual ability and ability to guide the presidents in serious issues rather than be a show piece for media to be diverted to. America has resonsiblity towards rest of the world to be stable and be a leader in issues. If the leaders of america are show pieces then we have huge problems for the world as a whole

As an onlooker from Australia, I am dumbfounded that anyone could possibly see Palin (or McCain) as a contender. She is a shill and appears nothing but a facade of a candidate. "Joe six pack!" That expression was last used by Mr Burns (from the Simpsons) in his (very similar) campaign. Please America vote for Obama and make this woman a footnote/punchline.

What the political commentators missed in the post-debate discussion was how Sarah palin did not speak her mind on key issues concerning foreign policy, internal job creation, supreme court rulings, health care or any other serious policy issue which effects american people.

The only policy issue she was comfortable was energy issue and her solution is to dig through the problem rather than provide incentives to alternate sources of energy. Her foreign policy solutions are very arrogant in nature like Mccain in not talking to Iran or north korea, but to bomb their way out and leave diplomacy out of the door. This kind of policy pursued by Bush has resulted in American isolation in rest of the world. While Iran has friends now, America has none.

If America needs to be respected throughtout the world, they need to show the diplomacy carrot. If you hurt the ego of any soverign nation, they will do exactly what you tell them not to do. Bombing countries should be simply ruled out as foreign policy option. USA should not be in perpetual state of War and then claim that war needs to be continued for the sake of soldiers who died.

Sarah palin has single point of solution to all economic problems, cut taxes. Cutting taxes will make American government go bankrupt, like American banks. She does not understand economy or any other issue. He main strengthe is her charm, winks and feminine simle and using sexism to maximum advantage.

I woke up at three in the morning central african time and watched the Vice presidential debate I must say Sarah Palin was evaisive when it came to questions that she was asked however to top it off Wolf Blitzer ,Anderson Cooper and the studio analyst were not forth right in acknowledging that.

They just kept on saying she did pretty well She was awful and i suggest CNN should put analysts or political commentators who can say things the way they are.Sarah Palin was a disaster i think Joe Biden did well and i felt disappointed that he did not take initiative when he had an opportunity to show the world and the american people that John McCain made a mistake by choosing her as his running mate.

I felt that Palin came across as superficial, rehearsed, answering with McCainesque mantras on questions she didn't have a personal answer. I was rather unimpressed, considering that she is running for the highest office! She was of course acting in a quite safe environment, with a moderator and opponent that did not insist very much, and let her get away with vague answers.
And about the surge, first of all: we are talking about the US COUNTERsurge, not the surge of Al Qaeda terrorists and Sunni and Shiite rebels. Why does somebody get away with saying it is WORKING and a SUCCESS? By what measure? This can only be measures on the long term. And how do you define a VICTORY in Iraq? People who talk in these terms are oversimplifying, naive and dangerous!

I am so with you McMeghan. It urks me when I hear Palin pronounce "EYEraq" and "EYEran"..and other MISPRONUNCIATIONS. It shows arrogance and indifference. But not at all surprising for Palin, she's such an arrogant idiot...

The more I watch American news (from US networks such as CNN), the more appalled I am. Your job is not to protect the politicians, but to give the voters all the information, and the truth. You're not doing that.

You need more people like Jack Cafferty.

The debate was the final prove of Sarah Palins incompetence. If Sarah Palin is able to be VP anybody is able to do that job! 8 years of leadership without brain is enough. Obama/Biden should win!

I live in a nationalistic, socialistic, protectionist NATO country – Norway. According to the UN our country is the richest in the world per head, and I must admit that life is pretty good here – for most of us who are fortunate to live here. Even so, our economy is very much dependent on what happen in the world, what happens in the USA. When a president is elected, that choice affects my life too, it affects our soldiers who are sent to far and hostile countries and it affects our country’s policies.

It was scary to watch the USA turn from a benign giant leader to an aggressor almost seven years ago, and who seemingly arbitrarily and one handedly, decided to force its might onto another nation. It is my deeply felt hope that the US will not elect a president who will bypass the international community. We want peace. We know this means decisiveness, some sacrifice for all, and a lot of sacrifice for some. It means to fight and subdue widespread terrorism. We are all for that, and the US does not stand alone in that pursuit.

I believe that there must be forces in society that create wealth, create a capital base and give people hope of a decent life. But I also sincerely believe that a strong protective force for the old, sick and otherwise impaired and reasonable wealth distribution is required in order to create a balance in society. You don’t need a gun to protect yourself then. You can send your kids to college and you don’t have to worry about whether your savings will suffice for health care and old age. You are basically safe. Foreclosure on your home is almost an unheard of here.

For the sake of this world, please don’t continue the policies of your current administration. Hey, I have conservative values here, but I would support Obama and Biden all the way, and not the big corporation backed McCain and gun toting Palin. What I hear in basically every one of their promises is that they will continue in tracks of the dysfunctional Bush administration.

Go Obama, go Biden!

My dad was born in Washington DC by an American mother, but I cannot vote in the US, so I can watch and write a comment in a blog.

In real life; (Now more than ever before) there will be no lower levels of expectation needed in the White House. Every person appointed needs to have intelligent in areas of the economy, law, foreign policies a wide range of creativity must take place . This is the greatest effort needed for the stability of the country. I’m proud of you Senator Biden you did your part as Senator Obama VP pick. Your debating style was lovely and informative. However at the point I’m steal getting that feeling in my heart of worry and that look on my face ever time I see and hear Governor Palin speak. She is a good looking person and has some knowledge of government not enough for this presidential season. I wish Governor Palin well but not as the next VP President of the United States, I will call upon the Creator day and night with thanks giving, that Mrs. Palin and Mr. McCain does not win this presidential season. I disapprove of McCain, placing Governor Palin in such a compromising position he should have really looked at diffrent options. Fundamentally compromising his party and own race to the White House Mrs. Palin has went to school in the last five week she will recover and go forward doing great things for the American People. You tried Sara --- GO Girl Friend!!!!!!!

The post-debate commentators said that Sarah palin did much better than expectations, but Joe Biden won the debate. The questions one needs to ask these people is why do they lower their expectations for Sarah Palin?

There should be basic entrance exams like GMAT/SAT etc, which will test the candidates basic knowledge and understanding of foreign affairs, domestic problems, health care, economic issues and only candiadates who excel in that should be made eligible for the post of president or vice president.

Sarah Palin's ignorance on basic policy issues has put entire ameirca to shame. It has shown the failings of democracy and often brings wrong choices for the people to choose from.

It was an insult to Joe biden that he had to debate a complete novice like Sarah palin on serious economic, political and foreign policy issues. Joe was clearly at discomfort because the opposiiton candidate did not understand what he spoke of and Sarah palin stood to her own rhetoric throughout the debate without responding intelligently to any of problems of America.

It's a shame that GOP is not able to field a suitable candiate to give a country a good debate for presidential elections. The country deserves much better.

After last nights vice president debate told me Governor Pilan has been going to school and working very hard this week, she did good but . We don't need a vice president that needs to learn on the job.We don't have time for that the country is in trouble and the next vice president need to be ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

I will be the first to admit, Sarah Palin gave a real good debate. She was surrounded by McCain's top advisors, she went to debate camp,not to mention that Joe Biden could not really debate her like he would have wanted to, having to be careful not to hurt her feelings, not to patetrinze her, not to make women voters mad,I mean he had to walk a fine,fine line and he did with flying colors. Now if and I do mean if, Sarah Palin was to go to the White House I truely believe she would be running the whole show, she has got to feel good about last night, she probably feel she has brought McCain's quest for the WhiteHouse back form the grave,so there is no doubt in my mind that she will be the President and McCain will be the V.P. With all that being said do I think she could take on that heavy heavy heavy weight position of V.P. no not at this time, maybe later when she has much more time, experience under her belt. Every Mother is not a hockey mom, what kind of six-pack does she keep talking about, 6 pack of beers, 6 pack of soda's ,if she's talking about 6-pack of beer's then that is just what this country need's more alcoholics. And finally her answers frankly lacked substance those answers did not come from Sarah Palin, they came out of her,but not from her, the result of debate camp.

I find it utterly amazing that of all the socalled unbiased media outlets, none that I have read or seen either right after the debate or this morning have not questioned bidens response to his statement during the Democratic Presidential debates that he would not be a Vice-President yet he didn't really answer that when questioned on it by Sarah Palin. The additional fact that Biden has been in the Inner sanctum of the Washington belt for over 30 years, hasn't tainted his view of the "Main Street" life, can not be discounted. Does this mean that the Democrats who have been in the control of both the Senate and the House for the last 2 years, where the last time I checked all laws are created and enacted on, have done all things in the name of "Main Street" people. Why don't the Democrats support having all people in "Main Street" have the same Health care that they have in the Congress. All must be well in the cyber world known as the "Internet" created to its founder former VP Al Gore, as stated by the "for the people who know Television was around in 1929 with former President Franklin Roosevelt spoke on about the the Great Depression that started after the the stock crash. Wow, Media loves a straight answer response.

It was obvious that Sarah Palin was the most relaxed. Her warm winsome and good natured manner beat Joe Biden's generally sour countenance. Joe's reciting of figures to the point he felt he had to repeat them again and again was boring. It indicated to me he couldn't get off his script. Sarah was much more versatile indicating a sharp mind.

Sarah led the charge and kept Joe pretty much off balance throughout the debate. He fumbled at one point.

Sarah engaged both the TV viewers and Joe. The only challenge she didn't respond to because of time was Joe's litany attacking the notion the McCain is a maverick. Otherwise she gave Biden a run for his money.

Palin challenged Biden's backward pointing of fingers - there you go again Joe. She also challenged his "Senate speak" that increases our cynicism and general distrust in Congress.

She hit a home run by saying that the average American did not cause the financial crisis. Those that sold $300,000 homes to people that could only afford $100,000 homes were to blame.

She made it clear that corruption and greed were at the root of the financial crisis.

She rejected the notion that man is totally responsible for climate change. The sun, etc., has something to do with climate change as well, but that we need to do all we can to clean up what we do to make it worse. Joe is stuck with the liberal mantra, "It's all man's fault."

Joe's the old pro; he was over-shadowed by Sarah Palen.

Sarah Palin offered badly needed reform for Wall Street and Congress. She offered a positive view for the future. Joe Biden's view is the same old tired political promises.

How can anyone believe that 95% of Americans will not see a tax increase under an Obama-Biden administration? That doesn't seem like change you can believe in.

Biden was the authentic "natural", and certainly not the latest Palin avatar (a falsy folksy Ross Perot ?)

I feel really sorry for Palin because she is a republic.

Republican president George W. Bush is responsible for the death of one million Iraqis, civilians for the most part, and you are defending a representative of Mr. Bush's party? Have you no shame, Jonathan Mann?

John McCain is, objectively, a bad decision maker, desperate and reckless. He knows that his party is in trouble and that the Democrats have the advantage; so what does he do?

First, he picks a very conservative, inexperienced female governor from Alaska, who until recently did not even have a US passport, as his running mate. This was an obvious act of desperation, thinking that he could pull the Hillary votes in the election. A heartbeat from the US Presidency at a time when there are two ongoing wars and our country on the verge of economic collapse and he gambles with a “Hail Mary” touchdown pass? This is not the man we need as President.

Then, not even a member of the Banking committee in the Senate, and self-described “not knowledgeable on economic issues”, John McCain tries another “Hail Mary” pass by rushing off to DC to “save the world” and tries to demand Obama suspend his campaign and the debates? The US is on the brink of economic collapse and McCain puts politics and election desperation above the future of the country? This is not the man we need as President.

During the same period, Barack Obama has proven to be cool, intelligent, and a good decision maker. This should be obvious to anyone with the mind to actually think what is good for the country and not about politics.

John McCain is desperate and reckless. We don’t need desperate and reckless people leading this country.

NO I don't think it will effect the election, sure some poles will change a little bit, but not enough to really matter, the American people have all the desperation of a drowning man, we have got to have change, real,real change not just one woman Sarah Palin,but the whole party. We have got to get rid of the whole lock, stock, and barrell a thourgh house cleaning. I believe firmly that Barack Obama has what it takes to make that happen. John McCain has been under George Bushes wing far to long for me to believe he will do anything, anything different, just look at how he has ran a simple champagin. John McCain if you think being negetive, down right mean, down right nasty towards Barack Obama is going to get you to the Whitehouse I beg to differ, Americans have heard enough negetivism, enough low blows enough, hitting below the belt from you, either you've got what it takes or you don't. So if the day every came and God forbid that you could not furfill your duties as President, then were left in the hands of Ms. 5- weeks on the job. I know this country is desperate for change, but please ,please don't grab at straws. Joe Biden is clearly,clearly the best person to be V.P.

A Canadian Perspective:

We all agree that Governor Palin did not fumble as she had done in the CBS Katie Couric interviews and seemed much more confident and did indeed at times connect with the American people with her down to earth appeal. However, charisma alone does not cut it. She failed to answer many of the moderator's questions, sticking to a well rehearsed script.

In my opinion, Joe Biden gave HIS BEST PERFORMANCE EVER, showing clearly his experience on all topics discussed.

In these difficult times and in an ever fast pace changing world, experience at the helm is what is needed.

To be an undecited voter ,Biden really open my eyes I felt comfortable,he knew what to say and when to say he understand the middle class and thats what i wanted to hear.Mrs Palin had only one second at the end were she said middle class,Other than that I felt she dosent know how to conect with the people that are sufering forclosure,the ones that have to see what we feed to our kids and if we have any money for the next day Joe DID,And I feel Im ready to vote because I was asssure that my kids future is going to be ok

A note to eliZZA:

Let’s stop analysing and dissecting this debate like it was
another episode of American Idol.
.
We, and the media like CNN need to wake up and consider the fact that our country is now in uncharted waters with this financial crisis.
This is unprecedented. There was one astute member on the post-debate panel who raised the most critical point:
In the event something happens to McCain, are we ready to hand the reigns of President of the USA to Palin. PLEASE thik abouit this.
This is something we as responsible voters MUST consider very hard. I am quite disappointed by Andersoon Cooper and the post-debate “analysts” who simply do not understand that we no longer have the luxury of discussing Plain’s so-called “improved” performance over the disaster interviews she gave a few weeks ago.

I repeat..There has NEVER been a time when we need to SCRUTINIZE and really THINK HARD when we pick our future leaders. Our right to vote and pick our future leaders also carries with it a huge responsibility. We must take this very seriously. We CANNOT and MUST NOT approach this and pick leaders like the the way judges pick the winners on American Idol.
I am seriosuly scared and horrified when I even ponder the remote idea that Palin could be sitting in the Oval Office.

To my fellow Americans and CNN members, it’s one thing to have greedy and incompetent peole as CEOs in Wall Street plunge our economy into chaos, and having Bush spend billions of dollars a .WEEK, along with casualty toll on a senseless Iraq war..

BUT having them in the White House is unacceptable

Hey, "Republican", I'm a Democrat but your post crediting Eisenhower is very thoughtful. In his farewell address (January 17, 1961) Eisenhower also warned about the dangers of the "military-industrial complex", the Pentagon plus corporate defense contractors (like Halliburton), gaining too much influence over the US Government. In recent questions of war and peace ala the "Bush Doctrine" of preemptive war, neglecting diplomacy in favor of sailing aircraft carrier battle groups, and an open-ended Iraq conflict with open-ended defense contracts (like Halliburton's) to go along with it, it appears that Eisenhower's prophecy has come to pass.

Eisenhower was probably the last true Republican President. We know well the Nixon-Agnew-Ford story. Ronald Reagan started out as a Democrat. The two Bushes were oil men first and presidents second. Some tumor has grown up inside that once great GOP and eaten it from the inside out. What passes for the Republican Party today is really a mutated THIRD PARTY, made electorally viable by 1968-72 DIXIECRAT defectors. Nobody had the vision to see it coming except 5-star General and 2-term President, Dwight Eisenhower. With Obama-Biden we must now seize this historic opportunity to take back our government.

Joe was so right on when he spoke of Dick Chaney. As far as Ms Palin-- Please one more “You Bet-cha” one more wink, ra ra third graders, please this is a serious matter Gee Joe, its “drill BABY drill” Can I call you Joe? Can I? Can I? She spent so much time and energy dodging the questions and blabbing on off subject topics, simply not answering the questions… how dumb does she think the American people are? Oh I'm not like the Washington crowd, no you are not, you are a trained Republican Puppet
When asked on CBS with Katie, ‘what is the best / worse thing the VP has done’ she said his DUCK HUNTING ACCIDENT!!!! Giggle, giggle We don’t need a cheerleader, we don’t need cute, we don’t need a Maverick, WE NEED A LEADER FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!!

ron in Iraq = racist bigot

The thing that astounds me the most is the disrespect that Senator McCain and his running mate Mrs. Joe Six Pack have for the office of Vice President. The lack of judgement and delusion that both are revealing about themselves is appaling. Do they realize that the offices in which that they are vying for have a responsibility not only to Americans but to the world? In this financial crisis, and the current global climate where we have lost the trust from people around the world, and now, unfortunately, our own Americans, do they really have the gall to say, let's get a soccer mom robot who can't name one other Supreme Court ruling other than Roe vs Wade be a leader in our country. And WHO DOESN'T LISTEN. That woman didn't answer ONE of the moderator's questions. I'm not only disgusted that Senator McCain chose Gov Palin, but that she had the cohones to accept. Palin. Cohones 9. Brains 0.

I'm really wondering why nearly no one including media has noticed the major gaffe by Palin. Beside her shallow empty phrases she also proved that she doesn't even understand the meaning of such simple words as "deregulation". Biden talked about a lot and he said: "We let Wallstreet run wild. John McCain rhought the answer is that tried and true Republican response, deregulate, deregulate." And he went on talking about McCains record of supporting deregulation.
When asked to answer Biden's statements on deregulation Palin got away with changing topic to taxes.
Then Biden really wanted to get back to that topic and said: "...Gewn, the governor did not answer th question of defending John McCain about not going along with the deregulation, letting Wallstreet run wild..."
Palin again evaded and came back to her smalltown tax policies and at the end of her statement on taxes she added: "Now, as for John McCain's adherence to rules and regulations and pushing even harder and tougher regulations, that is another thing that he is known for though..."
There is absolutely no excuse that she maybe overheard Biden's arguments about deregulation – he mentioned deregulation or deregulate at least 7 times within the previous five minutes.
Isn't it truely shocking that a candidate for VP of the USA believes that deregulation means adherence to rules and regulations and pushing for even harder and tougher regulations??

It took watching that Stepford-Veep a second time, for me to realise WHY I thought she came across to like a dodgy used-car saleswoman.

Joe Biden moved around. He addressed the Moderator, because SHE asked the questions. He addressed the Palin woman directly, when she was wrong. He occasionally glanced at his notes. In short, he looked like a competent, professional, intelligent human being, responding in an interation with other human beings.

Apart from the 'Say it ain't so, Joe!' sound-bite, and a few other fake-smiley insults, Palin did not glance away from the CAMERA. She never appeared to acknowledge the Moderator, including totally IGNORING several questions!

She wore her best beauty-pageant fixed-smile, and looked fixedly at the camera. She never lost track of where the camera was pointed; when it was on her, she never stopped staring into it.

That's what people who are selling something do. They address people by their first-names, and never break eye-contact. They smile and lure them into the 'sale' with visual cues like 'winking conspiratorially'.

She never seemed to shift her feet. Obviously, she has had to practise wearing heels, because she walks very badly in them (watch her upper back - she hunches). She never seemed to glance at notes. She either gave rote-memorised answers, or bits of stump-speeches.

She did not come across as warm. She did not come across as real. She came across as 'camera-coached'. Well, she was a beauty-pageant runner-up!

I'll say more in another post...

Now that Sarah Palin has received good comments for doing well in the debate, will the Republican Party let her do more interviews, appear on top level political programmes like "Meet the Press", and be more accessible to answer questions from the public and politicans? Or will she be contained and brought out only to appear on programmes with prepared questions and scripts?

@ DeShun from Mississippi

So, if Sen. McCain thinks the “workforce” is fundamentally sound, then why is it that thousands upon thousands of our workers are losing their jobs? By the way Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin, those thousands upon thousands of workers that lost their jobs made up your “fundamentally sound” workforce. Still think it is fundamentally sound now?

McCain himself used the words 'American workforce and ingenuity' when he was trying to wriggle out of the 'American economy is fundamentally sound' statement. She was just copying him. No, he doesn't know the difference.

Isn't that encouraging?

VERY good point!

McCain's choice for running mate is a big gamble and could backfire badly. Its very likely that he chose Sarah for her looks and didnt put country FIRST. There are many women in the republican hierachy with experience and good credentials that he could have chosen. On the other hand Obama chose a well respected veteran as his running mate, this speaks volumes for judgement. Obama/Biden 08

Choosing Sarah Palin for running mate is the biggest insult McCain has inflicted on longserving Republican women and voters should see him for what he is. His campaign lost credibility when he chose Sarah and the only place for Mccain should be retirement in one of his many homes. Americans are intelligent and deserve better.

Poor Clinton. She went to all the trouble to prove that she is knowledgeable and experienced. All Palin had to do was wink and burp her baby on stage to be considered a plausible VP candidate.

:-D JOANNE

What is wrong with some Americans??? why can you not pronounce NUCLEAR????? What is with nuculer???? and while I am at it ALUMINIUM not aluminum????? How sad……………..

The first 'nuculer' is an illiteracy, like John McCain and Sarah Palin's mispronunciation of 'Worrshington'. Many of these illiteracies are regional, and 'folksy' candidates choose not to learn to say the words correctly. Dubya Bush has yet to pronounce 'nuclear' properly.

'Aluminum' is both spelt and pronounced that way in the States. I don't know why. The 'i' fell between the boards at the bottom of one of the ships, carrying English colonists to the New World? Perhaps it was eaten by a fiish?

I am fluent in several dialects of US English, and rather RP British English (my mother was taught in the best Raj schools, and they learnt rather better English than most native Britons). I grew up in the States, but both my parents spoke British English. My father had a 'European' accent, nonspecific.

The USA is so big, and there are so many regional dialects there, that it is not surprising some of them are strange to our ears.

Then again... I may live here, but I'll never learn to speak Scouse. I love it, and can listen to it for ages, but I couldn't imitate it to save my life!

I think we in Britain should probably not speak ill of the accents of others, even if they are blatant illiteracies. Listening to Boris Johnson requires my careful attention. I can't make out one word in five, as spoken by Glaswegians. They sell 'Fish and Chip's' in England, too.

Let's leave it, shall we?

Cheers.

:-D Cockney teens, stranded in Texas, needed a pearaploiaz. Finally, they drew the tool, for the service-station owner. A PLAHRRZ? Weh-ull, wha dintchya'll SAY SO? So who was 'wrong'?

@Hillary suppporter October 3rd, 2008 528 GMT

I was so impressed withSarah Palin’s ability to control that debate, to expose Biden as a liar over and over with a smile on her face and I was inspired by her spirit.

NOBAMA 08

You are a shame and a disgrace. How dare you so ill-serve Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, as to side with this Republican ticket, over the ticket Senator Clinton has ENDORSED? Senators Clinton and Obama were barely a hair's breadth apart on the issues.

What's the matter with you? Can't bring yourself to vote for a person of colour?

That is the only reason I can imagine, for a former supporter of Senator Clinton, to switch parties, and support this frightening, deregulatory, anti-choice, pro-war, right-of-Bush ticket!

Sarah Palin is no Hillary Rodham Clinton.

I would have preferred if Senator Clinton had won, too! But it's not about her. She said so herself. It's about the people, and the issues.

The Clintons are capital 'D' Democrats. Anyone who claims to support Senator Clinton, and is voting for McBush/Palin, is an insult to the Senator's campaign!

Godforbid you get the government you deserve!

@ Swissguy

You're right.

Mrs. Palin didn't answer the most part of the questions.
She showed nothing but great lack of knowledge.
"She really connects with the people"
This is gonna be the answer for everything?
My mobile really connects with the people too, but I don't think it could be the vice-president of the U.S.A.
"Oh! She exceeded the expectations!"
And what would you expect? This is the least we expect from a vice president candidate! C'mon!
There's a real chanche of her assuming the position of the president of the most powerfull nation of the world.
With this in mind, I think people should stop evaluate the brightness of her eyes, and start to think how serious is the position of a vice president.

@ Heather

“Past is Prolog Gwen”… Biden hit the nail on the head! We had better learn from history or we’re in a world of hurt! Only an idiot would say that we never look back! My high school History teacher laid it out clearly… “I love the subject of history because it gives us the opportunity to do better than we have”

You got that right!

'Those who do not remember the past, are doomed to repeat it'. Sadly, the political memory of the Average American Voter is shorter than the attention-span of a goldfish on acid.

I lived there for forty years. This is my TENTH Presidential election. I've watched 'details' like:
– the USA put Saddam Hussein in power, in 1981– the first year of the first Reagan Administration, and,
- the CIA armed and trained the Mujahedeen (Taliban warriors) in Pakistan, to fight the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, in 1986-87 - toward the end of the second Reagan Administration,
be conveniently forgotten.

All of this is on record. The Wars now have a history, and the history started in the USA.

@Not a Foreigner

You'd be a foreigner here, you fool. 'Foreigner' is a relative word. The world has a stake in this election. While your stupid government have been burning trillions of $USD a month in Iraq, who do you think has been keeping Afghanistan from being overrun with Taliban/Mujahedeen and al-Qaeda?

You take the world for granted, and that attitude is why so many 'foreigners' dislike Americans and the USA.

Without the Coalition Forces, who have held Afghanistan (as well as helping in Iraq - though that was hideously unpopular and has brought down more than one of the USA's allies' leaders) while you've fxxxed around in Iraq, the Taliban would be back in power in Afghanistan today.

Now, the US economy is tanking. If you are so clueless, that you do not know that the Markets of the modern world are interdependent, then you are far too clueless to post your opinion in public!

Opinions are like navels; everybody has one.

Informed opinions are the only opinions that belong on a non-personal blog! Where you get your information makes some difference in what you know.

I read Al-Jazeera, the Hindustan Times, the website of the Pakistani Parliament (one of my university mates is an MP there, Allah protect her), The Guardian, The Independent, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washinton Post, The Miami Herald, The New York Times (of course), UN publications, CDC publications, NCAR publications, and several non-English-language publications, as often as possible.

I am certain I know more US history, without looking it up, because I lived there, and lived through it, and paid attention, than 90% of the American Voting Public. Possibly 99%.

Mr Not a Foreigner, you bloody ignoramus, the WORLD has a stake in what happens in this Presidential election, and what happens, especially, in the House of Representatives today. Stupid Yanks like you (I never use that word, but you fall into that category) don't want the Rescue Bill to pass Congress. Well, the rest of the world, and there are more of us, than there are of you, do want it to pass. We want your entire economy cleaned up from the ground up! Free-market capitalism has become a religion in the USA. Well, that will have to change!

So will the triumphalist brayings of your leaders, about 'America is the greatest country on Earth'.

The USA is great, and I love it, but not because it is perfect! I love it because the people there have a spirit of optimism and enthusiasm, which the Old World has been lacking for too long. That spirit has been revived, in the Developing World, though it is still very weak, compared to how it is, in the States.

That spirit is why my father chose to move his business to the States in the 1960s.

That spirit has kept me able to be a grass-roots organiser and volunteer, in the USA, among disenfranchised and 'unwanted' communities (you know, gays and lesbians, rape-victims, people living with AIDS, abused teenagers, learning-disabled children) since my teens. I have seen how hard Americans work, for their money, for their causes, for their rights, and for what they believe. There is much there to love, and I do love it.

You, Mr Not a Foreigner, are a xenophobic, 'Ugly American'. You are the model, from which the stereotype comes.

All the Secretaries of State, in that fascinating interview on CNN, said the USA needs to approach the world with 'more humility'.

'More humility'. What a concept. I think I like it.

Sorry, I can't find who said this:

am just baffled at how little you expect from a candidate. All Palin had to do is not screw up. First of all she has dumbed down her language like we are two years old, and I find it almost embarrassing that some of you buy that. Second, if you listen to the content of the issues she discussed, she sounds like a mini cliff note, not to mention she didn’t answer half the questions. Third, I don’t want my president to be average, I want someone that is better and smarter than me. We already have a baboon running the country. I am just amazed had how fickle some Americans are about this. Since when have we had such low expectations for a vp?

Anti-intellectualism is one of the planks that has held the Republican Party back, or pushed them forward, or whatever, for the past 10 Presidential election cycles.

I believe (and could probably make a strong case for this position), that in the McCarthyite 'Commie-Scare' era, anti-intellectualism got a big boost. To simplify - rather a lot - but I'm not writing that book here. This is roughly the evolution, from the 1950s-present:

1950: Intellectuals=Intelligentsia=smart-arses, think they're 'better' than we are, nxggxr-lovers, Jews, Bolsheviks=Commies=The Enemy

1960: Intellectuals=students, integrationists, Jews=Castro's Revolution=Commies=The Enemy

1970: Intellectuals=students=dissidents, people who question the government, anti-war-protesters, drug-addicts, Jews=Commies=The Enemy

1980: Intellectuals=élitists, think they're 'better' than us=foreigners, people of colour, Jews=Not Like Us=Commies=The Enemy

1990: Intellectuals=élitists=smart-arses, Clintons, Democrats, queers, anti-establishment, conspiracy-theorists=dodgy types, Not Like Us=Muslims=The Enemy

2000: Intellectuals=élitists=smart-arses, Clintons, Al Gore, snooty upstarts, conservationists, conspiracy-theorists, queers, 'special-interests', activists, anti-war agitators=untrustworthy, 'socially undesirable', immoral=Not Like US=Muslims=Terrorists=The Enemy

That's too simplistic, but I could prove it, in a book.

I have some things to say about Sarah Palin, but I got sidetracked. ;-)

Republican and Rotna (in that order) ...

As a fellow Republican (can you tell?) I agree with your comment re: Eisenhower. Advantages like education and a great scientific community are not built overnight and I am deeply concerned that this country has been living off of the fruits of administrations long ago without re-fertilizing the soil, so to speak. Thank you for your insight. My comment, however, was to focus on the purpose of the large increase in the budget deficit during Reagan's administration. It – according to the information I have – funded the final blow. I draw my the key parts of my information from the Press (God help me), my own observations, and from a book titled Victory by Peter Schweitzer published some time ago.

What I particularly like about your comment, Republican, is that the accolades received by one President or sitting Congress are not at all likely to be the result of their own actions. In graduate finance classes, we learned that changes in one fiscal policy may require several years to trickle its way throughout the economy. The same applies to foreign policy. That means that Clinton could get the credit for Bush's work, that the U.S. could suffer the consequences of Clinton's actions (or lack thereof) on terrorism (the effects of which were then addressed by another Bush), and on and on. I am concerned that the general populous of the U.S. does not recognize this and credits the current administration with the current status of our nation. The world, ladies and gentlemen, is far more complex than that.

In my original comment, I studiously avoided any comment on Palin. I am a die-hard McCain fan simply because of what I view as his integrity. I have to admit, however, that I do not agree with his selection of V.P. The lady shows grit and determination, but, alas, not the substance I want to see. Much progress must be made between now and later if she is to be presidential material. Given that, however, I do believe that Palin is equal to the task of becoming presidential material, but perhaps not in time for the November 4th election. To my fellow Republicans, in the even that Senator McCain does become President of our county, as a person favor to me please invest heavily in Palin's preparation. SHE is where you can prepare the soil for a much better future.

From my point of view, I am disappointed that Senator Obama has studiously managed his voting record in a manner that appears to have targeted the Presidency from the beginning of his political career. You can bet that he intends to be an eight-year President, so limited commitment on key issues is something that we can expect for the next four years if he and Biden are elected. Yes, Senator Obama speaks very well, but without much substance. As a voter – and a well-educated one at that – I cannot bring myself to vote for one more politician who panders to what he hopes is my ignorance. Unfortunately, I saw cheap shots from Senator Biden last night, and, to me, that spells the lack of integrity and credibility that characterizes Washington, D.C.

If the McCain campaign suffers from full-hearted support from the Republican Party, then to me that is a man who has character, integrity, and uses his own head (yes, that implies that I recognize that the Republican Party doesn't have all of the answers). During the unfolding of a Presidency, much will happen that the public cannot anticipate. Much will take place that the public never sees or hears. So, in a fundamental analysis, the election asks us who's judgement do we trust? For me, a President does not have to be correct all the time; that would be an unrealistic expectation. He does, however, have to be honest with me all the time so that I know how to respond, what to support, how to vote, and how to plan my own affairs.

Any person who wants my vote must demonstrate his trustworthiness. That McCain is seen as a "maverick" tells me that he is not willing to play typical Washington, D.C. politics. That McCain may not have the full-hearted support of his party underscores that to me (yes, because I think that the Republicans, like the Democrats, are infrequently honest with us). For me, the pieces of the puzzle fit together more consistently with the McCain campaign than with the Obama campaign. For that, and so long as I see that he continues to be square with me as an American, McCain deserves my unwaivering support.

Being President is all about character (not to intentionally quote a popular movie). I must be able to trust the person in the Oval Office. For that reason, Senator McCain has my vote.

His policies are also attractive to me ...

To our dear friend "Rotna" ... for the same reason that underlies "Republican's" comments, if America does loose its edge it won't be for anything Ahmedinijad has done. It will be the cumulative effect of a number of decisions and policies that stretch over the years. That guy is a wolf in sheep's clothing who is delaying any action or meaningful consequence as best he can while his scientists develop a nuclear (yes, I know how to pronounce that word) bomb capability. Then, the Western world will have much to worry about as that country makes such nuclear capabilities available to his darling terrorists. I like McCain's suggestion: IF THE UNITED NATIONS CANNOT BE EFFECTIVE AGAINST A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO OUR COUNTRY, THEN WE MUST DEVELOP A LEAGUE OF DEMOCRACIES TO ADDRESS THE NUCLEAR THREAT VIA MEANINGFUL AND EFFECTIVE SANCTIONS. Ahmedinijad, I fear, could become a nuclear-tipped Hitler. Please, World, we have seen enough of that. Given that Russia and China would dearly love to see the end of American pre-eminence, we – and our friends – must make our own opportunity to guarantee our safety, our security, and the freedom to be enjoyed by our children.

Rotna, it is not that America cannot fight terrorism because it is deeply in debt. America is deeply in debt BECAUSE it is fighting terrorism. To do nothing would only make the terrorists look successful and right.

Sorry folks ... errata galore here!

I meant to say, "If the McCain campaign suffers from A LACK OF full-hearted support from the Republican Party, then to me that is a man who has character, integrity, and uses his own head (yes, that implies that I recognize that the Republican Party doesn’t have all of the answers)."

To the Republican Party, "... as a PERSONAL favor to me, please invest heavily in Palin’s preparation. SHE is where you can prepare the soil for a much better future."

Of course, Biden emerged the better speaker/debater than Palin, of course he sounded more knowledgeable with the issues! Please take note that BIDEN HAS BEEN IN POLITICS ALMOST ALL HIS LIFE!! IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DISSAPPOINTING HAD HE PERFORMED ANY LESS. But I am pleasantly surprised with Gov. Palin who despite being relatively new in the game demonstrated how easily she can learn, absorb and defend with conviction her stand on issues that are close to the heart of every american. She is a sincere person, you can see that in her eyes and in the way she talks. I believe she means what she says and she will deliver. Women are good at that. And in this world dominated by so called "qualified, experienced and smooth talking MEN," Gov. Palin and her kind is just what we desperately need at this time.

You think that Palin made an acceptable impression? I'm sorry but i just can't agree with that! She rather performed like a high school student ...she failed to answer many fondamental questions and it was pretty clear that the reason for this is that she didn't understand them.

I just can't figure out how well informed people can qualify such mediocrity as being acceptable! But when i think about it G.W.Bush was elected so i guess american standards of excellence are lower than they were....

OMG!!

Britain's More-4 News just said, and I quote:

It's clear that Sarah Palin's religious extremism is identical to Ahmedinajad's.

Well, yes. Substitute a deity-name, and a word here and there, and that is the truth.

My master's degree is from a Christian seminary in the States, and don't even get me started!

As with all these CNN blogs, there is one clear message – democrats fear Governor Palin. You fear her because she is an ordinary person who has more integrity and executive experience that your savior Obama. BHO was a terrible public speaker a year ago when he was not in front of a teleprompter. Governor Palin is a talented and capable VP candidate who should be commended for performance against Senator Biden.

For all you riding the "change" train – Germans wanted "change" in the 1930s and they choose a socialist, anti-Semitic who could rally a crowd.

We laughed about Borat but we are shocked by his alaskan sister.

I believe Sarah Palin is more acceptable in her past role as beauty pageant contestant than as the future vice president or even president of America. She is intelligent, beautiful, and poised, but I believe she is ill-prepared for a position that is so demanding and very crucial to our country's welfare. Last night, Biden was on the attack. She exceeded my expectations, but I felt like (from what I saw of the debate) she spent more time emphasizing her normal american soccer-mom role and defending McCain than she did answering the questions asked of her. She was talking of oil when it had little to do with the question asked of her. She still hasn't told us about the exit strategy plan that McCain and her have except to tell us that they have one . At this time in American history, I felt like that is one of the most important questions about our presidential and vice presidential candidates that needs to be answered. She did okay. Biden did pretty well. He attacked too much but he did answer the questions asked of him while campaigning for him and Obama.

Palin is an embarrassment. Her entire debate was written by speech writers (except for the unintelligible answers such as that given on Israel). She is anything but authentic and she has no education or experience that would give her the ability to respond to the complicated issues that will be faced by the next administration. I don't think she even understood the question related to consumer debt. I may have considered McCain previously, but I do not want "maverick" decisions, such as picking Palin, to be made with respect to important issues facing our economy and national defense.

I am 72 years old, and that has to be the most pathetic performance
for someone running for public office as Sarah Palin's. I got so confused every time she was answering the question(not) and kept waiting for her answer. I'll tell you what, I'm the same age as John McCain, run my own business still, but I don't believe someone my age would be coherent enough to be our president. There is a normal memory issue, brain shrinkage for example with age and anyone who would vote for a pres of his years with Palin to back him better move to another country.

Who won the Vice-Presidential debate? We are all losers. Unfortunately we don't have much to work with.

McCain has really drawn the short straw here and the World's problems are not going to go away just because a naive 'hockey mom' comes on to the stage, versed to the hilt and devoid of any real capabilities, to rule the World and quite frankly, that is what she will be undertaking to do. If I have to stand behind her, shaking and dodging the issues in the playground, whilst 'shrapnel' goes off all round us. No thanks. Things will only get worse, for I believe, she is incapable to hold office.

Sarah Palin is not America's fix, I find her quite embarrassing and I am ashamed that the United States of America has resorted to this type of 'theatrics'. It is not about looks or hockey sticks, it is about 'life and death' and a World Super Power being inherited by inexperienced, irrational youngsters. All our lives, depend on America to make the right choice. This is no 'Sunday School Picnic' and I don't want to see a 'woman' within 'cooee' of that place.

This is a job for the 'boys', its gonna get real nasty soon and I don't want any pretty faces messed up. So McCain develop some 'testosterone' if it's at all possible and find yourself a 'right arm' man, cause you are going nowhere with what you got.

Anyone can be put in a room and rehearsed to say 'whatever'. This doesn't mean you are fit for the job, this doesn't mean you've got your feet on the peddles: this 'only means' you have been coerced – made a fool of and have become in your own right: a deceiver of 'truth' yourself! For, if not unto yourself, you are true – whoever, thereafter, can you be true to?

No, Pat. I do not 'fear' Sarah Palin.

I am actively revolted by Sarah Palin, and everything she represents: deregulation, oil and gas lobbies, book-banning, anti-intellectualism, biblical-literalism, homophobia, the continued occupation of Iraq, ignorance, narrow-mindedness, hunting, the National Rifle Association, religious intolerance, bigotry, reversing Roe v. Wade, putting women's rights back more than 50 years, right-wing women raising right-wing children, incompetence, the Peter Principle (try Wikipedia), corruption, vindictiveness, excessive self-assurance, belief that she is always right, black and white thinking, wanting to drill for oil in the Arctic Nature and Wilderness Reserve, belief that climate-change is not a human-made problem, cultural isolationism, shallowness, insipidity, and a support for John McCain for President.

This is not fear, you dumb Republican (but I repeat myself), this is loathing. Sarah Palin represents the absolute worst elements of the United States of America - a country I happen to love. It makes me sick to see all the things I didn't like, in forty years of life in the USA, collected in one person, walking and talking. There is a nightmarish quality to that...

She's a smug, arrogant, bxtchy, mean-spirited, small-minded, know-nothing girl, who touts her lack of poise and class as 'being just folks', and sells her illiterate lack of knowledge of the world as 'anti-élitism'. She is so underqualified for the position of Vice-President of the USA, that words cannot describe it.

The only thing I can say is that the US Constitution states the qualifications for Vice-President are identical to the qualifications fo President of the United States. Now, how ready are even Republicans, who are misguided, but not necessarily self-destructive, to say that Sarah Palin is fit to be President of the United States?

Don't start with the 'executive experience' bullsxxx. Barack Obama got more executive experience as the Editor of the Harvard Law Review, than Sarah Palin got, being Mayor of Wasilla! He didn't leave the Law Review in debt, either.

Any female, who would condone - or stand by and not change - a law-enforcement system which required women to pay for their own rape-kits is missing a crucial part of her humanity! She is obviously completely without empathy toward the suffering of other women. I am not terribly surprised. I had friends from seminary, who became pastoral counsellors in Assemblies of God churches. They all told horror stories of battered-women who came to them, asking to be taught to be 'better Christian wives', so their husbands 'wouldn't need to correct them'. My friends lasted between one week and one year, in AOG churches. All of them left, because they just couldn't be around 'that mentality' any more. No compassion for women is part of AOG teaching. Sarah Palin may have moved to a less drastic church, as she moved into such public eye as there is, in Alaskan politics.

I had an ex who used to be AOG. Among other things, my ex believed that human beings used to live to be hundreds of years old - because of the Methuselah story, the Abraham and Sarah story, and so on. This is a person with three doctorates. The AOG beliefs just stuck, until I heard something really weird, and asked about it.

Fundamentalists have more in common with each other than they do, with moderate believers in their same faith. I had never heard Ahmedinajad speak, before his UN speech last week. I listened to him, and mentally substituted a word here and a word there, and he could be any 'counter-demonstrator' at a Gay Pride March, or harassing bully outside a Planned-Parenthood Centre. He could be Sarah Palin, and she could be him. Yes, she did try to have books banned, specifically one on being gay and Christian. That is what prompted the English More-4 reporter to compare her extremism to Ahmedinanjad's. I hate being right, sometimes.

There is something even more profoundly appalling about right-wing women. I recommend Andrea Dworkin's book, by the same title. Margaret Thatcher gave me the same sort of creeps, for many of the same reasons. At least she was older, intelligent, worldly, and well-educated. The Anita Bryant – Phyllis Schlafly – Sarah Palin type 'right-wing woman' is a uniquely American side-show freak. Their hypocrisy is what they are. They believe women should stay submissive, not control our own reproductive rights, are against 'women's lib' - like equal pay for equal work, and gallivant around the country, doing interviews, running for office, writing books, on the premise that women are somehow less than men. That isn't being 'hypocritical'. That is being the essence of hypocrisy.

Some of these right-wing women are specific: 'Eve was not made in God's Image, so of course women aren't equal to men', they say. That's Genesis 3. Genesis 1, which is older, says men and women were created at the same time, in God's image. That verse never served Patriarchy's interests very well, so most people don't even know it exists! Women who believe in, and push the oppression of women disturb me... in much the same way that spending extended periods of time working with severely schizophrenic, locked-ward patients disturbs me... or studying the psychopathologies of serial rapist-murderers disturbs me. There is something about their humanity that is missing: comprehension of, and empathy for other women.

That isn't fear, you Republican pebble! It's profound moral revulsion.

To be fair, I am almost equally revolted by right-wing men. I don't expect men to give up their power, and control. I can understand their vested interest in the status quo, and why they want to shut the women up, and keep us down. It's disgusting, but it isn't twisted.

John McCain could die in office. Sarah Palin is ambitious. I fear a McCain Presidency. I think it would be like the last 8 years, only worse. I wouldn't trust John McCain's judgement to pick out a decent loaf of bread! The idea of Sarah Palin filling his shoes if he dies is anathematic to me. It fills me with a kind of horror that I can't describe...

I wanted Hillary Rodham Clinton to win the Democratic nomination. It's time and past time that a stateswoman of her stature was President. It's time and past time, that the Equal Rights Amendment was re-submitted to the States, to be added to the US Constitution. Women are still not equal to men, under the Constitution. In 2008, that is abhorrent!

Well, as my parents used to say, 'wanting is not enough'.

Does anybody believe that if Sarah Palin were a man, he'd be on McCain's ticket?

That was just insulting - no surprise from John McCain.

THINK, USA!! Keep the Old Loony POW, and Schizoid Idiot Bxtch outof the White House!!

To Pat whose comments appear above,

As I read these entries on this CNN blog, I am so fascinated by how
people outside the US express much more passion, good sense,
and intelligence regarding the recent debate. They understand that
the US (and the entire world) no longer have the luxury of wasting time and energy on tolerating pathetically unqualified people like Palin who
would make the US the punchline and joke of the world.
Are we really seriously ready to have somebody who refers to the average American and herself as "Joe six pack" assume the role of the Vice President of the United States ?!!!
WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER "JOE SIX PACK" IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. We had a "JOE SIX PACK" in the Oval Office for the past
8 years...WE NEED TO LEARN OUR LESSON.

The thing that send chills up my spine is that the more I listen to Palin, the more I begin to realize that it is PALIN who resembles BUSH

As an American living and working in Tokyo, you would be shocked at the reaction of the people here. They are laughing at us, and are
asking me, "We just can't believe it...How could you Americans
even consider the idea of having somebody like Palin as the VP ?
Have you not learned your lesson from Bush ? Are you not ashamed ?"

After the dbate, Palin spoke in front of a rally, and started chanting,
"USA, USA...!!"
Ummm...Excuse me, fellow Americans...Is this what we need now ?!
Isn't this the same type of "cowboy, We are the USA...Get out of our way" attitude that makes us look so bad in the world ?
Ask any American living and working overseas..Whenever we go to a party, and people find out we are Americans...in a split second you
find yourself carrying this stigma, and you are perceived to
be associated with this pathetically, archaic "cowboy and USA, USA !!"
attitude. We need to remember...
WHO IS FUNDING THE US' gargantuan debt...it's countries like Japan and China who are now seeing us to be like spolied, ignorant
brats.

To CNN and fellow Americans:
Let’s stop analysing and dissecting this debate like it was
another episode of American Idol.
.
We, and the media like CNN need to wake up and consider the fact that our country is now in uncharted waters with this financial crisis.
This is unprecedented. There was one astute member on the post-debate panel who raised the most critical point:
In the event something happens to McCain, are we ready to hand the reigns of President of the USA to Palin. PLEASE thik abouit this.
This is something we as responsible voters MUST consider very hard. I am quite disappointed by Andersoon Cooper and the post-debate “analysts” who simply do not understand that we no longer have the luxury of discussing Plain’s so-called “improved” performance over the disaster interviews she gave a few weeks ago.

I repeat..There has NEVER been a time when we need to SCRUTINIZE and really THINK HARD when we pick our future leaders. Our right to vote and pick our future leaders also carries with it a huge responsibility. We must take this very seriously. We CANNOT and MUST NOT approach this and pick leaders like the the way judges pick the winners on American Idol.
I am seriosuly scared and horrified when I even ponder the remote idea that Palin could be sitting in the Oval Office.

To my fellow Americans and CNN members, it’s one thing to have greedy and incompetent peole as CEOs in Wall Street plunge our economy into chaos, and having Bush spend billions of dollars a .WEEK, along with casualty toll on a senseless Iraq war..

BUT having them in the White House is unacceptable

Microsoft I do wish you could improve on these 'spell-checkers'. Previous peddles wrong – meant pedals. Perhaps a Universal Language would help as well and I don't suppose you are going to be in any doubt, as to which Language I would suggest...

I have not read all these posts; I am starting at the bottom. I guess that is a good place to start, since it is nearest my last post.

Possession of a 'Masters' I have not but I do know a 'fool' and a 'deceiver' when I come across one and I look upon not favourably, anyone who distorts, misinterprets or abuses the 'Holy Scriptures'.

If there was a 'Lord Jesus Christ' and a Holy Virgin Mary, I do not recall that Mary abandoned her 'Son'. She never left his side; she was his minder, guardian and mentor. Her complete being, was dedicated to serve 'Him', nurture him and protect him from harm. If Governor Palin selects to adopt the 'doctrine' of the Holy Scriptures, then it is my suggestion that 'she' practice what she preaches. It is my belief; you cannot be half a 'Christian' nor is God, a 'convenience'.

The 'Good Lord' is no walkover and cannot be used as a 'shield', to promote one's own self-interests and definitely cannot be used as an implement to exalt oneself of meagre stature, to be representative of those on 'high'.

I have no tolerance for 'war', whatsoever but I do approve of the 'right to self-defence'. I want the 'World' to reflect on this. And McCain, have you done anything yet, to move this innocent, fair damsel, out of harm's way yet?

DEFINITELY JOE BIDEN communicated well in this debate. He is composed, equipped with much knowledge.

On the other hand, I believe that Sarah Palin should use proper words for the occasion. Being watched by 70 million people and you spoke in a Vice Presidential debate like " DARN....DARN" and winking.If she becomes the VP for US and she's out their with other International Leaders representing the US then doing this kind of thing speaking those kind of words .............I do not think it is appropriate. Remember that US is known to be one of the top countries whom other countries look up to and sending a representative that cannot adapt herself to the occasion will truly affect the status.

Good on you sylvia.

I love you Yanks and my Daddy taught me to drive a Ford and whilst those Mercedes hover all about me, I divert not. When it comes to that 'downtown religion' I guess I am a little after the like of the John Wayne saga, or perhaps he is after the like of the 'Lord'? To remove that 'moral concept' from reasoning, is to abandon 'living'. There is no reason to exist with the removal of the 'moral concept'. To remove righteousness from our existence, would surely be, to remove reasoning from living.

Should we do so, may invoke all manner of sinister intentions. I would regret this.

Have I made myself perfectly clear? Of course, you all realise that the control of the 'Earth' will ultimately be given to the 'Lord'. Fear not and 'abide' with Thee, I am sure the Master of the Universe, is in control of us all.

When I was but a child, I was taken to hear 'your Evangelist', Billy Graham. Cannot remember what he said, I was suffering from malnutrition and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but somehow, the message got through.

Americans, please consider yourselves, the superior power on this Earth, this is FACT – but as you do so, consider, also the rest of the World, for our lives are in your hands. I would not wish to see further bloodshed, my Heart is already weary.

God Bless and vote soundly, I would hate to have your position at the moment. Like the hurricanes that descended upon your shores, the wroth of 'God' can be indeed, a force to be reckoned with. Adieu.

I salute you, the basic American patronage, is far greater than the Australian persona. May 'righteousness' be your guide and may God preserve.

to Uma in Liverpool, UK

I appreciate reading your comments very much. what happens if the democrats get the most votes on electionday but not the presidency as it happened before with florida's influence?will it go to court and the strongest (old?) system will succeed and once again we wonder?

To CHERIE L CURRAN from Australia:
I enjoyed your satirical post.
It is my hope that you are not mocking 'God'.

Farbeit for me to judge, but moral turpitude has eroded America
to the point where the once mighty superpower
is now on it's knees, so to speak. Yet one must remember
that evil has many faces and is at work everywhere and never sleeps!

The Democrats have won this American election.

My hope is that the new American administration will leave
Africa alone.

Why?

Well, China and Russia are already well entrenched
in Africa.

They are superpowers who now control the world, er..contrary to what Americans believe.

God have mercy on all Americans.

I am an American living and working in Tokyo.
As I read these entries on this CNN blog, I am so fascinated by how
people outside the US express much more passion, good sense,
and intelligence regarding the recent debate. They understand that
the US (and the entire world) no longer have the luxury of wasting time and energy on tolerating pathetically unqualified people like Palin who
would make the US the punchline and joke of the world.
Are we really seriously ready to have somebody who refers to the average American and herself as “Joe six pack” assume the role of the Vice President of the United States ?!!!
WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER “JOE SIX PACK” IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH. We had a “JOE SIX PACK” in the Oval Office for the past
8 years…WE NEED TO LEARN OUR LESSON.

The thing that send chills up my spine is that the more I listen to Palin, the more I begin to realize that it is PALIN who resembles BUSH

As an American living and working in Tokyo, you would be shocked at the reaction of the people here. They are laughing at us, and are
asking me, “We just can’t believe it…How could you Americans
even consider the idea of having somebody like Palin as the VP ?
Have you not learned your lesson from Bush ? Are you not ashamed ?”

After the dbate, Palin spoke in front of a rally, and started chanting,
“USA, USA…!!”
Ummm…Excuse me, fellow Americans…Is this what we need now ?!
Isn’t this the same type of “cowboy, We are the USA…Get out of our way” attitude that makes us look so bad in the world ?
Ask any American living and working overseas..Whenever we go to a party, and people find out we are Americans…in a split second you
find yourself carrying this stigma, and you are perceived to
be associated with this pathetically, archaic “cowboy and USA, USA !!”
attitude. We need to remember…
WHO IS FUNDING THE US’ gargantuan debt…it’s countries like Japan and China who are now seeing us to be like spolied, ignorant
brats.

To CNN and fellow Americans:
Let’s stop analysing and dissecting this debate like it was
another episode of American Idol.
.
We, and the media like CNN need to wake up and consider the fact that our country is now in uncharted waters with this financial crisis.
This is unprecedented. There was one astute member on the post-debate panel who raised the most critical point:
In the event something happens to McCain, are we ready to hand the reigns of President of the USA to Palin. PLEASE thik abouit this.
This is something we as responsible voters MUST consider very hard. I am quite disappointed by Andersoon Cooper and the post-debate “analysts” who simply do not understand that we no longer have the luxury of discussing Plain’s so-called “improved” performance over the disaster interviews she gave a few weeks ago.

I repeat..There has NEVER been a time when we need to SCRUTINIZE and really THINK HARD when we pick our future leaders. Our right to vote and pick our future leaders also carries with it a huge responsibility. We must take this very seriously. We CANNOT and MUST NOT approach this and pick leaders like the the way judges pick the winners on American Idol.
I am seriosuly scared and horrified when I even ponder the remote idea that Palin could be sitting in the Oval Office.

To my fellow Americans and CNN members, it’s one thing to have greedy and incompetent peole as CEOs in Wall Street plunge our economy into chaos, and having Bush spend billions of dollars a .WEEK, along with casualty toll on a senseless Iraq war..

BUT having them in the White House is unacceptable

To my opinion, the presidential candidate has to prove responsibility for the country and the world already before the election, by choosing a vice president on his side who is really qualified to take over his job if necessary. If he fails this very first test, he proves unqualified himself to lead a big country. Selection of a vice president is more than having a good-looking running mate to aquire a few more votes. The vice president must be fully qualified to take over the job of the president! So in my view John McCain proves absolutely irresponsible already before the election, so how can one even think about voting for him (like more than 40% of the US population is apparently still doing)? This is absolutely scary to me.
In my view, a person who believes that earth is only 6000 years old is living in the stone age and is not educated better than a naive child who believes in Santa Claus. I would be seriously worried if such a person had control over atomar weapons! For me all this is simply a very big scandal. But apparently many people cannot see this fundamental threat, still 40 or more percent of the american population is willing to accept such a threat and to vote for McCain. This makes me extremely scared – the idea that such a medieval fundamentalist could become the president of the US.

I have been reading your comments on the Biden Palin debate. I think you have been immensely charitable towards the Governor. Your point about context is simply not relevant. We all had ridiculously low expectations of Palin going into the debate. She would have had to do something truly awful not to surpass those expectations. Just because she didn't bears no relation to whether she should be your next VP. Her performance, folksy this and that etc., insults the intelligence of the American people and most of all the "hockey mom's" who she is apparently aiming at. (posted from London, UK)

If anyone was impressed by Palin then I guess it does'nt take much. She was behond dumbo. I was starting to feel ill just watching and listening to her. IF that were a Hillary Clinton or Janet Reno or any other woman we would have not set the standards below sea level and then act as though what she said had any bearing on any of the questions asked. Give me a freeking Break America. This display was a JOKE and I was embrassed for Sen. Joe Biden to have to stand on the same platform with such a MOran.

For once, why couldn't we have a proper debate with hard-hitting questions for both Biden and Palin. Gwen Ifill is an accomplished Journalist but must say she abjectly failed at the debate last Friday. My sense is that she buckled under pressure on news that her book is due to be published and that she may be biased toward the democratic ticket. She did not pose any follow-up questions or questioned the rationale of a certain position of either candidate. After all, this is a debate for the second highest office in the country and no questions should be off-limits to both candidates and both MUST be grilled to get all the answers. Do we need to remind you that this is a Democracy? No doubt, Biden won the debate that night, given his stellar credentials and experience in the Senate. Palin accomplished nothing except that she managed to retain her position as a candidate. She failed miserably as she could not engage in any serious conversation. She either deflected the questions, refused to answer questions asked of her or parade her "Energy" expertise, which again amounts to nothing credible! Only wish Tim Russert were here today and he would have ripped apart this despicable GOP ticket!

She is not well educated, is ill informed and ignorant. She is least qualified to be a Governor of a State, leave alone the VP or the Presidency of this country. That she can relate to average Americans means nothing! Why don't we then pick any homeless person on the street to be the President. After all, we don't need him/her to be well versed in Economics or Foreign policy.

John McCain and the Republic Party, with no leadership in sight, are extremely desperate and want only power. There are so many able, accomplished women Senators and Representatives in Congress that McCain could have chosen. If Country was really that important as he trumpets, then he would not have chosen a gun toting, ignorant idiot to be his running mate. The conservative right is happy with her only because she is a mirror image of Cheney. We have had enough of these last 8 years and don't need more of the same. They have RUINED this country and will take the next and the subsequent Administrations to turn it around and restore the confidence of the World in America.

Someone should send Palin back to Alaska, where she should take care of her youngest daughter and prevent her from getting pregnant. It would be a pity to force her to marry at her young age.
Is Palin really able to read, write or spell? A couple of days ago she not even knew the name of a journal such as The New York Times. I am pleased to hear that she makes progresses towards political literacy.
She can count herself lucky that she has not been asked during her debate with Sen. Biden more questions about Russia. If asked about Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin or Fjodor Michailowitsch Dostojewski, I am afraid she would have answered that they are Russian oil magnats. My appeal to the educated American people is to vote for a person who is at least able to read and write.

It it horrifying to see how she is instrumentalizing her children for her "political" pursposes, especially the baby. It does not impress me, it is disgusts me. She is not even able to properly hold the poor baby.

Uma, your use of profanity in an open forum is an indication of your lack of class and surplus of ignorance. Be sure to wear your Obama button and t-shirt when speaking in public.

For the American in Toyko, I am an American who has been working and living overseas as a member of the Armed Forces. Do not include me in a general statement such as "any American". I have met and worked with numerous foreign military and government leaders and the one thing I always notice and my people always receive is respect, for us and for our country.

I am no republicans nor democrat, however most of the time CNN's writings/reports, It always favours Obama – campaign.

Though, your elections will not affect me direct but will affects us non-americans anyhow – but please be fair and be responsible to enable your fellow americans vote properly.

Joe Biden spoke well on the facts, and he's been on the national stage for decades. I think it showed well on Palin that after only 5 weeks on the national stage, most didn't see him wiping the floor with her. Truth is, she didn't have to have a command of such issues in her former position, but she did have to have the ability to lead something (a state), which Obama has never had to do. Why do we compare her to Obama? Because he has little to no experience just like her....only he uses bigger words and runs at the TOP of the ticket. Also a guy who has no real history of collaborating with anyone outside his party. I think there is one instance of this.

For those of you who like Biden, he's not at the top of the ticket....but McCain is at the top of the other. If you want experience, if you want someone who has a history of working across the aisle....consider voting for someone who can get things done – McCain.

Even if Palin KNEW something; even if she was a long-serving public servant, her personal ethics, beliefs AND manner are atrocious. Imagine – she's the governor of Alaska and has spent over 300+ days last year AWAY from her state capitol. This is a work ethic you want for VP? She's charmed her way through life so far – gotten by through a prayer and a song and a wink......but I hope it's over soon......

Here we go again, more mud slinging plotics as usual..same old messages, different messenger>>>

But Palin accused the Illinois senator of "palling around with terrorists" and said the Democrat was therefore "not a man who sees America as you and I do, as the greatest force for good in the world".

Seeing America like Palin, and McCain may not be the best way of viewing not only America, but the rest of the world..

@ Pat

Oh, poor diddums, did I offend his ickle sensibilities? I didn't know you were such a delicate flower. Do your military buddies know how fragile your sensibilites are?

You Yanks are a load of Puritannical hypocrites, you know that? I grew up in Manhattan, and my 84 year old mother still lives there. I heard much worse language, in the '60s, from passers-by on the street! Worse, I had to explain it to my mother, because she innocently asked what certain words meant, since English was not her first language, and she never learnt to swear in English.

Oh, and 'ignorant' doesn't mean what you think it means. It means 'lacking information'. I think you meant 'crude'. How ignorant of you.

As for class... you wouldn't begin to understand.

Honestly, the only reason I said any of this was not to engage in a dialogue with a truly ignorant, shrinking violet, but because the one thing I am not, is 'ignorant'. I am occasionally crude, when I am so disgusted/outraged/furious that I am at a loss for polite words.

Yes, I'm sure the numerous foreign military and government leaders you have met and worked with show you lotsa respect, and good manners to your face! NOT offending the bullies with the guns is generally the best policy. How many languages do YOU speak? How much do you respect THEIR cultures?

You're a prat, Pat. (That's somewhere between 'berk' and 'twit' - words which are acceptable from Kindergardeners).

@ American in Tokyo

Ummm…Excuse me, fellow Americans…Is this what we need now ?!
Isn’t this the same type of “cowboy, We are the USA…Get out of our way” attitude that makes us look so bad in the world ?
Ask any American living and working overseas..Whenever we go to a party, and people find out we are Americans…in a split second you
find yourself carrying this stigma, and you are perceived to
be associated with this pathetically, archaic “cowboy and USA, USA !!”
attitude. We need to remember…

You are absolutely right! My ex travelled outside North America, for the first time, in 2006, to visit an online friend in France. After the first day of fumbling (he's hopeless at languages) he started telling people he was Canadian! It saved him many long, agitated, confusing harangues from French people, about George Bush, the USA, Americans in general....

This was pre-Sarkozy France. But the French haven't changed their attitude, despite their toadying President. I can't figure Sarkozy out...

Great point about Palin=Bush. The only diff is that he was a legacy student at Yale, and Yale Law, and comes from money. She's got a sketchy BA in 'Communications' - whatever that is. They didn't offer it at Wellesley, so I wouldn't know.

Funny story, and true: The step-dad of my high-school best mate, knew Papa Bush as a boy. They grew up near each other in Connecticut, in the sorts of families that were so rich, that they 'dressed for dinner'. Frank, on George the Elder (back when he was Reagan's running-mate, in 1980): 'My god, he was the stupidest little boy I ever met!'

Hmmm... Looks like Dubya got the shallow end of a shallow gene-pool! On second thought, Barbara Bush is both intelligent, and a fine lady. Jeb takes after her, I guess.

BTW, did you catch 'Fareed Zakaria GPS' this weekend? His discussion, in Singapore, about how George Bush will be remembered, Sarah Palin, John McCain, and Barack Obama - and how the US is perceived, was worth a watch! Check out the programme, if you missed it. Just go to CNN and write 'Fareed Zakaria' in the search engine.

@ Eximius

The most telling point of the debate, for me , was when Joe Biden called Dick Cheney the worst VP ever and laid out the differences between what a VP was supposed to do and what Cheney has been doing. Palin just looked bemused as Joe spoke.

Surprisingly, talking heads and commentators chose to ignore or overlook this…

I noticed that too. I mean the lack of comment on that point. Perhaps they just couldn't be bothered to talk about Cheney, or have been expressly asked not to talk about Cheney.

I thought it quite telling, that during the Republican National Convention, the Republican President addressed the crowd from 1500 miles away, live, by satellite. The Republican Vice-President was safely on a diplomatic mission, in Azerbaijan!! :-D They couldn't have got the man further away, unless they put him aboard a Space-Shuttle!!

Fortunately, there's another avid hunter running for Vice-President. What could possibly go wrong?

Gov Palin just does not cut the mustard – straight out of the monty python sketch wink wink nudge nudge say no more...... .

Can you imagine a VP talking with other senators, govt officials or delegates of foreign governments and where she does not know how to or even the answer to some relatively easy questions giving them a wink.

the whole whole performance was really laughable for a supposed VP candidate.

As debates go Sen Joe Biden clearly won, stayed on topic mostly, answered the questions (not to all satisfaction but answered never the less).

To Uma (perhaps she'll ride again on the 3.10 to Uma?) and all, I like a bit of a punch up here and I have noticed you have a considerable amount of entries. I am dealing with your first and you are spot on. Palin is completely devoid of 'class'.

"She wore her best beauty-pageant fixed-smile", I have always envied people with beautiful smiles and they have always made me cringe, for an entire lifetime, I have asked God, why was I born 'so plain' and I have never really understood why, until 'Palin', 2008.

Beauty Queens come and go and they are usually kept in their place but this one, is off the 'leash', so to speak and therefore, does pose a 'problemo'.

We have already had a 'princess' whose gaze was controlled by the 'paparazzi', do we need another? This is so 'pathetic' or is the general public, so 'gullible', as well?

People who rely on their 'good looks' and expect us to 'buy it' are an insult to our 'integrity'.

Shame 'McCain', we have a 'World to Control' and you are dishing us up 'rubbish'.

The majority of us 'real' people in this World, are fighting for survival and the cameras, 'have it'? Let us really see what the 'MEDIA' are really about, shall we!

In my youth, I have already encountered, the worst 'paparazzi' around me and I gave them the 'big flick' because all they wanted to do, was destroy me. When it came to beauty, I am afraid I preferred 'brains and conjecture'. Thank you Sarah, I didn't think you were capable of ever teaching 'ME', anything and for the first time in my life, I am absolutely, sacrosanctly, positively, thankful, I do not look as 'false' as you........

Now that I am more senior in years, I understand why God gave me the face I have and I can look in the mirror and be thankful. I wonder, can you Sarah Palin, do the same, as you denigrate others? Joe six-pack did it. I love a 'beer', you gonna denigrate me also?

Is it that you have abandoned your baby as you cannot cope, with an incapacitated child?

In the real World, superficiality, is not an attribute but a 'sin'. We all have our trials and it is how we come through those trials, that makes us the 'complete human being, God wants us to be'. Ye, are talking 'religion' and I am dishing it up!

Despite all 'adversity', one must accept their responsibilities and overcome all obstacles and I am afraid, I do believe you have already, a prior obligation and commitment and that is to your 'child'. I guess I love him more than you do!

Can someone see that she gets this, I would hate it to fall on deaf ears.

Shame 'McCain, you've done it again', for enticing her away from her duties. If you see your 'Sister falling by the way, just stop and say – hey, you're going the wrong way'. I don't mean to be cruel, I just want things going the 'right' way. Cheers have a 'beer on me'. Love ya heaps.

To get back on topic, in a roundabout sort of way... You'll have to bear with me. This is long, but it says a lot, and I've read plenty of long postings in this long thread.

There are many reasons why the USA has become the butt of ridicule, dislike, and even open hostility, among its allies.

It would take a book - which I may yet write - to spell them all out.

The big one, is that the USA bangs its own drum, deafeningly, and constantly. It gets old hearing one of the youngest countries on the globe, carrying on about how 'AMURKA IS THE GRADEST COUNTRY ON URTH!!'

It's doubly galling for me, because I worked with the people whom 'the greatest country' disenfranchised, abandoned, failed, or simply did not want. I've been a community-organiser (sort of like being Mayor of a small town, only you don't get paid) and psychotherapist, in the gay community of Greenwich Village, when the epidemic first started, before it had a name, in the late '70s; with abused and neglected kids, in one way or another, from my teens on; with battered-women's shelters, rape-crisis centres, as a volunteer on the rape-crisis hotline, working for women's rights - which we still don't have, in the USA; I counselled kids in group-homes for the 'unclassifiable' - not criminal enough for Juvie, not low-enough functioning for special-care, not mentally-ill enough for locked wards, unwanted, 'problem' kids.

One day, one of the oldest, biggest, toughest girls, in the group-home, had a full-scale psychotic-break. I happened to be there, and happened to be the only staff-member who was not afraid of her. She was seventeen, black, poor, hung with the Crips. Her mother was in and out of jail and rehab. She looked like she would end up the same way, but she was smart.
I managed to talk her down from pounding the walls, and scratching her arms, and screaming incoherently... and ultimately found out what precipitated this... more than outburst. Her mind actually cracked. Under the circumstances, I can't say that I blame her.
She found out, for the first time, in the group-home school, that day, that the Earth is round, like a ball.
What freaked that girl out, outraged her beyond all tolerance, to the point where it literally snapped her mind was: 'HOW CAN I HAVE BEEN ALIVE FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS AND NOBODY TOLD ME THAT BEFORE?'
I could talk her down, because I was as outraged as she. She was screaming This ain't Africa! I went to elementary school! This is AMERICA! Why didn't nobody tell me?? She was recognising the profundity of her deprivation, in a whole new light, and it made her crazy.
Eventually, she asked to be institutionalised. The nice men in the white coats came and strait-jacketed this sobbing child, who had just discovered how unimportant her existence really was in the 'greatest country on Earth'. She could be allowed to live for seventeen years, without knowing something so fundamental to reality. Good on her, for being outraged! She was very ill-served, by her great country. Very ill-served indeed.

So, having devoted my life to helping the people the 'greatest country' threw away, I have no stomach for the triumphalist ravings, of the 'patriotic' 'Rah-Rah Americans'.

Lemme tell you something: DISSENT IS PATRIOTIC!

It shows that a person is involved enough, and cares enough about the well-being of his/her country, to fight against the parts of it that are unjust!

I've been told 'love it or leave it' in all seriousness, by bigots, and small-minded fools, who don't understand that the world needs people like me!

It is self-preservation to know which berries are poisonous.

It is gratification to know which berries taste best.

It is denial to claim there are no poisonous berries, and ultimately, it is destructive.

The USA has mastered the toxic combination of claiming that there are no poisonous berries, and making sure those who eat them are as well-hidden as possible. Only the poor, the disenfranchised, the marginal eat those berries.

'See no evil; Hear no evil; Speak no evil' means 'Pretend there is no evil'. It is not a virtue! They're monkeys for heaven's sake!

I have my reasons for having chosen to scout for the poisonous berries, and mark them clearly, or dig them up, or stand there and shout 'don't eat these!' if I could do nothing better. It is a niche, and most people prefer not to go looking for the poisonous berries, and not helping those who've had to try to live on them, because that's all they had to eat!

I don't blame the people who don't do it. I do blame the people who pretend there are no poisonous berries.

Don't give me that 'Shining City on Hill' schtick, because I don't buy it. I know what's in the darker corners, and it's as ugly as any blood-ruby from Myanmar.

When I was in grad school, at the Iliff (that's 'Eye-liff' - after the guy's name) School of Theology, we had a Visiting Professor who had been President of Costa Rica. Sr Carazo was not only a fascinating professor, but also full of practical wisdom. He started his first lecture by saying, 'My country is a third-world country'. He paused. 'Before I came here, I travelled all around your country. I went to the South Bronx. I saw there a fourth-world country. In the richest country in the world... Then I went to rural Mississippi, and that country is part of the fifth-world. In my country, people all have enough to eat. It might be rice and beans, but it is always enough. The poverty you allow in your country is so much worse than the poverty in my country, and the rich people don't know, or don't care! Well, I am here to make sure you know the causes of poverty, so you do something about it!'

Spare me your triumphalist trumpeting about 'American freedoms', because I know, first-hand, that they include the 'freedom' to be seventeen years old, and never have been told that the Earth is round, like a ball.
I know, first-hand, that they include the 'freedom' to hold the biggest, most peaceful March ever, on Washington D.C, until that day (11 Oct, 1987), and be given either no news coverage, or distorted news coverage. It was as if there weren't 850,000 people on the Mall that weekend. The media used the Parks' Department Official number of 22,000. To be fair, the New York Times did run a correction, on page 67, saying their aerial photographs led them to revise their figures to between 700,000 and 900,000. Time, Newsweek, and US News and World Report didn't mention the March. It was a nonevent, because the press made it a nonevent. That's what happened when over three-quarters of a million gay and lesbian, bi and transgendered people, and the folk who loved them, marched completely peacefully on Washington (the Riot Police were giving tourist directions to happy young men in loud shirts and tiaras - it was priceless) and it was a nonevent.
I know, first-hand, what happens when girls are trapped in incestuous households, and the 'freedoms' their fathers have, that they don't have. If anyone is removed from the home, it's the kid!
I know, first-hand, what happens to some women who leave their abusive husbands or boyfriends. If they exercise the freedom to leave, the men exercise the 'freedom' to shoot them - and then themselves. I've lost four (probably more, that I don't know about) friends, that way.

Spare me your platitudes about how the 'Eye-rackees' hate us for our 'freedoms'. Shut up about about the place of women in Islam - that varies so much from country to country (the Kurds are matriarchal Muslims - which explains why everyone is trying to kill them off!) You don't see the hatred and the sexism, the racism and the complete disregard for suffering poor people in the United States, because it's just how it is. Everybody thinks racism is so much better! Yeah. Better. There are no lunch counters to de-segregate. That doesn't mean there are not people who just can't bring themselves to vote for a black man.

If you missed that subtext, in McBush/Palin's 'folks like you' show, I'm here to tell you, I didn't. There's a code. It's not very subtle. No, they don't say 'He's not one of us' (though this 'palling around with terrorists' is an unbelievable outrage!) All they have to keep repeating is 'We are regular folks'. 'We are like you'. It plays, all right, to the people who'd never admit, aloud, that they are racist... but who are racist, and just can't vote for a black man.

Why do you think the lie about Barack Obama being Muslim is still circulating? It's easier to pretend to the world that he's Muslim, than admit to yourself that you're racist.

That is why, to the rest of the world, and to critical-thinkers in the USA, When the USA moralises, it is offensive.

The concept of 'spreading "Democracy"' by means of violence... makes no kind of sense at any level of analysis!

Historically, it has failed every time. It's a demented sort of Crusade: teach the Infidel to vote, or kill him/her!

John McCain believes in that, with all his heart. He truly believes the 'democratisation' of the world can happen at rifle-point. He's a Cold War baby, steeped in the militaristic, triumphalistic 'USA is to lead the world out of darkness' (by whatever means necessary) definition of 'patriotism'. He grew up during the worst of the Cold War, the excesses of the Manhattan Project, the McCarthyite Era - is that a Commie in your sock drawer? - and fought in the worst managed, least thought-out, least justified, most socially divisive 'conflict' (Korea was a 'Police Action'. I don't think they bothered to even call the War in Viet Nam by a euphemism, but it was an undeclared, unconstitutional war... sorta like Iraq...) in US history!

By way of contrast, Barack Obama could be the first Post-Cold-War President. Sure, he was alive during the Cold War, but by the time the mid-60s had come along, people were
already starting to fear 'Mutually Assured Destruction', and question the wisdom of such a way of life. He probably didn't put his head under his desk, during Nuke Drills, because word had got out, that having your head under your desk wouldn't help.

I like the idea of a Post-Cold-War US President. I think Europe would like this idea. I think Russia would like this idea.

John McCain is jihadi about 'spreading democracy'. Make converts. He doesn't question his definition of 'democracy'... It's self-evident, right?

No, actually. The United States was never intended to be a 'democracy'. It was designed as a 'federated republic'. It's a bit hard to get mobs to chant for 'federated republics', however. He doesn't question the idea that everyone in the world would prefer 'freedom'.

He doesn't question whether there is freedom, and whether it is the right freedom, in the USA. He is a military man of small intellect and smaller learning, who learnt young, never to question.

Sarah Palin has the intellect of a shrubbery. (Monty Python reference, for those who get it.) She is, however, a 'jihadi' Christian.

The reason Islam is a thorn in the side of so many so-called 'Christians', is that Islam has a mandate to make converts, and so does Christianity. Judaism accepts converts, but does not go out and proselytise.

I have a very good book, called Pluralism, Proselytism, and Politeness, from my days as a non-Christian in seminary.

The collision of Christianity and Islam is inevitable, because:
a) They're amazingly similar, being based on the same texts and all;
b) Islam acknowledges Jesus of Nazareth as the next most important Prophet, but not the Messiah and none of this confusing him with God, please, that is so blasphemous!
c) Christianity (particularly US-protestantism of the nuttier flavours of vanilla) believes Jesus was definitely the Messiah and also God's Son, and also God - there's a complicated bit about an 'iota' which caused the Eastern Orthodox Churches to separate from the Roman Catholic Church, at the Council of Nicaea, in 400 c.e., after which the Western World largely forgot about them, except to sack Byzantium and convert those Eastern Orthodox Christians to Roman Catholic Christianity - anyhow, this nonsense about someone more important than Jesus is so blasphemous!
d) The froot-loopiest Christians interpret the least reliable text in the Christian Scripture, the Book of Revelation (read it in the Greek - it's bizarre), as saying that the Israelites must return to the Holy Land, before Jesus will come back and take all the saved Christians away with him.

I wonder what Jesus would think, if he turned up inside the walled off section of Palestine, called the West Bank... Anyway it means that those Christians who consider themselves 'saved' (which, by my understanding, automatically proves they aren't) are militant Zionists... like the world needs more of those... (I don't like Zionism. I have no trouble with Judaism. I do not confuse the two. I wish fewer Jewish people would confuse them).

Bottom line: Sarah Palin is just anti-Islam and she wouldn't care what kind of Islam, or where it might be. It competes for converts with her belief system. (If I had a dollar for every good Christian who squirmed because they were certain I would burn in Hell, and they liked me, and didn't want me to suffer Eternal torment - in which I don't believe - so they wanted to convert me... I'd be less poor. Seminary was a hoot!)

Of course, 'believers' don't question the principles or foundations, or ulterior motives, or any part of their beliefs. Isn't that convenient?

In the USA, free-market capitalism has become a religion that it is wrong to question.

Likewise, patriotism of the 'Rah-rah USA! USA!' 'pretend there is no evil' type has become a religion, to the point where I was a victim of hate-crime, for exercising my 'freedom' to speak, in dissent against an unjust State Amendment! (Subsequently overturned by the US Supreme Court). Anyone in Colorado at that time, sporting a 'Vote NO on Amendment 2' pin, was at risk of hearing 'Go back to Russia!' and other stupidities. CO was dubbed 'The Hate State', and the rednecks went out and bought bumper-stickers saying 'Proud to Live in the Hate State'.

I don't know about you all (assuming anyone read this far), but I find 'leaders' who don't question the meanings of concepts like 'Democracy', 'freedom', 'patriotism', 'justice', frightening. These are the foundational principles the USA supposedly represents. We sure hear it enough! I want to believe that a professor of constitutional law has actually given the subjects some thought.

I know neither John McCain nor Sarah Palin has done. That makes them unfit for purpose.

Ms Uma Devidatta, MAR
Social Justice Activist, Psychotherapist, Writer, Critical Thinker, who loves the people of the USA, and the land... and wishes them better leaders, because George Bush has done the USA (and the world) more harm than most people will know, for another thirty years.

I think Uma, this is where you have lost me.

Perhaps Australian Blogs are not so backward as I thought.

Perhaps CNN should moniter blogs not to exceed maybe 500 words as to not 'overwhelm' us with a particular point of view!.

Hey Uma, (and Cherrie Curran too), you talk too much like OBAMA. You really know how to spread the lies and negativity that your candidate espouses. If I were you guys, i'd skip the rhetoric and instead urge Obama to be fair instead of undermining a man like McCain who has sacrifice so much of himself, so we may enjoy this freedom we all value, but you oh soo abuse by talking ill.
If there is anyone WHO WILL BE MORE OF THE SAME, IT'S OBAMA!!!! Like Bush, Obama hardly has the qualification to be president. Save for neat looks, his eloquence and his ease when reading through the teleprompter, OBAMA IS A SHALLOW MAN WITH NO RECORD TO SPEAK OF. Like Bush who relied heavily on Cheney, Obama will turn over the reigns to Biden and his string of advisers, once he's president. Come November, my choice for President will depend on who will give me a restful sleep at night, knowing The Man on Top is The Man in Charge whether its the economy, or some domestic or international matter that is on the table. And so i pick McCain for President. I hope many would do so for America's sake.

@ Cherie Curran in Australia

:-) Hiya! Thank you for the response.

Isn't it interesting, how we learn things about ourselves? That's one reason I participate in this sort of forum.

I hope I didn't give offence, regarding Christianity. I have no problem with religion (I oughtn't to do, with a BA in religious studies, and a Master of Arts in Religion!) per se. I don't have problems with any specific religion. I have HUGE problems with religious hypocrisy, and religious extremists. I have been on the wrong end of religious intolerance, for most of my life. It seems to me, that the true meaning of most world religions, is UNDERSTANDING, and KINDNESS, and LISTENING, and DECENCY.

It's the extremist nutjobs who worry me. Sadly, the USA has rather more than its share!

Intellect, and conjecture, animate a face in such a way that it can NEVER be plain. Vacuousness, and rote-memorisation, show through the most 'agreeable' of features. I do not find Sarah Palin remotely pretty! I see artifice and empty-headedness, and those things have no inherent beauty. Perhaps some men might be taken in by her looks... for a while.

The most beautiful women I have known, have all been deeply thoughtful, complex, and thoroughly INTERESTING. It takes being curious, to be interesting. Sarah Palin strikes me as incurious to the point of apathy.

Total lack of interest in the world around one is a phenomenon I cannot fathom AT ALL. I'm interested in EVERYTHING (except golf - I must admit, I am absolutely not interested in golf at all), and always have been! I did two majors at uni, because I couldn't decide, (sociology, religious studies), then I moved across the country and enrolled in a SEMINARY, of all things - where I did an interdisciplinary degree in social justice and psychology. I've taught myself a considerable amount of epidemiology and public-health...

LIFE is interesting! The only people who are 'plain' are those who have no inner-light, shining out, searching for... whatever it is that they are searching for.

Is it any surprise that I condemn those whose certainty prevents them from questioning anything? I find THAT 'ugly', not only to look at, but on a moral level.

You said many very wise things, mate. :-) May your God smile upon you.

Your friend (if you can be friends with an overly-intense, iconoclastic, insomniac, radical, 'socialist', feminist, lesbian woman who has one asset: BRAINS, and many liabilities... LOL)

Cheeri-o!

Uma

@ Sello Molefe

I woke up at three in the morning central african time and watched the Vice presidential debate I must say Sarah Palin was evaisive when it came to questions that she was asked however to top it off Wolf Blitzer ,Anderson Cooper and the studio analyst were not forth right in acknowledging that.

I THINK they were trying to be as impartial as possible. I don't think they really did their jobs, either. I would prefer to hear more declaratives from them, too. That is the job of the analysts - the guests who shout over one another. Paul Begala is a good 'un.

Journalists need to walk a fine line, between showing no personal bias, and not reporting facts which might be taken as personal bias.

In the States, and here in the UK, and perhaps where you are - there is Fox/Sky Network. They don't hesitate to be overt apologists for the extreme right-wing. (Owned by Rupert Murdoch - no surprise there).

I'd MUCH rather the news reporters were a bit wishy-washy, than overtly biased. They can have commentators on, to be biased!

I STAYED up until something like 0500 - I've turned into a nocturnal animal with all this news from the States. Good to know people are watching in Africa.

Sala'am, Shalom, Shanti, Peace.

Uma

@JT

just wanted to point out one small flaw with how palin kept saying that john McCain knows how to win a war. Yes – he is a great war hero – but to put it into perspective please remember that HE WAS CAPTURED. That makes me think he may not be the best person to be planning offensive tactics or that he knows how to ‘win’.

I've said this again and again: being a POW does not make anyone qualified to hold political office.

No disrespect for POWs, but I don't think John McCain was any more of a 'hero' than any other POW, at the Hanoi Hilton, at that time.

I may be picking nits, but I think it takes running INTO a burning building, to rate as a 'hero'. Of course, I did grow up in NYC, and my 'heroes' are the brave members of the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority of NY and NJ, MTA, and other rescue-workers who came in to help, after 9-11. They died, saving lives.

Whom did John McCain save?

Sorry if that sounds cold, but it is how I feel.

Uma, your time is up, go toot your horn someplace else. You have brought nothing to the discussion except hate and negativity.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

@ Steve in Iraq

I assume you are a US serviceman.

'Hate and negativity'? In one or two posts, friend, when I was attacked. Otherwise, I am specific about what sorts of things I hate. I don't think telling the truth about poverty in the USA is 'spreading negativity'. If you do, that's for you to think about.

'Toot my horn'? I'm not in this for personal glory! I'm not talking about me, except to the extent that it's my experience which has shaped my world-view. I was explaining how I came to the conclusions I did!

I don't waste my, let alone anyone else's time, in public fora, 'tooting my horn'.

@ Kathy

The debates will tell. I have told no 'lies'. I have spoken the truth. If it's uncomfortable, perhaps you should ask yourself why.

As for 'talking too much like Obama', why thank you! :-) He is an extraordinarily well-educated, superb master of effective use of language. High praise indeed.

Actually, I'm so far left of Obama that I question his policies, too. I just don't question which of the two choices would be the better President, for the US, the world, and the future. I know.

You know what you know, and I know what I do. I have spelt out, precisely how I arrived at the opinions I hold. Could you do that? I would be interested to know. Really.

@ Cherie Curran in Australia

Many blogs do monitor length. Perhaps this one should do. I'm not the only person who has said a lot, here, and at length. I did warn people at the beginning of the post, and nobody has to read anything I write.

Sorry you got tarred with the same brush as me! :-( If people are going to criticise, it would be nice if they didn't lump different people together. I am flattered by both the comparison and the company, but if you're not, I don't blame you.

It's nothing really - just the most important Presidential Election since Kennedy beat Nixon. I can't imagine why anyone would be impassioned about it.

:-( Sorry to have bored you with my 'hate and negativity', and 'talking like Obama' (I WISH).

Have a nice Election. May the world not get the government the American right so richly deserve!

Ms Uma D Devidatta, MAR
Liverpool, UK

Pat: "For the American in Toyko, I am an American who has been working and living overseas as a member of the Armed Forces. Do not include me in a general statement such as “any American”. I have met and worked with numerous foreign military and government leaders and the one thing I always notice and my people always receive is respect, for us and for our country"

Pat, you seem to confuse "respect" with "fear" which is not surprising, given the fact that you are a member of the "Armed Force", and of the "military" . These terms make me tremble with fear.

To Kathy, if this was a 'Courtroom' and I was a 'Judge', I would hold you in 'contempt'.

Excuse me! To quote you: "Hey Uma, (and Cherrie Curran too), you talk too much like OBAMA. You really know how to spread the lies and negativity that your candidate espouses".

I would like you to elaborate on your statement if you would please and point out what lies I have said? Also what evidence do you have, that I have a particular 'candidate' at all. Jesus help us!

To brandish me to the Obama camp, when I have 'never' heard him speak nor have ever used his name, shows just how ill-informed, you are. Anyone who has read what I have said, with any amount of intellect, would somehow surmise that I am in complete disagreement with the Republican's Presidential Candidate, for his choice, of his Vice-Presidential Candidate.

In this technological age, we are all being drawn closer together, the World is no longer a conglomeration of separate entities and I am concerned about every 'footprint', that every 'Prime Minister or President' makes on this Earth.

As I have already warned our former Prime Minister, John Howard, we could be facing environmental changes of almost 'apocalyptic' proportions or a Third World War, that could possibly, wipe us all off the face of the Earth.

Current day Leaders of most Countries are having difficulties, not only economically and environmentally but also, in maintaining Law and Order. So, would it not be pertinent, for anyone to raise the question of suitability, when endorsing or seeking out a candidate as a 'WORLD LEADER"....... I would hope so....... So try to listen quietly and consider me a 'friend and an ally' for I have only our best interests at heart.

I am ABOVE, hockey sticks, pit bulls, six packs and lipsticks. I prefer my God given lips, to those painted like 'prostitutes or jezebels'. It is all a matter of preference.

I do not give a damn about trivialities:

"I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE 'PRESERVATION OF THE HUMAN RACE".

Unfortunately, the United States of America, does not have the 'luxury', of conducting an exclusively, private, Presidential Election, devoid of 'global' and 'international' gaze.

I merely heard on my Australia television, Sarah Palin throwing out a supposedly 'Christian' viewpoint, I objected and I reiterate, I have absolutely no confidence, in her candidacy for the Vice-Presidential appointment, to the White House.

I have not even heard Obama speak yet but when I do, I will be the first one to let you know.

May I now turn all your attentions to, a prayer I wrote and posted for our Anglican Archbishop as follows:

Let us pray for those, who live in the Darkness, that they shall see Light.

Let us pray for those, who know not the Power of God, that they shall know God.

Let us pray for the World, as we explore uncharted Territories, that we shall find Salvation.

God Bless.

To Uma, thank you for your friendship, I WILL get through your posts.

I am not 'gay', I am celibate, I belong to God, I have responded to no 'man, woman or child' nor am I into 'bestiality or the like'.

God Bless.

I have this day, watched Barack Obama and John McCain debate the American issues and it was a pleasure to watch.

Both men were respectful to each other and the audience. I am afraid, Sarah Palin is a public disgrace and devoid of respect, period.

You have really expired my compassion for her, at this stage.

It has been brought to my attention that there may be offence taken by my use of the words 'Yanks' , I wish to amend that to 'Americans'.

No offence intended, nor implications meant. I know little of American History, to draw sides at this stage. I guess I have heard it in movies so much, I have grown up with it. But however, the 'slang' term seems to run much deeper than that of 'aussies' to us here in Australia.

God Bless.