Jonathan – I still wouldn't write her off, she has done well considering she is not that much experienced in the field of debating.

I think it has shifted just a bit farther for Barack. McCain may have gained a bit, but ultimately, I don't think it's enough to make a difference. Biden is so much stronger than Palin. She's good at spinning at rhetoric, but Biden is the real deal. Her 'outsider' platform is coming across as inexperience, and we all know that she has no business being in this position. It's a win for Obama/Biden. Perhaps not a slam dunk, but a win.

Palin ran out of her "boot camp" prep stats in the first thirty minutes. After that, she rambled. Just as expected.

Biden came across as a well informed fatherly figure tonight.

I think Palin has been better than expected, but the bar was low. She comes across as shallow compared to Biden.

I came to this debate as a strong Obama supporter, and was expecting Palin to be much less articulate than she has been. I still feel that Joe Biden has made more cogent arguments. He has been unusually succinct. I thought this was a good performance for both – but Biden came out on top.

its a win for Obama/Biden. Palin used a lot of random and not a lot of knowledge

Two distinct debate-styles are emerging; one based on many years of political experience and the other reinforced by considerable coaching and sound-bytes. Objectively, Biden comes out ahead for speaking more directly to the issues, for the confidence of experience and a greater understanding of the facts, regardless of the subject. It would seem the Gov. Pallin is relying heavily on sound-bytes, on repeating the language of "freedom", "democracy" "evil and evil-doers", "tolerance" and again, "freedom". It become more transparent as the debate progresses and is reflected in the response by the male/female response-bar across the United States. I am immediately encouraged by Biden. It boils down to which one comes across as more authentic. Joe Biden wins in all respects.

I was impressed by Palin. She was much more sincere and Biden used unsubstantiated "facts". I am changing my vote to support the Palin-McCain ticket. She did a pretty good job. Biden was too slippery !

I am a supporter of Barack Obama, and this debate has increased my belief and support in Joe Biden. He's been smart and concise. The fact is he does have more experience than Palin. She keeps referring to Alaska. I think Biden is right, McCain-Palin is the ultimate brigde to nowhere.

On one hand, I’m surprised by the competence of both candidates to answer difficult questions as gay marriage and Iraq. However, I don’t believe Palin was able to reverse the democrat’s momentum. So, even if we call it even, Biden made his homework.

Hey ! I liked the Palin spunk ! I think she would be great for our country.

She has done her best. Notch one up for Debate Camp. Has she learnt what her job is al about? NO! She said it. 5 weeks!!

she can remember a script pretty well.

Oh my god... I really want to hear Senator McCain say: "I searched throughout the nation and Sarah Palin is the most qualified, smartest, best-informed Republican I could find".

I don't think Palin said anything good.
What she did do though is make them like her. The people who do not understand the facts will go -"she understands me"
This is so dangerous.
She talks a big grand story.
Though she has NO SUBSTANCE.
How must did she practice that last line?

I live on a tiny island in the Caribbean and I have watched the debate live. Sarah Palin appears to be poised and composed but I found the debate totally boring because It was so rehearsed .

Although she may be a good/great politician SOME day. That day is NOT today and not Nov 4th either.

Lee

I honestly think Palin is out of her depth.... She was caught out way too many times

Golly, I think it a big WIN for Palin. Good job Sarah !!!!

I was not going to vote. I will be voting for Obama. Sara Palin has no business being in that post. As an American, I cannot let my vote go in vain. I will vote, I feel that vote will be well served. Mcain has simply made a blunder, I feel that this was done for politics alone. This was not done for the sake of country or based on qualifications. It was done to gain female votes. I am not sure if he would succed in that.

First off, I am an Obama/Biden supporter! Palin is doing a lot better than I personally thought that she would ever do. Saying that, I still do not think that she is doing a good job at the debate. She is very nervous and it shows in her speech and the way she continues to change the subject every time that she is given a question without answering the question given. Biden has obvious experience and it shows. I think that this is a clear win for Biden.

Yes, my opinion that we may just have moved forward from the small, blaming the other guy, politics of usual has changed.
Nothing new with these two. They seem to be told what may play well with the audience and not what they truly think.
At least that's what it sounded like before I could not listen anymore.

As a mother Palin needs to stop using her children as "I Can Do I". I must say in her defense that she speak well, but said nothing. She's not educated enough to represent us. We need to regain our respect as a country. Biden showed even though he is a "live wire" he can show he has a heart. And why were all those kids there when she has to go handle things business are they there?

Biden is the man ! we need the change ! Obama we need you !

She did much better than I expected. I never have appreciated him and actually didn't care for him at all. Tonight I believe we saw the best candidate for President in Joe Biden. How Obama won over him and even Sen. Clinton is a mystery to me.

He is smart, no doubt, he is experienced, and I now believe he does mean what he says and that he does want to help the American people. As a life long Republican, I still can't vote for Sen. Biden because I would have to vote for that empty suit, Obama. JMO

Seems to me that Palin kept sidestepping the questions. The bar was on the ground though, and she did hop over it.

I was impressed with Palin. No major gaffes that I could see... Biden was more effective, but Palin did what she needed to do – to gain crediblity... was she fantastic? No. Was she satisfactory Yes. Was that enough for McCain/Palin to get a boost? WE SHALL SEE!!!

The debate was interesting. Sarah Palin said that the economic mess has been caused by " toxic on main street now affecting Wall street" I think its the other way round. Is that what she believes or a speaking error?

Every comment by Palin sounded like she was reading from a script.... she just rambled on and on....also.....also....how many times does she say "also"...

You could tell she was rehearsed

Rehearsed answers = experience?!?! since when?!?!

YEP, it's confirmed... SHE'S A COMPLETE IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..................
she hasn't given ONE straight answer yet, and in fact she boasts that she will answer the questions just the way she wants to, HAH!!!!!!... however she's quite good at memorizing a cliche-filled pile of BS... the moderator Gwen Ifill is totallyyyy over her in the first 5 minutes... hehehe....

OHMIGODDDDDDD, she is not even respecting the debate format AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!... Gwen Ifill is about to KICK HER ASS!!!!.... this is really way too ridiculous to believe...................

AND(!!!) she says "NU-CU-LER" just like W!!!!!!!!! Arrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...............

I think if you take the long debate you find hundreds of gaffs of Palin. And they will be enlarged by the media. She really did much worse than even I expected.

I was just floored by Biden's performance and Palin's underperformance. I've been a life-long Republican but have really disliked the Bush administration over the last few years so I was on the fence before this debate. However my decision is now cemented to vote for Obama and Biden. I knew a lot about both Obama and McCain and was leaning to Obama anyway, but hearing from Biden made my decision clear.

SARAH PALIN was the best. She is the best. She will be the best. Within weeks of coming to frontline, she has gained such confidence. She will make the best vice president, and the best president.

See how she has power and how she had develloped!

Within weeks. With all her responsibilities–family, etc etc. Wonderful woman.

no surprise at all Biden showed he is a true leader and Palin showed she is simply as myself in this situation way above my pay grade

Content! Content! Content! Palin was satisfactory... there is ONE MAJOR PLUS for Palin... that is she does have EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE. This is worth a lot. This experience and the responsibility for managing a budget is key!

Palin's only strategy was, lie big, lie often, get all the talking points in whether relevant to the topic or not, and look cute. Anyone who could be swayed by that is intellectually lazy and socially irresponsible.

Biden did as well as one could expect. He is really strong overall and very hard to move in a debate.

Palin didn't annoy me quite as much as usual, but still rambles out of context and changes subjects without obvious reasons. She consistantly repeats the same boring one-liners throughout the debate. She makes a weak impression, nothing more, nothing less. And for gods sake! Can't that woman learn how to pronounce nuclear?!

Who cares about VP.... its about Obama & Mac.
I think this is going to be another even one
any way if i had the privilage of voting in this election( which i dont have, I am a Sri Lankan) I LL go for Obama...bcos we would need dynamic, young, open to change kind of leader in USA to make the world a better place to live.. un like last 8 years

Did Palin debate or did she just set her own agenda and change the topic as and when she pleased? A strategy to perhaps throw off the actual debate, as a misdirection to hide her inexperience and lack of knowledge and specifics. But hey, let's throw in the hockey mom and wife card everytime we get a chance shall we? Let's throw in 'change' when it suits us shall we? Let's throw in Ahmedinajad and Kim Jong Il just to pretend we know what on earth we're talking about when it comes to foreign affairs. Let's face it...we don't. We haven't got anything to say so doggone it, all you six-pack Joes, let's just not answer the questions when we're asked them. We'll answer them when we want to...

Horrendous. Biden wasted his time debating with a hockey mom.

Overall it was pretty a boring debate with Sara rambling of her rehearsed stories, not answering the questions multiple times. Couldn't keep me interested, went back to websurfing.

Biden was by no means perfect, but he made it very clear that he understands foreign policy and the real substantive issues that face the US. Palin was far better than most people would have expected her to be, although the bar was low. However, she talked alot and quite quickly, without saying anything remotely meaningful or useful. She certainly won on style but if it's substance you want (and in all honestly that's the only thing that matters in this of all election years) the Biden was dominant.

I watched the debate half way around the world and am struck by the fact that a Vice Presidential debate could well have been a debate for Pepsi vs. Coke. ..... canned responses, nothing surprising.... what are the people voting for??

What are the tangible things that any of them will do to allieviate the current economic and political situation?

I am not a US voter, but I will certainly not like to have a situation where the nuclear switch and the seat of the most powerful person in the world could, by default, go to a former beauty queen who admits that she has no experience in "the ways of washington"

Sarah Palin didn't answer the questions.

Everything Palin said sounded completely scripted, while Biden was actually talking to us.

Two strategies: Biden's was to attack McCain... he did it well... Palin's was to posiiton herself... she did it well!

The clear winner of tonight's debate? Tina Fey. She has enough new material for the entire season......

Typical politics really...

She was clearly better prepared than for the Couric interview! :P rehearsed a lot of stuff (even managed to say Ahmedinejad properly!!)
She was trying to charm viewers,,, and given the average American IQ is very low (sorry... but it's true...) she just might have managed... (btw.., she's got MILF written all over her! :P)

In terms of substance... again... the republicans have NILCH! even the better ideas they do have,, are copied/modified from the democrats...

and Biden surprised me. very wise, very well spoken (although he seemed a bit nervous in the beginning).

I'd call it for Biden, narrowly, but in all honesty it doesn't matter one bit.
she survived it without any major F*** ups... and that was the important bit...

tomorrow no one will be talking about this with whats going on in the House of Reps...

all in all,,, Im never staying up till 4AM to watch this BULL****

All the best from the UK,

Arthur

if someone can succinctly point out the questions she answered then I might consider the choice of McCain/Palin, but she didn't answer a damn thing.

Hands down to Biden. Palin stayed in her comfort zone.

Palin is a good beauty queen. Well rounded, superficially humble, a good student, talented, if this were a pageant, she may have won. She has charisma but not substance...like a little girl.

She can't manage beyond her household budget. She lacks EDUCATION!!!

The "setting the bar low" tactic has obviously worked for some. Filter that out, and Palin didn't do that well: she came across as speaking from a script rather than from conviction or genuine knowledge. I do not, for example, know how she can claim to be an energy expert simply on the basis of managing a state that has gas and oil. She seemed to be very unclear on the fact that there are actually other sources of energy out there, and that they need to be explored to achieve independence from imported energy. Biden's delivery could have been better at times but he clearly knows what he is talking about.

Agree Andy... not a game changer debate... but Palin had to prove that she has at least satisfactory credibility... No one expected more of her! Palin/McCain are back in the game, but they still will probably not win!

Palin was evasive and did not answer a single question without repeating some pre rehearsed script. Her style was simply covering up her lack of knowledge. Anyone who believes Palin did better than Biden watched a different debate.

Gov. Sarah Palin hit a home run in our household. For once a politician that bothered to talk to the people. Strong! Love her.

Anna, it is unfair to say that she lacks education. Why do you say that? She is governor of Alaska. She must have at least some education!!!!!!

Talibani?????

I must admit that Palin looked more confident then ever before. But was I the only one to notice she kept on repeating the same things over and over again?
John is a maverick, I'm a maverick, America is a land of mavericks. She really just sounded like a broken record. And what is with answering a question with "I'm gonna make this fast, I don't agree" and then going on to something different.

She also failed to answer whats the difference between McCain and Bush? She just said John is a maverick(or something of the sort).
She also had a strong heart to make America energy sufficient and the way to do that is to drill in Alaska jiiihaa. So, she is going to take America from 3 % of the oil used coming from America to 100 % by drilling in Alaska? Is anyone believing that? She also didn't answer Biden when he talked about the ten years that would take, what about till then?

But Biden was kinda stiff and should have looked more into the camera. But I gotta say if you take away what some people have been calling "X" factor of Palin, she really didn't make much sense.

I am watching the debate here in Ireland, at 4 am in the morning. And let me tell you Sarah Palin is the biggest hockey mom that will bring America and its peoples reputation to a mere bunch of jokers. For the world Americans must realise how important Obama is to the world.

It seems as if Palin's goal was simply not to mess up. After a while it seemed clear that she was repeating the same statements over and over superficially, as if she had spent hours rehearsing in front of the mirror. She didn't mess up much, but she seemed fake, as if if she had been pumped with catch phrases by her advisors. On the other hand I expected Biden to capitalize on statements regarding Palin's inexperience, but quickly found his tolerant, "stick to the issue" approach much more sympathetic, and mature. Palin was looking for him to lose it, but he kept his poise. Aside from Biden's stances, I respect him for the type of person he is. I am now definitely leaning Obama/Biden.

I was surprised by the "talk directly to you" feel from Palin. She spoke to the heartland of America and I think she sold a few people. We all know about Biden and his past with such a long political history. I can see Palin being a reserve VP while I cannot see that in Biden, so its still a toss up for me.

Joe Biden was to the point. Sarah Palin not, but this time behaved correctly.

I watched the debate prepared not to like Sarah Palin after her disastrous previous appearances on TV and all the lambasting by media. However she came across as much more intelligent and likable than imagined.

In considering the debate people outside the USA should remember the poor knowledge that most Americans have about the world , and in fact about other States within the USA . People who are so insular are incapable of understanding an intellectual debate and must be provided with basic comment . They are then able to respond with a blog commenting about the physical aspect of the debater rather than the content of the information provided.

I have changed my mind. I have always voted Democrate,till now!!! I will vote for sure McCain/Palin!!!! She won this hands down!!There was no car wreck here with either one of them,however. Biden struggled with how to go after her. If he can't handle her, how can he handle the world...Gezz people wake up!

Biden couldn't even talk about his policies now..He kept talking about the past..Alot about the past..What are you going to do for our future....Oh I know keep pointing the finger and not take any blame. Plus Obama, he doesn't have a clue..He is another finger pointer and does nothing about it..People wake up we need change, and it is NOT OBAMA!

Biden demonstrated that he is much more preparated not only for the debate, but also for the next America's goverment. Palin, fight fight fight... NO MORE FIGHT PLEASE!!!

At the end of the day, it was a good debate. Biden deeply engrossed in the issues... Palin parroting what other people believe...

But guys/gals... did you see the split between men and women on CNN's audience poll tracker?

Men prefer Palin vs. women....overall.

Palin's success was that she didn't embarrass herself.

But Biden was superior even every aspect.

Palin seemed too scripted, as if she had memorized something from the back of a cornflakes box.

Biden was speaking from the brain and the heart. He would make an awesome VP.

VICTORY FOR BIDEN . . . but Palin did better than expected.

I am very surprised because CNN International is NOT showing the debate live. It showed the debate last Friday live. What is up? We saw back to back episodes of, God Forbid, Nancy Grace which we never see on CNN International. This is a disgrace.

I was surprised that Palin didn't implode. Credit to her for that.

I am not surprised that Biden was clearly the better, more articulate and more on-topic debater.

I will not be surprised when Palin shoots up in the polls as a result of this debate on the back of her capably-read material. But is America voting for speechwriters or candidates with real thought and position on forming policy?

Let's face it–it's extremely unlikely that anyone commenting here is really going to be changing their vote on the basis of what we saw in this debate. Palin came out well, but only in comparison to the "pathetic" (© Cafferty) performance she's given in her previous interviews, so the bar was unimaginably low for a person running for national office. Balin moderated his responses extremely well and gave the only real substantive answers TO THE MODERATOR. Palin came prepared to give canned sound bytes, and she admitted as much, saying she wasn't going to be limited by the moderator's questions. So much for "debate"; I really liked the fact-checking groups on most news organization sites that could give real-time checking of the statements of the debaters. Both sides exaggerated on occasion, but I think Biden won on points; Palin is trying just to survive on her populist image and repetition of "maverick, maverick, maverick . . ."

First of all, I am an objective observer who cannot vote in this exciting election (unfortunately). But I saw the debate, and I can say with certainty that Biden completely crushed Palin, who came across as less eloquent, less prepared, and much less knowledgeable. Palin's stumbling, question-dodging, and uncomfortable smiling at least show that she recognises her poor performance in the debate. Biden came across as the more effective and experienced candidate overall.

I think the only good thing about Palin is her lenses and her make-up.!! she lacked substance and kept hitting on subjects out of context.

I was undecided on who to vote for, given that there are some issues on which I would agree with Obama, and others, with McCain. However, tonight I listened carefully to the substance of the VP candidates' answers, searching for a knowledgeable and qualified person to support, and influence, the next administration.

Based on this, I'm convinced the Obama-Biden ticket is better suited to deal with the issues, brings good policies for change to the table and will truly bring about positive change.

In my opinion, biden's answers were more concise than palin's. Gov. Palin's answers were more like being in a roller coster ride. I did not see any clear cut response to any of the quesion she was asked.

Typo alert: "Balin moderated . . ."
Make that "BIDEN moderated . . ."

I live in Singapore and I shudder at the thought that someone like Palin could potentially be the influential Vice President of the greatest nation on earth. Biden talked policy, provided solutions. Palin looked smooth, coached, smiled a lot and just gave soundbytes. No country is ever going to governed by soundbytes.

Doing a Palin – answering every question with the same answer! You never know you might get 1 question right!

I have been a supporter of Obama, and half-expected to Palin to be completely out of her league, but she did okay. But I simply could not escape the feeling that she really was simply spitting out what has been implanted in her in the last five weeks

Chalk one up for the LADIES!! Go Sarah. Governor Palin did a great job, is one smart woman, and didn’t loose sight of what her job was tonight. She did not back down. It is time for a change and Obama is not what this country needs. Joe Biden is a brilliant man, but he keeps looking at the past. Sarah said it, we need to look forward and learn from the mistakes

I used to be a McCain supporter, but after watching Palin the last few weeks, and especially tonight, I am going to vote for Obama. Palin is not ready to lead our country, especially in these difficult times.

I was not surprised to see Gov Palin's inability to answer the questions that were presented to her. When she did answer anything, I did not like how she sugar coated them with facts about her family and how she "comes from a middle class family." We got the point. Don't stress it!
All her responses were aimed at pointing fingers and shifting from the real questions to talk about other topics unrelated to the original question. Sure, Biden also pointed fingers, but at least Biden offered fresh ideas about the future to come.

Ultimately, Joe Biden did a great job answering the questions with substance and experience. Palin just vaguely responded to things.

I cannot see how this debate can change someone's vote, nonetheless it should better inform you once the date comes.

Sorry its hard to forget the interviews by Palin in the last week or so, and obviously was coached with prepared answers. This didn't make her more credible, just demonstrated that she is trainable.

Yes, Palin said she respected womens' rights – no one called her on it.

It's hard to believe that Jonh McCain made such a poor source as VP. She was mayor of a small town of 9,000 and governor of a small state for less than two years. She is a person of no substance. It would be a threat to the stability of the world for her to be President, and with McCain's age and declining health, she might just have to take the job before the term is out. I will vote against her.

Why does CNN continue to insult us.

Don’t they believe we can think for ourselves?

Just read the news

we can decide

I was actually quite annoyed that palin got away with mumblings about how she did vaguely described tasks as governor of Alaska in response Gwen's questions about her past experiences. I would expect the second in line for presidency to know their homework, and 8 years of having a president who didn't know his homework should have taught us a lesson by now, you'd think.

The lack of depth in her answers made it seem that she was making it up on the fly just for the sake of trying to prove her credentials, which pale in comparison to that of Biden.

Biden came across as genuine, co-incise, and professional, while Palin came across as clueless and shallow.

A win for Biden
she is prety but could not give a descent answer to hardly one question.
BIDEN WINS DEBATE

I have to say that Joe won this debate. While Palin was talking all I could think of she looks l just like the former sportcaster that she was. She never stated anything of substance. All I heard was more of the same, and there were times where I could tell she was struggling to remember her" script". So much for straight talk directly to the American people.

Obama was criticised for lack of experience so he chose Biden. McCain lacked appeal to younger generations so he chose Palin. If McCain had chosen one of the 'safer' options of older, white men the Democrats would be spending all their time criticising the Republicans for not providing a better representation of the American electorate. I suppose both sides will be relieved that tonight is over and neither VP has bombed.

At the end of the day, neither option is ideal. Both tickets include one inexperienced person and one entrenched older timer...

Palin did not screw up. But she comes off as being too 'cute', too folksy and not presidential.

Frankly, I did not know Biden very well and I was impressed with his performance and knowledge. While Biden stumbled more often than I would have liked, I am much more comfortable imagining Biden as president than Palin.

GOvernor Palin performed well and was able to engage viewers with more ease than was Senator Biden. Whilst the Govenor was personable, the reality is that Jo Biden was able to draw on his deep well of experience and argue with many more facts than Palin. Her strong performance and charm hid the reality that the content of her answers were shallow. On the other hand Biden's lack of charisma may have underminded his natural command of the facts. At the end of the debate, I was left feeling that I would far rather prefer the experince of Jo Biden in the White House than an soccor mum with five weeks expereince!

To Jeffrey Yeo ,I note your ex Opposition Leader has just died , having been persecuted by an unrepresentative government . Care to comment on that.

Obama has claimed "Change" as a campaign flag for over a year, and the only thing that came out for sure tonight is that Biden is no Change at all... The same old way of debating, the same old way of changing prioritys from one time to the other.. He mentioned more than 3 times that "that" was the most fundamental difference.. that is a sound bite for me..

Ilene, sort of like a monkey can be trained as well. Not to say Palin is a monkey... I dont want to do a deserves to Cheetah

I love the comment about the bar being on the ground and she did manage to step over it. Very accurate. The one point I'd like to make is on executive experience. Has anyone actually looked at the economic facts on governing Alaska? It is practically self supporting with no difficult choices except "where do we spend all the extra natural resource tax money?" They have no income or sales tax and given annual dividends to residents. The entire rest of the country doesn't work that way.

BIden let Palin off the hook over the "backwards looking" comments. He could have simply responded that as both candidates were talking about "change", there needed to be an understanding of what happened in the past that needs to be changed. Simply tossing out the word "change" without historical analysis is buzzwordism at its worst.
However he didn't, no doubt due to a firm brief that he was not to attack Palin. Score to Palin which the Dems will need to rectify over the coming weeks.

Palin certainly did better than expected, but her responses lacked substance – more vague rhetoric than a mastery of the issues. Biden showed poise, courtesy and a detailed command of the issues. Biden's repeated references to the Bush administration may be criticized as backward-looking, but they were salient insofar as McCain's policies will likely be a continuation of them.

Palin was not only reading from prepared srcipt but was also evading fundamental questions. At a point she was prevaricating prefering use her state issues as soft landing ground to provide answers for national issues. The first 20mins of the debate went on well and thereafter she was finding it difficult to locate her bearing.
She reveal her hollow experience when she responded to a question that she is just weeks old in the ticket.

Palin – spoke well, but said absolutely nothing...the "Palin spunk" is not a reason to vote for McCain/Palin on Nov. 4th. I have "spunk" as well, but should I lead this country? No. Stick to the issues, this isn't a personality contest. Think about it.

Kim,
You learn from your mistakes by looking at the past.

I watched it all in Sydney Australia, Palin was Sharp, I'm still voting for her.

Although I am not a fan of Sarah Palin, you have to remember that a lot of viewers will simply watch the debate and not actually listen to what is being said. If you score it on that point alone, Palin wins it by a long shot.

I was watching the debate with my 12 year old Autistic son who heard Sarah say "children with disabilities" and he was ready to vote for her.

However, having listened and watched for only the last 1/3 of the debate, Joe Biden had it won on knowledge and experience. His closing remarks were spot on.

As an ex-pat living in Australia I am going to be watching the repeat on 360, but already knowing Sarah had no big gaffes I was very disappointed that Tina Fey will have nothing to work with this week!

If I could vote, I sure won't want to have Palin to be the VP and if something happens to McCain and she will become the president. It is just scary and terrifying to think about that!!!

Palin seemed prepped and she still has problems pronoucing words properly. Her voice is irritating enough. It was obious that she came with a set of rehearsed answers and she used them even if they did not answer the questions.

Biden was super. Palin was very average. But I'm sure the right wingers will try to spin.

Palin all the way...
Johnathan...i am with you on ur pick after tonites debate.

Best

Palin proved herself to be a competent actress, but she wouldn't win an Oscar for that. She memorised her lines, delivered them with confidence and never deviated from the script. Biden on the other hand, was likeable, respectful, knowledgeable, passionate and reassuring. I sincerely hope Americans don't get sucked in by the "it-girl", but rather vote for the real future of America Obama-Biden!

Sarah is GREAT!!!!!! Main stream media SHUT UP!! All i have watched in youtube and read is somewhat different from this VERY STRONG WOMAN!!

After watching the 1st presedential debate and the VP debate, It's a garunteed win for obama/biden. It's a wrap folks. I'm looking forward to our new govt.

First of all, let me say I have been following the candidates/presidential election for a few months now. I think what this debate has proven is that Gov. Palin is way, way out of her league. The whole 90mins, she wasn't able to provide specific answers to any of the questions. And are we supposed to believe that she actually came up with all the stuff (especially about the war) she just said especially after the disastrous interviews she's given thus far? She has shown NO knowledge of the war, the economic crisis, or even McCain's stand on virtually every major issue.

Joe Biden is clearly the better candidate.

She did well enough that right wing nuts will spin it that she is the greatest. But for most people she still looks like she is in over her head. I don't think it will effect the polls much. They are back to keeping her away from the media and that won't wear well.

Mrs. Palin displayed, for all to see, her inability to assume the position of VP.

She underscored her inexperience by trying to pad her C.V. with details of positions she has held, that have absolutely no relevance to the job she is running for. Furthermore, she gave off the appearance of a child coming to her daddy's place of work, giggling like a schoolgirl at times, starstruck by the occasion, having to resort to stock material, without offering many, if any, original thoughts on anything.

The Reality-TV efficient gestures, giving shout-out to friends and family, disregarding questions from the moderator and generally trying to drag the debate to its lowest, made me feel sorry for her. She has been put in a situation she should not be in. She is out of her element and her depth and, quite frankly, her being there is a clear indication that McCain and his advisers are not giving the respect and due concern to the problems facing the world today.

The debate is over and we all seem to be cheering a candidate (Palin) who is CLEARLY not ready for the job. The public seems to have held their breath to see if Palin would surprise us with some miracle and it appears she did in that she showed up with low expectation from her fans. Come on people, this position is next in line to the #1 job and will represent us around the world. Biden means experience and we sure need some, not a duck and dive, finger nail biting experience.

I kind of like these American debates with their following family gatherings. Sarah Palin is a stunning woman, very beautiful, very intelligent, charming and confident. Joe Biden is a nice guy, a bit oldish and maybe a bit tired, but I would certainly love to play a round of golf with him. Biden was OK, but Sarah certainly managed to convince me that she will be an excellent VP, (and President if needed).

Diego is absolutely correct. In foreign policy, the only "reform" is how you approach the problem. You cannot change the facts of who/what you are dealing with, to include the past history, to suit your policy.

The first word that comes to mind, Bimbo running for VP, the folksy Gee, we all Americans, we will just hold hands and it will be all right, just doesn't work. We need someone who actually thinks, not just a parrot who reads scripts and spouts the dogma.

Joe gave smart intellectual answers to complex issues in the time alotted. She came off as trying too hard to land the I gotcha sound bite phases, tried to act condescending to a person who is far more intellectual and a superior statesperson. The bimbo factor was elevated and rather embarassing. A complete mismatch.

God help the U.S. of A. if McCain/Palin are elected. You have suffered through 8 years of Bush, surely your have learned a lesson.

I think that Palin was a lot weaker than Biden especially when it came to foreign policy, she focused much of her attention on energy and area which she is most comfortable with and at times I found that her response to the questions seemed to be rehearsed...Biden did an excellent job on this one!!!!....
(Caribbean viewer)

Palin was well rehearsed and tried her best to keep her composure (despite the dust that was in her eye that made her wink several times...not appropriate at the debate). The problem is that the real world is not rehearsed. She will have to answer questions on the spot, she will not have the cheat cards and massive cramming in advance. She has not shown any degree of confidence in answering questions on the spot, where she does not have much time to think or refer to someone else. Can you imagine if a crisis happens and she is asked her opinion? It will go something like this "Ummm, well darn it, let's get some...ummmm...Joe six-packs...ummm (wink)....well my dad was a teacher and maybe he knows...ummm.....I'll have to get back to ya" (wink wink). Come on now, she was well rehearsed for this, what will happen in real life? We saw it...the Katie Couric interview.

Superfluous and superficial. I live in Switzerland and am amazed an empty suit like Palin is even tolerated. I ski so does that me an expert on glacial retreat?

How many questions did she answer? If John Mcain is Maverick is she goose? My fear for the future of my children and the children of the world grows every time I see and hear this lady. Please America. Wake up to real change. The whole world needs it.

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 govenor looked rehearsed, Biden was sharp.
I especially liked the exchange when asked about what the vp job would be. Biden knew exactly what the constitution said about the vp job.

Surprised at that Palin didn't embarrass herself, i.e. she sounded cogent even if she didn't answer the questions - but is mediocrity or "good enough" really what we want in a v.p.? Clear win for Biden.

Did anyone notice how sycophantic Palin was in the repeated complements directed at Biden (and Biden's wife?) It smacked of shallowness and insincerity. Yuk. Double yuk.

why was she not asked a question about *women's right to choose* ????

I think the moderator was soft on Palin..for whatever reason. Was disappointed with the moderator's lack of keeping Palin on the track of question asked.

To her credit, Palin did well. But where Biden exhibited strong arguments based on facts and experience, Palin relied much too heavily on portraying herself as "one of us", with clearly rehearsed rhetoric and redundant talking points, not to mention she failed to really answer much of anything. Palin may have recovered from her Couric interview debacle, but is clearly in over her head as a vice presidential candidate for the United States.

I am a caribbean national, a black woman, a single mother, children are half Lebanese christian, currently employed by a European real estast development company , Hilary Clinton supporter and very much interested in word affairs and the impact that the US elections will have on the world from a security and economic view .

Barak Obama and Joe Biden IS the ticket!

America needs to restore its credibility – They will NOT on a Mc Caine/ Palin ticket – it just will not sell.

Joe Biden was presidential tonight which is what America and the world needs. The free world needs leardership,not Hollywood. THIS iS not a dress rehersal!!!!

Looks like Palin seemed dodgy and evasive to the 'focus group' too. I thought she was dodgy, and her answers were cadged from her set-speeches quite often. No surprise.

Senator Biden managed to bite his tongue a few times, such as when Palin got the name of the General in Afghanistan wrong, twice, and was a complete gentleman and statesman. He didn't try to trip her up. He didn't have to.

The question she never answered (of many) which annoyed me the most, was the one about 'have you ever changed your mind in your career?' First she said she'd only been on the trail for 5 weeks, so she hadn't said much, about which to change her mind. Then, when she was directed back to Alaska, she said 'no, I don't think I have'.

We've seen what ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY does, in an Administration....

She was tense, and did seem like she was trying a bit too hard. There were several times when she didn't have answers, and had to go back to set pieces.

Biden was relaxed. He knew his facts, and more to the point, he knows both his own, and John McCain's voting record, and she doesn't.

I'm old fashioned enough, that I didn't fancy her referring to Senator Obama, whose permission she had not asked, as 'Barack'. At least she asked Joe Biden's permission.

Can we just give her a sash, and a tiara, and a bouquet? That fixed beauty-queen smile was sooo glossy and ingratiating. Unfit for 'a heartbeat away'!

As a women, a single mother and having just served a year tour in Afghanistan. I refuse to let my vote go in vain. I have followed the followed the news releases and media concerning Gov. Palin and frankly, I don't think that she is fit to be VP. My decision is not based solely on the media but, upon watching her interviews and finally this debate, it absolutely scares me the there is a possibility that she could be in the white house within the next few months. I have YET to hear her answer one single question. Even though she spoke well today and was very articulate....she still didn't answer one question. We need someone in the white house who will be able to speak about the issues and not around them. She didn't even answer the question about how she would lead the country if God forbid something may happen to her candidate.

And as for the women who feel as though she speaks for the rest of us because she's a woman and are placing their deciding vote on that main point....please rethink. As a working mother, a veteren who has been to war and a soccer mom, I feel as though we owe it to our children's future and the future of America to place our votes based on who will be better for this country and who will steer our country in the right direction during these trying times and not who can trade the most jabs. It's a shame that the only thing that you can say about your running mate is that he's a "maverick". It's not about being a maverick or a washington outsider. It's about our country, our economy, our troops and our children's future.

I applaud the Obama-Biden campaign for living up to our high expecation. Biden was tactful, insightful and encouraging. As an American living abroad in Switzerland I have felt how people have lost faith in our government during the past years. It's been a hard one to swallow... Starting from Bush's WMD pitch to enter Iraq all the way to the catastrophic example we set around the world during the past two weeks in dealing with the finance crisis. Today, real change (not role change) is necessary. We all know it because we feel it. After this debate, I feel grateful for the opportunity to see change finally happen.

If you vote for Palin because she is a woman, you would be wrecklessly irresponsible.
Vote for her because she has ability to govern and be honest about things.
Obama may not have the experience McCain does, but he is honest. And he is as honest as a politician can be, which is not much, but more than Palin.

One thing is clearer than ever, Palin, if elected for VP, will make a great puppet!

All that I heard was basically, Gov. Palin not answering the questions that were posed. What I saw was an inexperienced person tap dancing around the issues.

Last but not least, the hypocritical side of Gov. Palin became absolutely apparent at the end of the debate, when once again the daughter holding the infant appeared on that stage. Gov. Palin, unlike her comment earlier, definitely does not "walk the walk"...she just "talks the talk".

How can a caring "parent" expose the obviously fatigued infant to so much stress??? Just to use the infant for promotional purposes ..."oh how cute, Gov. Palin is definitely a "family" person...so normal housewifey type.

Middle America wake up!!! The wool is getting ready to be pulled over your eyes.

Sen. Biden should've answered Gov.Palin's attempt to portray her & McCain as the team for change & accusing the Obama/Biden ticket as dwelling in the past.

The McCain staff is quickly divesting themselves as not being responsible for the disaster that has befallen America. But the finger-pointing, as the GOP is so well known for... in this case trying to blame Wallstreet for the economical woes ...blaming other People! The current administration has put those institutes into trouble, because of it's disasterous policies.

God forbid Ma cain should win and be able to serve as president. Does America truly believe Palin is ready to be president or even vp?

The terrorists must be laughing at us.

Gee, golly, y'all out there in america, this is me, the beauty queen talkin to ya!!!
That is what comes across to me.. And it scares me to no end. Sarah Palin is a clever at debater, in the capacity of a well greased Chevy hot rod, but she is no Ferrari!. Her insistance on turning every issue into what she did for the great state of Alaska, ( population less than Rhode Island?) not only turned the very serious questions of world leadership to the coloquial, but diminished whatever potential she had to actually represent an intelligent independant woman vying for the position of Vice President to the most powerful nation in the world, into a hockey mom race for the finish line.. Sorry folks, but should this ticket, McCain /Plin actually win, I am very very scared as to what kind of world we will bequest our decendants.

Palin's candy,coated speech bothered me...there was no substance, just "McCain Fluff" here and there.

I have to admit, Biden was direct and to the point; he answered the questions given. We got the run around from Palin. Sad, but true!

People want REAL answers. The soccer mom, cute apporach is no longer an option when your FIVE weeks away from the election!

If I could vote, it would be to the Obama/Biden Camp.

palin did well in her beauty queen debate boot camp rehearsals. however, last week's repeated blunders so how superficial her knowledge really is. the "sound byte" americans will be happy with her performance. however, the joe biden seemed the real deal, backing up his assertions with substance and specifics. hands down winner: golly gee joe!

Palin is just good enough but it did not seem like the real thing ... Biden is quuite 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!

WOW! PALIN!!!!!!!!
She surprised us all and i think she also surprised Biden..
Palin was calm, cool and confident on the podium. Biden went out there laughing at her and Palin went out throwing punches showing that it is serious business. he wasn't smiling towards the second round. He was kinda looking scared and he knew that he lost this debate. Palin hands down won this debate and stood her ground.

I was sorry of hearing Palin`s obviously prepared talking points. How many time`s did she quote Reagan or other Rove-Atwater standard talking points? When she said ¨There you go again.¨ I wanted to puke. I admire Mr. Reagan, but hearing her say that was the limit.

As for education...what is the record...five colleges in six years to get her degree.. I must admire her determination for persistence but her record lacks.

No way should this woman be anyway near a heartbeat away from the presidency of the USA.

Assuming the worst thing that possibly can happen, shortly after taking office the president dies.
Considering such a situation, I would feel much more confident with an elected Vicepresident "Biden"
In this very bad situation there would be no time to learn the business.

Nothing new. Just a lame debate that going no where. Do they care about Iraq or other matters? No, it just the same old stories that keep repeating all over again. May God Bless USA or American!!!

Biden comes across as the experienced, Washington expert. Palin as the outsider. If you want more of the same in Washington, you should vote for the experienced, Washington expert. Well, isn't that what McCain represents? He is the unpredictable quantity in this election....hard to pidgeonhole. Willing to go against his party. Palin also has a bi-partisan record. So if you want more gridlock in DC, then vote for Obama, who voted with 100% approval rating from the Liberal ADA. Biden's cut from the same cloth after 35 years. Biden was also very heavy, serious, profesorial–too fact oriented for mainstream America. Palin spoke from her heart and I think she connected to mainstream America. Who won? On facts, Biden. On heart, likeability and sentiment, Sarah. (In fairness, I will vote for McCain Palin)

Gov. Palin delivered the 15 minutes of rhetoric she had memorized and played it again and again. Unfortunately for McCain, most people in the US interested in hearing Palin's Disneys version of politics are too busy trying to hold on to two jobs because of the financial mess everyone is in: gas prices, lack of health benefits and now the government using our money to tame the wealthy giants.

Those that have the time and motivation to follow the debates in detail were looking for information like that given by Biden. I believe Biden was a softee with her though...

As for the Governor, I believe she practiced a lot this week at least to learn that this was not take home exam!

AMERICA, please do not be duped again!!!!!

I was a fenceline Palin/Mcain support until tonight. I grew up on farms in the midwest, am an avid sportsman/soccer dad, also a hunter but the difference is ive travelled the world over and lived in many countries. I became tired of the cliche's and soundbites and her attempt to continuously divert to the very few areas she feels comfortable...and avoid the real issues. Its clear what her strategy is – say "soccer mom" as many times as possible in the hope that is all people will care about, or have the intelligence for. Her entire opening was about "fear" and frankly im tired of the American people being taken for idiots and instead of being articulate about the real issues Mcain and Palin only want to deal with digestible soundbytes in the hopes , or perhaps expectations, that the American people wont know any better. I kept thinking through the debate, and hoping for some clarity – how could she possibly claim international/foreign policy experience by the mere fact she was governer of a state close to a foreign country? Either she is the fool, or she thinks everyone else is. We deserve better then this.

I APPLAUD "Your Vote Counts"
YOU SAID IT RIGHT!!!

To James 301GMT

I agree, that was powerful. Also when he mentioned his wife and daughter, he immediately placed himself as the family values guy for the remainder of the debate.

There were times when she was talking, he had the look of a proud father in his eyes. His confidence, grounded in experience and proven ability, shone though, while her confidence, grounded in hype and ignorance of the issues, faded somewhat as the debate went on.

What i found interesting is that Palin was never answering the questions, she had a set of answers ready for every topic...like studying for an exam. You know what the major questions are gonna be, she basically just memorised a bunch of answers and read out to the media and public...i mean duh...of courset hey will quiz her on foerign policy and the economy, which the republican debate writers got her nice lil scripts to memorize, notic she never actually managed to fight back any of joe bidens critizism of sent J. Mccain, Anyways..I just hope people open their eyes and vote with your god given intellects,dont be fooled by cheap tactics and fairy tale stories...Good luck to the most important election in this lifetime..for everyone on earth...not just the americans...

President McCain to vp Palin at morning meeting: How can we be mavericks today?

Palin: huh, no idea, nobody told me the answer to that one this morning. `*blinks her left eye*

McCain: don´t worry, I´ll let you know when I have figured something out...

The worst thing is something that reminds us of the 'W'.. So Americans please be smarter,smarter!!!

I think each of them deserve some dancin shoes. I we wanted answers, tonight was not the night for them. As a Republican I was not happy with our side. Way too much avoiding of the hard questions. America wanted answered. As for the Democrats, Biden just made them look like a Hide and Seek party. Good luck with that. I served for 24 years in the military and I just retired. If this is what I have to look forward to, I will gladly go back in and go to Iraq. What a cluster %^&* this political system has turned into. The way I look at it, we are pretty much screwed either way, but at least the Republicans wont have a socialist mentality to tax the haves and give to the have nots. All I can say is GOD HELP US ALL...CHINA IS COMING TO BUY UP AMERICA CARTE BLANCH and our politicians have allowed it to happen.

Seattle
Obama/Biden gets the win. The only clearly stated role of a VP is take over the presidency if necessary. Could anyone really trust Palin being the president?

Palin did a good job being charming, smiling and using language that, on more than one occasion, pointed fingers at Obama/Biden, creating a very "us" vs. "them" mentality – that I did not appreciate. On the other hand, Biden did a good job of seeing her as an individual apart from McCain, and when he disagreed with McCain he did, a couple times towards the beginning of the debate, preface his disagreement with his understanding that McCain not being a bad person, just disconnected.

Palin is very good at appealing to the "soccer moms" and anyone who appreciates her use of "common" language. That is dangerous. I know I want a VP who is learned in topics other than just taxes and the economy – not just pretty and charming. She's a very very speaker, but I hope voters will not trust her oral skills to aid McCain in running our country.

I am not a US voter but I watched the debate V P between Biden and Palin and I am amazed that, Palin can be nominated to be Vice President. She avoided most questions on the economy, I think she has a lack of understanding on economic issue that a 2nd year economic student can answer in a giffy. She answered questions like we the audience were watching a beauty show, Biden did a fantastic job. He would have done even better if he was debating with someone that has the same knowledge and depth he has. I personally do not consider this a VP dabate. Pallin kept going back to energy, the only topic she has knowledge of, When asked if Dick cheney VP views meets approval, she dnt even understand the question, When asked iif the bush administration on Iraq were the right moves she kept taking about victory. What victory???? Win the war ??? What war is America winning was there War in Iraq in the first place. The 10 billion dollars spent in Iraq every three weeks if added together over 5 years will have bailed America out of the current economic situation. War who are the republican fighting in Iraq. The reason the war was initiated in Iraq was that they had weapons of Mass destruction that was never found and Saddam Hussain is dead now if the republican use humanitarian grounds to stay in Iraq. There is no war in Iraq, it's just America invading another country they should have left long ago, Sara Palin needs to get the facts right. Win the War ??? What war!!!!
She is an embarrasment to the republican party. she kept saying Marvrick, Marvrick, partisan ..partisan ..like she just learned the meaning of the words. For a VP to say Alaska is next to Russia...Wow!!!

Joe Biden was articulate, precise, on point, very learned, intelligent, made sense and very very calm. Very Vice president material and we can be sure he can take charge as president.

America needs to be strong at home first before they can be strong outside. That I support Obama and Biden on.

The Clear winner for todays debate Sen. Joe Biden. Left to me McCain should drop Palin, she is not educated enough t represent America, even students from 2year University in Africa can do alot better in a debate than Sarah Palin did. I think the American people are just attracted to the fact that she is pretty and that can not be the ticket to ruling a country like America unless, Americans want to say as she stated in her closing statement ....Once upon a time America used to be a great country. When a VP candidate cannot give a fiscal policy on the econmic situation of a country that is going difficult times at the moment. She was blabbing half of the time and accusing Biden without actually studing his full track record.

Biden did a fantastic job but we know Fox News will not justify that.

Just watched from here in Australia with great interest!
Palin did surprisingly well – for her! That is, no obvious gaffes, but what was just as obvious was her slippery avoidance of any issue she couldn't handle (such as de-regualtion). She would slide right on past the actual question & go into a rant using jingoistic jargon designed to appeal to anyone who can't think clearly!
In contrast, Joe Biden came across as sharp, knowledgable, concise and fair. I was very impressed by his performance & think he adds significantly to the Democrat ticket. He & Obama make a fromidable team!

i can now c how deluded john macain is by picking this woman......

watch palin talk reminds me of a robot, some kind of A.I.
Artificial Incompetence.
Jesus people. Vote Obama/Biden!

Wow. I am from Canada and I cannot belive this election is so close. I have no idea why so many Americans would even think of voting for Palin. She seems like a very nice person who has accomplished a lot. But goodness, is this the best choice that America has to offer. I just cannot imgine her as VP, much less pres. But I also feel sorry for her that she has been put in this position. She is likely not enjoying the pressure of trying to live up to a role that she is far from equiped to handle.

It seems everyone's mind is already made up, so people see what they want to see. For those who are open, Sarah definitely did a great job. So did Biden - especially as he had about 10 factual errors. Just get the facts folks.

And, if someone can tell me what in the world qualifies Obama to be president, I'll listen. I haven't heard or seen ONE thing that suggests to me that Obama would be good for the country, or the world, in any aspect.

Well I'm glad we all agree that the bar was set low for Palin and that at best she did o.k., but let’s not forget she is the vice presidential candidate. Why then would you set the bar low? Is it o.k. that she only performs too the low standards that we expect from her and not above? Why would we make exceptions? As vice candidate shouldn't we expect more? She is trying hard but she is not ready and is just highlights McCain’s poor decision making that he will bring to the presidency with him

Let's see...
Sarah doesn't have the "polish" or "Experience" of Joe Biden. Didn't speak like someone who has been adressing the issues for as long as Biden. That's because she isn't and hasn't been in the Senate like everyone else in this campaign. I am very amuse at amused at all the idiots out there that act like her not having been a member of Congress is a bad thing. Who really spends our money and makes the laws & regulations? Congress. Sarah's the only one who can claim that she didn't have anything to do with the current mess the US is in today. Everybody states we want CHANGE, and then we run right back to the same buch of thieves that have been spending our money like a bunch of drunken sailers. You bet I want change but I don't believe a career politician is going to give it to us. I don't believe a member of the crew that ran us into the iceburg deserves a shot at president. A lot of people ask given Mccain's health and age if we really want Sarah as the one to step in in case McCain can't carry on. I say HELL YES! I'm tired of professional/career politicians stealing from us, she may be the best chance we have.

Yes ... Sen. Biden refered to the past alot, people need to know that the party to blame for the ills of our country today ...is trying to stay in power!!!

The Palin/McCain ticket is the same party ...the Rove trick of putting the blame on someone else & spreading disinformation is so obvious.

An anology of what Palin was doing when she accused Biden of dwelling in the past. ... like a person saying ...oh we know that JQ Public was a serial killer, but that was in the past ...get over it & move forward.

I was taught that we must learn the lesson of the mistakes we made in the past, in order to move forward & change. History teaches us that. However, if Sarah Palin was to be followed, then we would ignore the lessons that history is trying to teach. And she comes from a long line of teachers????? Ha ha .... yeah right!

I missed the beginning of the debate and only .logged on at about 950. Right about the time the question about vice presidential roles was posed. What an impression that made. Biden's response was poised and made him sound very well-informed and look presidential. Palin was off tangent and out of touch. Increasing executive powers – for the Vice President. This after Cheney. Seriously.
And that's even the worst gaffe. Her repeated use of "Maverick" when describing McCain is one of the most annoying parts of the debate. That is over-used and has completely lost its potence. Especially when it's being discredited more and more each time the McCain-Palin trots out that label.
In a debate of no major revelations or gaffes, for me, tone and manner count the most. Biden appeared ready, informed, competent, reassuring and presidential should that ever come to pass. Palin came across as uninformed, lacking in intellect and direction and out of touch despite the many references to middle class issues and children. One can't possibly imagine her as president. It would be even worse than W. And I never would have thought I would ever say this.

"Your Vote Counts" –
First of all, my vote does not count since Puerto Rico is one of the few colonies still in existence – ironically, belonging to the USA.

I think the lifes of most women in US are so hectic that they do not have the time to look at the details of what Gov. Palin has done in the past. Come on... Enacting a law making rape victims in Wasilla pay for their own rape kits? Try selling that one to any progressive city in USA!!

Compare this: Alaska has the population of less than 700k; Puerto Rico's is nearly 6 times that, and has honest crimes issues. Someone like Palin, with this disneyland mentality and enough power in her hands can bring down, not just the US and its colonies, but also many of its allies.

How come no one brings these issues to light including the rape kits and the dividends Alaska gets for oil while at the same time getting a lot of federal money? Shouldn't those dividends come to all US, not just Alaskans?

Right - Vic; Wait until tomorrow, when someone actually checks what Biden said, and compares it to what actually has been Barack's voting record, and McCain's.

Those who think McCain is a third term George just aren't getting it. Gee, people, you believe Hollywood values and big government, and government taking over our health care ... etc. is a good thing? Seriously, have you no faith in yourself but you want the government to be your nanny?

Barack represents socialism. Please, please - pay attention, check the facts - and don't be taken in by a pretty face (i.e., Barack).

Sarah's responses were clear, and her knowledge very good, and she didn't lie about a dozen key issues.

DP

I've enjoyed the VP debate. Palin and Biden both has done a good job. Palin has done much better than in her past interviews. However she couldn't beat Biden. He is just too strong, especially with his solid knowledge. Right now America needs someone like him. He is a right choice for VP without the doubt.

Nice to see how gulible people are for a smooth talker. Biden has been in public office for how long? 35 years. Only now he is talking about helping the middle class. Yeah, this only after losing 1.7 MILLION in the stock market over the last few sessions. Here we are trying to figure out who has the cheapest milk and there he sits with his multi-million dollar mansion, million dollar salary and free healthcare, all at taxpayer expense. And he is for the middle class how? Give me a break. I served for 24 years in the military and the most I made was about 3000.00 a month. Hmmmm.....He served our military when????He picked up a weapon and defended freedom when???? As with any career politician, they dont give a ^&*( about the little guy until election time. I dont buy it. McCain served proudly and was a POW for many years and never gave up on his country. We as Americans need to remember his sacrafice and devotion and not give up on him.

I wathched the debate in Australia as a middle easterner of course,and I must say that Senator Biden had more information about at least the Middle Eastern countries where as Ms Biden had barely a rough idea...especillay about trying to build schools in Afghanistan(hahahhah)that was funny....and when she didn't have much to say shewould turn to having a different point of view from the Republicans.(Isn't she supposed to be supporting the policies of her party?)

WHO CARES! ALL POLITICIANS ARE LAIRS!! THEY WILL NOT DO WHAT THEY SAID THEY WILL DO AFTER THEY GOT ELECTED..WATCH AND SEE OBAMA IS INCLUDED..I AM TIRED OF THESE TWO PARITES..WE NEED MORE POLITICAL PARTIES IN THIS COUNTRY SO WE WILL HAVE MORE CHOICES..

As an observer from Australia I cannot believe that there is so much support for Palin. Could I remind you that electing someone to pregnancy is not based on how much they have improved, or how much they might deserve it because of their circumstances and background – but that they should be right for the job!

It doesn't matter how many children she has, how her son is in Service, that her newborn has Down's syndrome, or that she sounds 'folksy'.

This is about the Presidency – the person who debates with foreign leaders, someone who will have a say in where you might go to war, someone who may make important decisions affecting you everyday – financially and socially.

The USA has had 8 years of inaction and squandering by Bush, please don't sign yourself up for another 4 or 8 years!

I was surprised Palin managed to endure the entire debate without saying "like", but she did give a "shout out".

Wow – SHE knows, how to hog the limelight !!!
I was watching from Austria, knowing about Gv. Palin up to now mainly from reading the news. I have to admit, I was stunned on how perfectly she was prepared and how passionately she was willing to convince.

Palin gave a little and took everything. She generously mentioned Biden's wife as a teacher for 30 years "her reward will be in heaven", next sentence she smashes her "I know, what I'm talking about, I come out of a house full of teachers, my father, my mother, my brother (I forgot to count >;o) but I had the impression, the Palins are teachers since the birth of Christ) over Biden's head and diminishes his 30-year-teacher-wife to zero. "My kids as public school attendants...", "my connection to the heartland", "I as a mother", "my son in war", "my special needs child", "we did not have health insurance", "I know what it means, sitting around the kitchen table, discussing money issues", "we (as Americans) are not perfect... but we represent a perfect ideal of democracy....", "we are a good team", and so on.

Her mantra "greed & corruption on Wallstreet" hits the nerve of "you" and "you" and "you". And she hit it at least 7 times (as far as I counted).
She flirted with the camera, she flirted with the audience, she even flirted with Biden to crack the whip any next second and to show her strength & determination. The smiling Determinator.

She impressed by appearing to love the situation, the camera, the audience, America and the Americans. She was well prepared to give clear statements with a firm voice. Her eyes firmly addressing the audience, a few perfectly placed sidelooks to Biden, simple speech (I understood every word with my pidgeon English), always a smile or at least a friendly face even on serious topics (I envy her teeth >;o)

Sorry, but Biden looked pretty old. Not addressing the audience by eye contact (most of the time he looked at the moderator or down to his notes) and making the impression he was reading his answers, talking politics instead of simple statements, trying to show emotion (when mentioning the loss of his wife and daughter), which did not work out, he finally made a major mistake (IMHO): When he stated, that he is well known and esteemed for NOT CHANGING (his opinions/his views), this was a killer (in my ears). Especially, when minutes later, he demands passionately, that changes are necessary (and Palin of course takes the opportunity to follow up with "people are looking for a change"). Finally Palin praises McCain "he is known for bringing people together..." to relativize immediately "WE walk the walk, don't talk the talk...".

She knows how to play the media card!
God save America (and the world), if this woman will become your vice!

Interesting ... (I checked on FOX) -

The Kingmaker, Dick Morris, Guiliani, and Fred Thompson are all impressed with Sarah.

The coverage on CNN is very different. The media has been, as ever, in the tank for Barack (thrills going up your leg, anyone?) -

Also, I've always seen Sarah as more qualified than Obama - in terms of executive experience. This is obvious. Obama isn't qualified. I'm 'terrified' by a 2-year senator, who votes 'present', and has dangerous associations - much more than a qualified governor, who has a proven track record of reform, and can help this country with its energy program.

'get it' folks, just admit you're in a fog and not thinking for yourself if you think Biden-Obama is some 'change'. Democrat change is tax and spend. If you can't see this, then you aren't looking.

Betty V

I had seen little of Sen. Biden before watching the debate earlier this evening. He seemed to reach the audience, he seemed to be speaking directly to me and the American people, and he was very articulate, precise, and I believed every word he said. On the other hand, I think Gov. Palin gave it her best, but still, you cannot cram 30 years in 3 days. She seemed out of place, distant, and dishonest.

You already know who will be getting my vote.

This debate didnt change anything for me, the moment I saw that Katie Couric interview with Palin, i could never in my right mind vote for the repulicans. Palin is lucky she's charming but how far that's going to get her ? What's going to happen when people start getting tired of hearing about the "soccer moms" ?

Sarah Palin did say that she would answer questions asked as she wanted to.
She did that and Biden ran circles around her. From a media perspective she did not self destruct so that is good.
Worst VP pick ever and the most demeaning for women,

I think that Sarah Palin cleary won the debate. And any bias pro Obama media cannot deny it. Election day is going to be a long, long night. YOU ROCK SARAH!

I'm not an American but I did watch the whole debate here in Australia. Biden impressed me as a knowlegable and highly capable leader who cares about improving working class and middle class lives by saying what he would do. He talked about policies. I can't believe that anyone could support Sarah Palin who showed very little understanding of any of the issues beyond the most superficial of levels. Rather than discuss policy details which she obviously couldn't answer, she resorted to giving a 'I'm a maveric who loves America' speach to cover up her lack of knowledge.

Biden was the clear winner. End of story.

As Abigail states below, I also think Palin exceeded expectaions. But when I stop and think, and put it into context, it was far from ok for someone that, according to the statistics for how long an average male with the health history of McCain will live, actually will have to lead the most powerful nation in the world.

She started out ok, delivering the pre-prepared message. But as the debate went on, it became painfully clear that what she gave the viewers were just that pre-prepared messsage, and when asked about details, she lacked knowledge and experience of her own to fall back on.

To redirect an answer, compared to what was originally asked can be ok once or twice. That is what we have come to expect from politicians. But when occuring so many times as it now did, it only displayed and emphasized an inability to draw her own conclusions based in what should be both hers and McCains strategy. A strategy that she, unfortunately, managed to picture as quite fuzzy and devoid of detail.

Towards the end of the debate, when pressed for actual opinions and detals, she resorted to referring to her experience as mayor and oil an gas something (it's 5 in the morning here in Sweden, I'm a bit tired...). Had I been listening to her as a collegue or accuaintance, I would be impressed. Listening to potential VP to the highest office in the US, it is just not enough.

Honest, likable and sincere as she seem, to picture her actually being the commander in chief of the most powerful military force in the world, sends chills down my spine. And the thought of her in control of the nuclear codes is the stuff nightmares are made of.

Biden did better, but given his experience of capitol hill, that was also expected. He did come across as more knowledgeable though, and could give examples of how he had contributed to policies himself. He also seemed better prepared and where Palin ran out of answers and started referring to the McCain strategy (that never really were laid out) he had a "proper" rebuttal in store.

But even if he what he said was more to the point and really should be enough to give hime the upper hand in the debate, at times the message got lost in too long and unneccesarily complicated pieces.

The debate was fairly short and none of them managed to convay a particularly clear picture of him- or herself, but if people think about what was really said, they will find that when it comes to actually communicating a message, Biden won hands down.

And... if anyone wonders why someone in Sweden cares enough about what happens in the US to give up his sleep and watch the VP dabate: I have both relatives and friends in the States. I love both the country and the people and last but not least... due to the Wall Street crash, my interest rate have gone up 2,5% in the past 4 weeks.

To finish off: Regardless of who you support; please register and vote. I don't know if that is possible in the States, but if it is, even a blank vote (a vote, but for none of the running candidates) is better than not voting at all. It shows that you are interested and concerned, even if you don't agree with the candidates. To not vote at all is to step out of the society, and in my opinion also mean you have also lost the right to complain if the powers that be, makes decisions you don't agree with.

Good day to you all and God bless!
// KIm

I tell you what. As a republican, if I HAD to make a decison as to who would be the ticket for the DUMMYCRATS, I think they got the ticket backwards. At least Biden is more experienced and believable then Obama. This is the same Obama who lets his brother in law live in a mud hut while he lives the life of luxury. Hmmmm.....And he wants to help the poor desperate people of this country. I dont think so.

Well, Biden/Obama supporters will only need to wait until tomorrow - when someone will check the facts for them, and let you know that Biden made about 10 factual errors.

He misrepresented Barack's, and McCain's position, on several key issues.

Does that matter? Besides what you think of Sarah, Joe is either misinformed, or providing you with more disinformation.

Please - check the facts. Then ask yourself, do you want a liar a heartbeat away from the presidency?

I think character, and adherence to truth, matters. Perhaps this is what I 'don't get' about this election - people seem to want a good talker and some audacity of hope and change, which means 'tax and spend'. Barack is much more frightening to me than Sarah ever could be - she isn't in bed with terrorists, socialists, and the good old boys in the senate.

wake up folks - just look at facts, and not the pretty boy.

You obviously are! You must be so taken in by her BS – your IQ actually dropped!

Why is no one talking about Biden? He was really good! He came across better than Obama!

Obama / Biden get my vote!

I feel sorry for Gov. Palin, she is definitely not ready and avoided many of the important questions. She seemed to be repeating campaign slogans instead of answering truthfully. Enough with this nonsense.

Mel -
Sarah was the clear winner. And that is the beginning of a good story!

Biden always referred to the past, and I didn't hear a vision for the future.

JB

Go to the Yahoo home page and read the story about the fact that both of them failed to state correctly. Very interesting reading.

Please, If anyone thinks Palin, looks, acts, or has the knowledge to possibly be the president of the USA needs there heads checked.

Biden won this hands down.

I believe that the fundemental differences betweent the candidates exceeded expectations of the veiwers. I believe that Joe Bieden has met what any traditional, confident , agreeable and well developed domestic and foreighn polycy maker would represent of himself. As viewers and supporters of two major political parties watched tonight, I believe that tonight's debate held far more interest in peoples minds when direct critisism was drawn toward each candidate. Let's get real, growing in another country I can only hope that what Sara Pellin would underestimate knowing is actually knowing other than energy independence,such as domestic policy and foreign policy. Alliance is built thru debate, and Joe Biden certainly stated that ,,, genocide intervention in Bosnia , Kosovo was neccessary and to get a policy on a ballat you need the support of the people. Tax cut, while incrase tax revenue on health care takes things out of proportion. We are probably the only country in the world that pays low tax revenue, yet people and prosperity was well met. Even if we were to cut taxes are we about to spend the money in an Iraqi war ?So I don't see how she is improving the american dream when she has to stand infront of the american people and propose a tax cut so that essentially we can refinance our pockets with money that still comes out of our own spendings so that Washington can continue to fund the war. I don't believe that she's got the stength and political support that today's demcracy demands. YOu have to be ferm in policy and Sara Pallin does not hold true to such demand. I Believe that Joe Biden stood firm and defended the debate with reasonable effort and facts to comprehend and relate with people to what Washington office stands for and has done over the years for the people.

VSK- You are right on the money. I just hope the rest of America realizes this before it is too late.

Record shows she isn't ready! Not just because she didn't mess up this time means she is ready to be our VP! She has no knowledge about this country and the world whatsoever! Please don't be delusional, this is our economy and country that we are putting at risk!

McCain also has been in the public office for a long time too – and why only now talking about change? And McCain just recently put his house up on the market 13 bedrooms mansion while you earn less than 3000 a month or much less! What does he know about average Americans – not just because he was a POW we should celebrate him – he was a POW because of his own mistake not following orders and he suffered the consequences and lucky to be alive, he ain't a hero! Nor a Maverick in the senate – he agrees with (95%) with Bush's administration.

I can go on and on. But for Americans, please think of our country FIRST! and Vote!

During the debate, Palin seemed almost competent but her folksy attitude seemed insincere, at times she seemed haughty while Biden seemed to have low energy at moments but seemed very, very competent talking about the economy, energy, social issues and the wars. Palin’s message of running against Washington is going to be especially ineffective when the House Republicans claim to pan an economic bailout until it gets an extra hundred million dollars of pork. For the last eight years the Republicans have been the party of corruption and pork and I don’t see how a portrait of George Bush as a Young Woman which Sarah Palin is can possibly make a difference in this climate. Even so, she has not surpassed Dan Quayle who could excite the Republican base, alienate the public and have no voice with the candidate. Comparatively, Biden demonstrated his ability to contribute to an Obama administration on both the economy and foreign policy. Overall, Palin’s performance was comparatively weak but not awful but her message was undermined by the House Republicans while Biden did very well.

She failed to answer a good number of Questions asked by Gwen. I would assume that she did not understand or could not find a sincere answer for lack of experience.

As jacked up as the war in Iraq may be, if we leave now, it would be much worse for America. In the days of the Old West, the white man fought with the Indians. When they would cut their losses and run, the Indians would follow them and attack them on thier home turf inflicting much worse casualties than if they had stayed and fought. The same will happen,here, again. As much as we as a society want to call it quits and leave, the terrorist will only follow us to our turf and 911 could happen again, maybe worse. We must stay and finish the job. We just need leaders that will allow the military on the ground there to do the job without tying our hands behind our back and expecting us to be able to shoot. We need to take control, define the goal, train the Iraqis to do the same and once we are confident that they will succeed, only then can we leave. As for Afgansistan, what can I say. The British, Russians and now US have tried to control that country and have not suceeded. Any ideas???

biden wsa articulate, informed and in, my opinion gentle..he could have crushed her..there must be millions of better vp candidates in the US than palin...although I dont really have a favorite between mccain and obama..i cant imagine someone choosing palin over biden

I am allways amased at how CNN and MSNBC are so unabashedly in the tank for Obama. It is klike they have no shame or since of honnor at all. Anyway itt is clear by any measure that Sarah won hands down and that Biden actually stood before the American people and flat out lied 6 different times. I wonder how many left wing media people will call him on it. Romming the blogs it is clere to see the left wing media MSNBC CBS AND CNN beleive as do the livberals that watch those netwotrks that Biden won. All the rest of middle America know that as stated at ABC FOX and the news groups that are not left wing biased and in the tank for Obama that Sarah clearly won.

Adam, Who Does??? Obviously the standard Washington politician has been living in LaLa land and has no touch with normal, middle class reality. At least she has some idea of that. I say give her a chance. We need new, untainted ideas in Washington, DC that is. We have put up with the status quo for WAY too long. She certainly cant do any worse can she???

Look - His record shows Obama isn't ready.

Palin has more executive and leadership and reform experience than Obama. (and she's not running for President, okay. And McCain has a lot of life left in him - his mom is nearly 100 and feisty as anything.)

But Palin's experience is clearly documented. And she's the most popular governor in the States (probably in the HISTORY of the states). Please read something other than campaign material if you don't think so.

Now, Biden I think could be president - not a horrible choice, like his running mate. But Biden will move us further into government to run your life. (Do you REALLY want the government to decide your health care? - people, think!)

Economically - if Obama is president, we'll be moving into socialism (european versions) faster than ... congress can pass this 'emergency bill' (with more wooden arrows shot and wool pulled over your eyes than you can drink Puerto Rican rum to drown out the reality of it). *

JB

ps: Thanks Bill - at least a few of us here aren't swooning at talks in Berlin ...

* I'm going to give myself Dennis Miller points for that sentence, although it ended with a preposition.
:-)

I can't beleive we faught two world wars the korean and veiet Nam war and now the Irag and genneral war on terrorisim and still we have people willing to vote for Obama. It is like we have learned nothing at all. He is a lieing say anything to get elected sanake oil salesman. John McCain has the record and the scars for fighting for America and Obama has done nothing to even deserve to be on the same playing feild as a man like McCain but yet there he is. No experience just empty promises that fly in the face of his actual record. We have become a nation of the insane.

Governor Palin said during the debate on global warming," So even in dealing with climate change, it's all the more reason that we have an "all of the above" approach, tapping into alternative sources of energy and conserving fuel, conserving our petroleum products and our hydrocarbons so that we can clean up this planet and deal with climate change. That would have made sense if she had said something about finding a more reasonable approach towards hydrocarbons. But stating that using hydrocarbons could clean up the planet does not seem like a sound argument to me.

Adam, I suggest you go to the US senate webpage and research your facts for yourself. Obviously you have fallen prey to the liberal left media and take their information as gospel. Not so. The Communist News Network and Facist Organization of Xtortionist and Massive Society of Nutcases do not qualify as reliable sources.

WJ- Well Said. Hoo Rah. And I am not even a Marine, only Air Force.

Can you imagine the manager of a small, locally acting enterprise with less than 2 years of professional experience to become the CEO of General Electrics or another major international company and as a consequence being responsible for the sake of hundreds of thousands of employees, their families and shareholders? Would you then invest your savings into GE?

Well, this seems what many Americans want to see for their country in coming years. How can somebody be so irresponsible and even consider of voting for Sarah Palin! How can somebody who wants to lead America and the world be so irresponsible to nominate Palin as VP and possible President! Poor America, poor world!

there are no difference in the qualifications for president and vice president. joe biden seems to be ready to be president. Sarah Palin seems to be ready to be president after some more preparation perhaps not in our lifetime.

It was fantastic and all VP candidates did their homework well.
Though what i noted was that at some point it was difficult to know whether It was MCain who had changed his voice or it was Sarah. She literally crams and just recited exactly the same way as Mcain.

Palin looked like a robot to me! You press a button and an Obama slamming answer comes out.
She does not have the knowledge however to back up her comments!
Palin is not well documented and has cleary no indepth knowledge.

That's why her popular Obama slamming statements did not sound too well! She had absolutly no material to back up her comments.

Joe Biden on the other hand knows exactly what he was talking about baking all he says up with facts!
Palin is no match for Biden. She goes 1000x times in his pocket!

Biden cleary won this 'debate'.

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 and pretty android that will do and say anything he wants.

I'm sorry, but Sarah packaged the Republican Ticket better than Biden did for the Democrats. Biden's obssession with the Bush years threw him off. He sounded like a broken tape recorder without anything substantial to offer in place. No one under the sun will ever fully associate McCain with the Bush years and McCain's fresh, sexy, young, and assertive maverick pick for VP confirms that. He didn't pick from the party elite. Why do you think it took him so long to get the Republican nomination? Because he's not part of the establishment.

Obama and Biden are career democrats. At least that's the message I got from Biden in tonight's debate. He was so old and boring. His supposed "wisdom" edge didn't come through. And he didn't sound like he and Obama have any type of vision for bipartisan governnance. McCain is the living example of bipartisan leadership, like Colin Powell he's had issues with falling in line in the House of Elephants. And Palin delivered the bipartisan message beautifully. So beautifully that it even made Biden pause and cry as he awkwardly tried to dish out an anecdote about single parenthood. Sarah maintained her composure. At that moment, I realized that Obama and Biden would probably cry at the table with the leaders of rogue states if they have their way. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd hug them too!

Ronald, You are absolutely right. Obama SAYS he wants to hear the problems of America. He has been in the senate how long?? He has done what to help the middle class??? His brother in law lives in a mud hut where??? He has helped him how??? That is only ONE person. Just think how much help he will provide to MILLIONS. Hmmmm. Dont believe what you hear. In his own words, " If you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig" Talk is like a cheap bottle of wine, it may taste good, but in the long run you will end up with one hell of a headache.

If the Palins are middle class then i must be waaaaaaay below the poverty line coz i cant afford to go on plane rides shooting mooses (or is it "meese")!! Paraphrase..."i've only been at this ..what..5 weeks!" Lord have mercy. People, vote with your brain. Else the rest of the world will be laughing at y'all for a loooong time.

She kept on dodging issues all night and kept on going back to energy. By the way that oil pipe lline has not even begun to be constructed yet. Energy expert she is not, as obviously also not expert on domestic and foreign policy issues.

Biden really gave her the beating of her life and she is not fit or prepared to be either vice president and heaven help us if she were ever in line to be president.

O..and the question on the roles of VP...i thought sarah would quote mccains answer about the vp inquiring on the health of the president...ha ha aaa

...Can't vote (17yr highschool senior) BUT my parents are/were staunch republicans.

Palin did a good job, HOWEVER she did not prove that she had the capability to be president if McCain were to step down from office.

Biden's choice of diction clearly articulated his views while Palin used terms such as "hockey mom", "freedom", and "patriotic", which aren't bad, but it made her arguments on policy vague and difficult to fallow. (it made it seems as if McCain's policy were vague)

I liked how Biden answered the question about bi-partisanship. He made it clear he would never question the motives of any party, just the decsions. Palin did a rhetorical dance and I don't really know her views on bi-partisanship.

My parents were became slightly unsteady about the Republican party after Obama. Though my parents look at political experience the most, they were moved by the message of change in these hard times. After Palin was added to the ticket, they took couple of large step toward Obama (afterall Biden is experienced and Palin hasn't even been in the senate or congress). After the debate they decided who they are voting for...

THEY'RE STILL CONSERVATIVE, BUT HAVE SOLIDIFIED THIER DECISION TO VOTE Obama/Biden 2008 AFTER THIS DEBATE.

cb

ps- I loved the part of the debate when Sarah and Biden spoke about thier families (it made them much more "human")....however I think that the a president must be strictly decided on each candidate's policy!

What?? You dont think middle class people take trips to Alaska to hunt. I know lots of people who do this and they dont make more than about 30K a year. Planning is key if you want to give yourself something. Just because you go on a trip doesnt mean you are rich. I have gone to Hawaii several times and I dont make but about 35K a year so dont think that you have to be wealthy to enjoy life.

I continue to be surprised at how enormously unqualified and incompetent Palin is on the issues. But wat is even more surprising is McCain's breathtaking failure in judgement in selecting her.

OMG, you Americans seriously think that Palin is a VP material who can be your next President? Cant you not detect? Shes a red neck gunslinger who only have simplistic approach to complicated issues. She has the same 'sledgehammer' type solution just like your current president GWB. These type of people already brought you misery and you still dont learn. God bless America! (A view from abroad).

Biden did a great job. He looks like a politician and expresses himself clearly regarding all kinds of issues. As for Palin, her replies were like beating around the bush. I just think she should go back to Alaska, where she belongs, and not even think where Washington is. Washington is a very scary place to be, and Palin just doesn't get it.

I listened to the debate and I really wish Gov Palin would give the American people some respect and not refer to all men as Joe six pack and the women as Pitbulls with lipstick. Maybe that is all they have in Alaska but not here in the lower 48. I can just see International politics with McCain-Palin, he will not acknowledge anyone and she will bring a sixpack and her lipstick to the table. Makes me feel really safe!!!!!!!! I really think that the moderator of the debate was remiss in her job. Maybe Gov Palin doesn't understand the definition of a debate, you know to answer the questions put forward. The moderator should have repeated the questions so that the Gov could answer them.

CB, as a young person I applaud you for getting involved in the political process, or at least to become familiar with it. As a republican, I have seen many changes in this country. Ronald Reagan was my hero as a young person growing up in a world of turmoil and an economy that was to say the least terrible. The republican party due mostly to Ronald Reagan turned America around to be a formidable force to be reconned with. We ended up causing the fall of the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall. These monumental events would have never occured under a Democratic administration. The republicans have always been pro defense, pro economy and pro business. Some would say that they cater to business too much, and they may be right, but the businesses of America make it what it is. The democratic Tax and Spend mentality only kills business growth and makes those that make money pay more for those that cannot or will not work to help support the economy. Please remember this when you become old enough to vote. Just because they may talk well doesn't mean they will be best for this country. You must research the facts and make an informed decision for yourself. Remember, YOU and your generation are the future of this United States of America. Good Luck.

Relieved that Gov. Palin performed better than expected, in view of her recent TV interviews. This is good for the Republican ticket as she brings excitement to a pretty boring campaign. Yet, she is too risky, from what I have seen tonight and what little I have heard from her in interviews, to be so close to the presidency. Her answers were either evasive and/or recitations of what she has been coached on, yet seems to believe passionately. Where she, I believe, lost what seems to be a strength is when she responded to the 'achille's heal question' by saying that her role (paraphrase) as a small bus. owner, mayor, ... and mom...of a special needs child all make her qualified for VP in a unique way. This was ok, but Biden came back too well. He did not miss this opportunity. He respectfully disagreed. He experienced losing a wife, baby, being an instant single parent and facing the possibility of losing another child. Women do not have a monopoly on compassion, strength in the face of tragedy, etc. He took the wind out of her sails on that one!

Is this an MTV audition? Golly gee, wink, nod...cringe. Stop it, Mrs. Palin. We want leaders not panderers who are taught lines and can't answer simple, direct questions. When asked a question by the moderator, stop looking at your talking points and ANSWER it, please!

I can't believe that any pundit actually thought she was convincing anyone that she was prepared for the job. Two interviews without handlers and she fails miserably. Prime time is not good to mrs. Palin.

By the way, how is it that special education is near and dear to her heart, yet she cut that budget drastically in Alaska? Oh yeah, she has a baby with Downs now and may have to rethink what the real world knows already.

Biden 1 Palin 0

Palin's folksy style is as enjoyable to sit through as vomiting in my own mouth.

Palin, go back to Alaska and stay put!

What suprises me most of all about Palin is that so many Americans can't see how hopelssly ill equiped she is for this critical role. She's so out of her depth its shocking to beleive she's even involved in the election. The Folksey Hockey Mom approach may be appealing to some voters, however, this isn't the kind of leadership quality America and the World needs in these troubling times of uncertainty.

Bill, my point wasnt necessarily the affordability to make a trip. I think it is relatively clear that her paycheck is not in the 30K range so if the 30K person is middle class, then she definitely is not. The 30K person can make sacrifices and plan and budget and cut back to do some things. The Palin paycheck obviously is not in the same league so in essence, her defining herself as middle class is only relative to her circumstances which in no way resonate financially with that of the likes of myself. Also, to the comments re: flounting family for political gain, Palins down-syndrome baby needs to be home in bed surrounded by peace and quiet if it is fundamentally true that family is important to her outside of her political interests.

Sarah fared much better than the very low expectations we had of her and the enormous pressure she must have been under. Nonetheless she is still very much a hockey mom, SHE IS NOT VP or President material, I can see her inflaming political and international situations with her country hick style. We need a lot more depth and intellect dealing with the economy, Iran, Iraq............Isreal,

"The republican party due mostly to Ronald Reagan turned America around to be a formidable force to be reconned with. We ended up causing the fall of the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall. These monumental events would have never occured under a Democratic administration."

Wow...that is simply the most deluded thing I heard all night...and that says a lot after watching Sarah Palin lie so badly.

You may want to brush up on your Soviet history. Like the pitfalls that America faces now, the Soveit Union underwent bad governance, misspent billions and an economy that collapsed. They had a seventy year run of socialism when many figured it would simply not last. Reagan ended student loans for people like me, so that he could fund Star Wars defense...how did that turn out again? McCain and Palin are trying to hitch their cart to a wagon that is romanticized by fools who revise history. Like Palin, you have to fact check a bit better. America deserves better than a guy who thinks that GW Bush did okay and a woman who hasn't presided over more than one budget year in her state.

Bill I don't think we can use this to Reply each other, but lets forget that for a minute.

Like I said, McCain was my candidate, but you know what? I can see a political move... I am not blind, this Soccer mom can't do a thing for McCain ticked, she can't do anything other that attract attention and god SHE DID.

Obama was/is Like a pop star and that made me sick, a person winning the presidency just by how popular the person in question is... well is not even funny.

Now McCain had my vote, I am not saying he had much, I am just one person and he needs much more than that... but please? picking this ZERO out of the Ice caps? she was/is the most popular Governor of the states, yeah that is right, but agreeing with the people on popular issues is not being a leader, she is a sheep at best, going with the flow and doing what others think must be done.

Or you actually believe we can get out of this economic black hole without doing something like raise taxes or cut expending? we have to do BOTH (or one of them in a radical way)...

I don't like Obama, but just the possibility of Paling becoming the next president is enough to scare the **** out of me, and you have to agree, McCain is no Superman (even thought he died once, Superman I mean...) McCain had/has Cancer is 72 years old... nah the possibility is too high... I am not risking my country with another one of the folk, in this times of needs we need an Elite a guy/gal above the Average and clearly neither McCain or Palin excel in that field.

Why I say that? Obama came out of nowhere and defeated Clinton, if that is not Cunning, being Smart or being an Elite, then nothing is.

IT'S FUNNY THAT PEOPLE TALK ABOUT EXPERIENCE WHEN MY HUSBAND WHO WORKS FOR CIVIL AFFAIRS IN THE MILITARY HAS MORE EXPERIENCE THAN OBAMA. OBAMA IS AS INEXPERIENCED AS PALIN BUT SHE'S NOT AN OPPORTUNIST. YOU SHOULD ASK OBAMA TO FINISH HIS TERM AS A SENATOR FIRST BEFORE HE PURSUES HIS AMBITIONS... HIS FIRST TERM MIND YOU. I THINK THE REASON HE WON THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION IS THAT HE CAN BE A PUPPET TO THOSE OLDER THAN HIM IN THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE. HE DOES AGREE A LOT WITH HIS DEMOCRATIC FELLOWS. PEOPLE WHO I KNOW HAVE TALKED TO HIM PERSONALLY. HE IS ONE HELL OF A GOOD PUBLIC SPEAKER BUT HE'S AN IDIOT IN PERSON. I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD THINK WHO THEY ARE VOTING HERE. NOBODY IS TRYING TO MAKE HISTORY HERE BY VOTING A BLACK PRESIDENT OR ASKING FOR CHANGE. YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF PEOPLE, WHAT CHANGE DOES HE REALLY REPRESENT?! HE NEVER EVEN DEFINED IT.

MY HUSBAND AND HIS FRIENDS ARE IN THE MILITARY AND THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT OBAMA. HE DOESNT CARE FOR THE MILITARY. IT IS TRUE THAT HE VISITED IRAQ AND TALKED TO THE GENERALS BUT HE NEVER SPENT SOME TIME TO TALK TO THE SOLDIERS. HOW CAN YOU WIN A WAR WHEN YOU HAVENT SERVED YOUR COUNTRY?! THAT'S WHY BUSH MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE, HE NEVER SERVED IN THE MILITARY.

I am disappointed with CNN panel reaction and opinion, As I expected they all are Democrat supporter.
You did not discuss about Jo Biden many error/untrue statement which I noticed by watching other Network.
i.e. Obama did said during Q&A from the public , where he did actually said that he will sit down with Iran without precondition.
Yet your panel seem only concentrate on Palin and McCain negativity. CNN didn't mention that the lady questioner is Obama supporter who wrote a book about Obama which she will publish when assuming Obama won the election.
I notice her bias too in giving Joe Biden last say.

In all CNN is very much bias against republican.
Just remember the election in 2004, John Kerry was being supported by you and majority media, the left and the Liberal. Even the leftist British paper, The Guardians urge America to vote for Kerry, but worst even Usama bin Laden come to support Kerry with his video.
Well, after all those support the Democrats get, they lost and many died hard leftist and liberal got mental breakdown, included CNN Anchor Judy W.

On this debate most media include CNN very much undermined Sarah Palin. But again they are wrong. Sadly CNN panel are already made up their mind to ridicule Sarah Palin. Especially the Democrat gentlemen with square face. He is really anti republican.

Come on CNN you are losing the support of the silent majority of American. You may be supported by the leftist world around the world, but what matter is the American supporter.
By the way I am not even an American. But I can see how bias you are.
I watch your rival network, they are more fair and balance and do not afraid to argue.

My opinion is Obama is groomed and set up by the liberal, the leftist and International socialism, who pop-up Obama campaign internationally. i.e. gathering people to greet Obama where ever he goes, like laughably in Berlin like a supper star (REALLY CRAZY)
They also put a show of fire work at the end of Democrat convention.
As if he already won the election.
Man, you don't even realized that.

Just remember the result of 2004 election. Be prepare to get emotional breakdown for many of your panel members and obviously the democrat supporter who have high hope on an inexperience puff-up Obama.

That's my words.
Regards
Puzellfree

Yeah write everything with Caps... that sure makes you look smarter >_>

Aaarrrgh! She said "Nucular"
At the GOP convention, she said "New-clear" because THAT's what was on the teleprompter.

And she pronounced Iraq and Iran as if they were Apple products.

More importantly, this question-dodger wants to pass laws favoring the tax-dodgers.

Ronald, you are definatley right about the spending thing. Our pork barrel spending has gone ballistic. Just look at this bailout plan. There is more earmarks for porkbarrel spending in this thing then you can count. I am absolutely amazed this thing made it through. Hold on to your wallet because they will be coming to take your money out of it soon. As for the Obama defeat of Clinton, that was orchestrated by the Democrats. Why? Hillary made seveal enemies within her own party and paybacks are a bitch. She got what she deserved and to be honest, I would much rather have Obama running the country than Hillary. Just look what she did as the First Lady. YIKES. To be brutally honest, neither candidate will do much good for this country, but at least the McCain/Palin ticket wont tax us to death and give it to people who didnt work for it or deserve it.

Christina – Saddam Hussein was from the Military and served his country – Did his Military service alone qualify him to run a country?? If you want a Military leader there are plenty around – they are more commonly called Dictators

palin made TV show only , sghe didnt reply directly , just genral talk , she dont have solid background about anything , that is why moscow near alaska!!!!!

Yet we will die anyway... so what is the point?

At least Obama has one thing in his plan that I know it will work, get more Jobs, "Green" Jobs, if we just sit there and don't tax anyone we will keep losing jobs, with less money to spend companies will go broke and more jobs will be lost, is a cycle that once starts it won't end easily.

McCain also has a good idea, to reduce the taxes on corporations, that may help them meet the pay roll and slow the decay, but the problem still stands, we consume A LOT more of what we produce, until that changes we are DOOMED to fail >_>

PS: I am investing the little money I had abroad, so speak for yourself

Come November, it is everyones turn to make a decision. God help us because obviously the politicians won't. Good night.

Help yourself dude!!!

You can't expect god to save you if you don't try yourself... I am trying to save myself of being a beggar and hoping the best.

I am not betting my money on the government, of course I want them to fix this, but the chances are... not good, so I am going the extra mile and trying my best, there is just nothing else to do

Ok my final comment of the night

Puzellfree

pre·con·di·tion (prkn-dshn)
n.
A condition that must exist or be established before something can occur or be considered; a prerequisite.

precondition
Noun
something that is necessary before something else can come about

What does that mean? -_-

an example of this is:

We won't talk with you "until you take a Bath".
We won't talk with you "until you learn English"
We won't talk with you "until you become Christian"
We won't talk with you "until you decide to say we are right"
We won't talk with you...

can I be more clear? god is SOOOOOO annoying looking at the news and watching how all the people suddenly forgot the meaning of PRECONDITIONS -_-

I'm living in Switzerland, and woke up at 3:00am to watch this debate. I expected to have a laugh- after all the recent messes with Katic Couric. I dint get that. But was in a sense releived for Sarah Palin that she dint have to digg a hole on the stage and disappear.

One has to be pragmatic, and think about Policies, after all each of the cadidates, whether they know this themselves or not, has to stand behind, and bring into motion their parties policies, which ofcourse will be felt by all ruled in that country. Now, you have some major issues in America. Americans must be aware, that their goodwil in Europe mirrors a Bridgestone tyre after a long, fast, reckless ride. If nothing is done in terms of foreign policy that goodwill will soon be completely deflated. Economics, we think, you have brought disaster to the world economy. My few long term savings in the stock market went down by 15% in the last 10 days. Ofcourse I blame it again on the recklessness of the Americans. War In Iraq- and inadequate troops in Afghanistan means, you have made the world more unsafe. I blame it on the Americans recklessness.
Tell me America, that you dont realise, you have a HUGE Huge Efoort to make right now! and Right NOW!

Though I'm in Sri Lanka, have been following this election to a great extent. To me it was very clear Biden is using his experience and Palin was using all she has studied during the last couple of months. Palin looked good ........ as all agrees and I liked her "winck" towards the last quater of the debate. To hold office ............ Biden showed that he is well ahead.

So a little addtions to my previous comments.
How does gay marriage and abortion rights figure in Politics? And if it does, then you should be bold enough to call yourselves a purely Catholic! Country. Because that is NOT Policy, but a religious agenda based on catholism.

Policy makers have no place in the personal choice of individuals. They should be responsible to see that our personal freedoms are protected and not eroded. They should protect the freedom to follow the religion of our choice, which will give us the framework for things like our moral obligation toward things like abortion and gay rights- which in turn gives us the choice to be part of that frame work or not!

People, dont be so surprised that Americans will actually vote for this airhead. The Average uneducated poverty striken African is smarter than the average educated American. What a bunch of IDIOTS!!!

Regarding Palin, what comes to my mind is: "If you set the expectations low enough, eventually you will succeed". Look, I live in Switzerland, and it's of course the call of the Americans which ticket to elect. But I do love the US enough so I'd like to tell you: a president Palin – please, dear friends, don't do that to yourself. You would be so sorry, at least as sorry as you must be now about having George W in charge of your great nation.

Palin rambled on, on things she didn't know the answer.

Palin did get a few names wrong

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.

Palin is OK at reading word for word the speech she was reading.

But needs a lot of practice.

Sarah Palin came across as not authentic in her answers. Could not anyone have taught her to pronounce correctly the word " nuclear?" How can she be expected to make definite and crucial decisions over a concept she cannot even pronounce properly? Go figure!

I watched the debate in Australia and will have no vote, but I can not imagine any sensible American ever having confidence in Sarah Palin as a leader , to make America or the world for that matter a safer or better place. It is very scary to watch her play her political game and even her sexuality so well....a cover up for an obvious absence of knowledge and substance..
Please America!!!!! We want to feel confident in your country's ability to be a positive force for good in the world again. Beware of Sarah.

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.

I did not get to watch the debate live due to the time difference with our part of the world but I heard that Governor Palin proposed moving the Amercian Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a statement that shows serious foreign policy lack of judgement and naivite! To date no American president has dared make such a suggestion knowing the importance and sensitivity of Jersulam to both Arabs and Israelis alike. If America wants to regain its position in the region as a true and honest broker that could bring both sides back to the negotiating table it clearly must not take such one sided and biased positions.

I am not a Republican or a Democrat.
I'm not even American.
I have studied International Relations and Politics but don't claim to be an expert.
But I wish I was American so that I can, with good reason, debate with people who keep defending McCain and Palin!!!
I mean, Palin surprised me too because she didn't make such horrendous mistakes in the debate. But just because she managed to save herself this time, are Americans going to forget what she has said in the past?
Just because she prepared well for one debate (she evaded questions still) doesn't mean somehow she's now all knowledgeable, does it?? Can you imagine her talking to World leaders and saying 'I betcha!' 'you gotccha!' when she doesn't have a good answer. It's cute alright but it won't work , especially if she says 'newkiller weapons' when it should be 'nuclear'!! And Talibani?? Even my kid sister knows how to pronounce that. no excuse there.

Palin was nervous and she was talking very fast in the hope that it may make her seem confident, intelligent and spirited. I see how some people have fallen for that. But really, I was scratching my head trying to figure out what exactly she MEANT in some places.
Some people have said 'she talked to the people'. Well, if looking directly at the camera and going on and on and mixing your words around = talking to the people, I give up!!
You can't talk sense to people who don't have it.
I applaud most of the contributors here who have thought rationally and fairly. I don't blame Palin. The real losers are people who keep voting for her based on looks and chit chat. As far as I see it, the Republican ticket is a dud (and not only cos of Palin either!!).

I think I speak for a lot of Europe when I say, that after reading some of your comments about Palin, we are scared. Really really scared.

Christina (in all caps) and Bill above, you gotta check your facts and ideas please!! Christina is obviously bitter about all things Obama and that's affecting her judgment on ISSUES.
For instance, Christina, you say Obama never even defined change. Well, maybe he didn't spell it out the way you wanted but isn't it clear to you that by being open to talking with your enemies, unlike Bush, he is advocating change? That's only one example. In fact Bush is following on that idea now!
Communication is vital to negotiation and diplomacy.Nobody can deny that, not even you Christina :)

Bill, I don't think you know about Obama's tax plan at all, to say what you did :) There is no way that he is taxing people who have worked hard. He is one of them remember!! I'll be glad to explain it to you in detail. :)

I was impressed with palin's performance. She spoke from the heart. In my opinion she is off the people and for the people. I am definitely considering voting for mccain/palin.

I got up in the early hours in the UK to watch this debate. I had never heard Biden before, but I admit he seemed to be very capable. I was horrified by Palin's performance, gobsmacked. The fact that a lot of people in the US use the phrase 'cute', 'folksy', 'better than expected', to describe her performance is what totally terrifies me about the US constituency and the media. God help the world if she gets her finger on the button. This election is just plain old terrifying. I used to say at least McCain isn't Bush, but now McCain represents a potential situation even worse than Bush. What the hell are you guys doing?

This debate shows us yet another time how detached and alienated people like Sarah Palin and John McCain are from the lives and needs of ordinary, working American people. She came across to me as a half-witted, shallow, rich, religious fanatic. How can 21st Century people vote for medieval characters like that? Enlightenment never has been so far away!

Is a folksy approach all that America wants for a VP? Does anyone overthere realize that she could be the President of the US if something happens (God forbid) to Senator McCain? This woman has obviously no idea of what happens in the rest of the world. She seems to believe that the US have discovered global warning. Has she ever heard of the Kyoto agreement (which the US did not want to enter into)? Does she know that the US has been one of the biggest contributor to global warming? How ignorant! Poor America – if McCain wins.

A note to Mark T also..

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

I just finished watching the debate and am surprised at how well Palin came out of it. I was expecting a repeat of her interview with Katie, but it was clear that she had been coached and everything was rehearsed, so much that when the questions that she didn't know the answers to she talked around them. I would have loved to see more "passion" from her, but I guess she is supposed to appeal to the "every day mom and dad." The only experience she has is Alaska so she kept having to refer back to that, which got boring to listen to after a while. She may have won back some of her credibility but she did not prove that she could take office if there was a need for it.
- I'm voting Obama/Biden. Biden proved that if need be he could take over – he has the experience and the confidence to do it.

Dear CNN
I am for the Bailout but i am skared of the Pork there given out again to get the votes.It is going to cost as an other 700 Billion

Christel

From the full video I watched again and again, it looks like Ms. Palin was reciting her lessons! Looking all the time at her notes! Well prepared indeed, but not convincing!

I'm a Dane living in New Zealand, but I am immensely interested in this election because it affects the entire World.
The US (Hollywood) was the inventor of soap operas. And here's another one. It is unbelievable to me and to most other Europeans ( Ref. to European newspapers) that the lovely Mrs Palin has fallen into the spot she is in now. She acts like a fish on dry land! She has simply not got a clue! The US has already lost their credibility everywhere over the last eight years.To vote for a presidential candidate who is so brain dead that he can appoint an unexperienced (probably also uneducated) person as a VP can only happen in the US, and will just send the nation further adrift in their self appointed role as World police man.
Let's hope that the result goes as polls just now are showing.

When Palin was asked what would happen if Mccain dies, she actually didnt awnser, she changed of subject. Doesnt that give you the chills?

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

guys/gals

i can make a huge number of blonde jokes on palin;

but to think that now americans are planning to have her as the vp and possibly p ?? guys, what's happening ? is that all you americans have ? no better guys/gals for vp ?

i thought mcain was ok, but after his decision to take palin alongwith him – i think his chances too have gone down. just goes to show, he has bad judgement !!

americans elected a big bush, and later a smaller bush; and now they are betting on a hedge, and the vp is bare grass !!

it seems that this barren lands time's over -

Palin, PLAIN STUPID!

Opinion from France: Palin paled. She is the American Ségolène Royal !! : she is image, not substance. Truly, I would love to see a woman in the white house or as number 2, just not her !! Imagine if McCain has to step down and she has the most important job on the planet...think about the consequences. Americans are smarter than that, including those that want a woman in a position of power. Right ?

I observed that the initial question was usually first put to Joe Biden whilst S. Palin studied whatever she had on her desk. She then merely threw in some spikes at Obama or the Democratic Party, she is good with that and obviously enjoys it, and then copied whatever Joe Biden said as being exactly what John Mc Cain had planned.

I was wondering why she read so much off whatever she had in front of her on her desk and was wondering if it was some kind of messaging gadget she had there where somebody was feeding the answers to her?

Whenever she did not know a suitable reply or comment, she turned to energy whether it answered the issue under discussion or not.

I do not know why Joe Biden and everybody in fact think they have to treat her with kid gloves, that woman is harder than steel and if she is running for the Vice Presidency she should be as effective as any other competitor for the post, regardless whether she is a man or a woman. I am getting somewhat tired of all this mollykuddling. After all, this woman could be President of the US one day, what a thought!

Oh no!!! Some Americans seem to think that Palin spoke 'from the heart'. How do you reason with people like that??

Comment from South Africa...

Glad that the American people are more interested in content rather than the untried and seemingly not very clued up Sarah Palin. Watching with great interest how the next debate between the two candidates pans out, and by extention, who will be your next president. In the view of almost all the South Africans I have spoken to, Obama is definately the man for the job!!

Thanks for great coverage

America, if you don't want Obama and Biden, give them to us PLEASE!!

Believe me, if there were politicians like that in our country, I'd actually be interested in local politics and not totally disengaged and disenchanted.

I was happy to read the comments of Europeans here because they share my sentiments.

Anyone representing Africa wanna speak up??? But of course, you'd be labeled as 'biased' towards Obama. ;-)

If you factor in how long Biden has been in the Senate and the short time Mrs. Palin has been in State Level Politics, then you would have to admit that he didn't really do all that good!!!! When someone has been in the Senate for several decades then he should be a perfect debator and should have out performed her by miles. The question why didn't he out perform by miles???? Also, he is the OLD crowd in Washington so how much change will you get out of someone that is part of the crowd in the Congress and Senate who actually should have been swept away years ago. They are the inefficient ones that have brought Washington to where it is now!!! How could they ever be agents of Change???? Mrs. Palin actually represents change because she is from the outside and has actually done change in her state and has gone against the crowd in her party and legislature. She has also, put together a non partisan government. Therefore, does it make sense that Obama-Biden are really for change or is just more talk from Washington.

No one knows actually what Obama-Biden will do. You here a lot of talk about change of course, but has Obama, or even Biden, championed any change during their careers before this election???? Biden is an old timer in the Senate and has been entrenched in Washington for many years. There is an old saying you cannot teach an old dog new treaks!!! Therefore, should we fool ourselves into thinking that there will be much change at all, or any that will will substantial. They have been playing on our desire for change, that is all. Look at the Democrates who are in Majority in the Congress but they have NOT been able to do anything!!!!! Do you think just because Obama may become President that this will really change???? The answer is NO!!!! It's just talk. Once the election dust settles everything will go back to normal in Washington. You have already seen it in the way Obama has discreetly changed his views. McCain-Palin on the other had have actually championed physical change that we can see. It would be ashame if we elect the Obama-Biden team and find out the change they are talking about is only window dressing or worse, no change at all but higher taxes, etc.

Fortunately for her, she exceeded expectations yesterday night, otherwise it would have been a live political suicide. At least she can read and has memorized some catch phrases, this has been useful to her yesterday. Frankly, does America need or maybe desserve a self-proclaimed "average joe six-pack"? If this was not for the v-p election at this crucial time, I would find it almost funny, now it's pathetic.

Palin won hands down.

Omg did you guy watch the same debate I did. Palin hit a grand slam. She was talking to the people. I don't know who Biden was talking to , she is far the winner with alot less years exp.

She is on her tricks again, from one questions to another, I think is high time for American to understand that Pilins don't have any experince to be a VP. American shold know that any VP must be experinced as well as the presedent. How can Pilins defend her self in the world press, if she can't even defend her self in the local press. just few days age, she don't even understand the newspaper she reads often....

I think this VP debate is a clear cut.

I am not really surprised by the debate or the 'performance' each person gave. As much as people might have had low expectations of Palin, she is very good at rehearsing and delivering her lines and has had lots of practice doing just that. Perhaps not only is being a prisoner of war considered adequate training for being the President and Commander in Chief of a country, but so too might the world of Beauty Pageants be the preferred training ground for Vice-Presidents.

Biden is definitely stronger and with his experience does not need to rely on such cutsie, supposedly endearing, 'one-of-the-people things' like expressions such as 'darn right', 'straight up', 'hockey mom', etc. Her misuse of the term 'oversight' in relation to the future program the Republicans have for overseeing financial issues in light of the current financial crisis was the perfect demonstration of her beauty queen mentality and training. I do give her credit for becoming Mayor and Governor in the fine state of Alaska, but it would not be the first time that countries or empires have fallen or been duped by a pretty face.

She and McCain clearly belong in the Bush camp, even as far as mispronouncing or misusing words, most notably the SEVERE OVERUSE and MISUSE of the term 'maverick' in relation to Senator McCain and Governer Palin. Please can we get real here???!!!!!

Biden was the clear winner based on content and his grasp of the issues. Palin in most cases did not answer the questions. What does folsy means, does it mean she should be a heartbeat away.

I am in Ghana, watched the debate and my was i laughing. Palin did not answer questions. I watched the Couric interview and now I am convinced of one fact, What was McCain thinking? She may be the governor of Alaska but she cannot run a government in Washinton.How can she reform Washington if she does not even know the issues.Americans wake up. I do not think that Obama can do much but there is an old wise saying, in the absence of Good, Bad is better than Worse.Obama- Biden is Bad but McCain- Palin is worse. Conservative indeed. she does not even know that man is ruining the earth.

You can easily tell, she is unschooled properly.
Europe here she come

Why the hell some of you so stupid I will never understand. Biden kept to his parties message and laid out their plans on how to improve the economy foreign and domestic. All Palin did was say a few memorized lines and gave a few punches with a stupid grin and smile on her face winking at God knows who and said nothing, NOTHING. If I was Biden and had to debate? such a MORON I might hav lost my cool and walked over to Palin Punched her in the gut and walked away. I still have pains in my stomach after watching her last night and actually hearing from America that she did a wonderful job. My God could the standerds hav been set any lower. This was a disgrace, She is a disgrace I am disgusted that America could find any plausable comparisions between her and Biden. Biden was completely a Pro and handle the situation like a pro. Shame on America to even suggest they were on the same Page. ON ANY OF THE TOPICS. And Palin was extremely rude and unprofessional. A complete mockery and a complete disgrace. Disgusted that's what I am with the whole thing.Palin-McCain, disgusted.

Oh My God. What are you people talking about. BIden is being underhanded here and it's not right. He Answered EVERY question and look the depate serious. The way it was supposed to be taken before everyone had to drop thier standerd below sea level to accomodate Palin. IF Biden was to have in the past had everything in common with Obama what would have been the point. Everyone knows they shared different views in the past or recently. But the point is Biden has kept his views and his objections upfront, he is honest and earregardless of that he has now come and put his full support behind Obama and what difference the coud make together. All Palin did was trew out a few cheap shots. NO one still knows what McPalin plan is for the economy or what the hell the stand for. What is so great about that people. What?

Because of horribly low expectations of Palin and high ones of Biden it would appear that Biden did ok and Palin did well. If you try to look at it without any preconceived notions of either debater then it's clear that Biden was streets ahead.

Palin was obviously nursed through this all the way from "Can I call you Joe?" through to each wink, nod and "doggone it!". Biden just had to play it cool and not try to make her look stupid which doubtless would have backfired.

Basically, neither of them made a big mistake, which the Republicans will probably be more happy about than the Democrats.

Good debate, when is Palin going to declare her tax return, as the other candidates have done? it is then we would know if she is actually for the middle class, at least we know of Biden, he can speak for the middle class

I'm not from the United states but from Holland and decided to stay up last night to watch this debate because I was very interested in both running mates, but I was really dissapointed. I thought (certainly from Palin's side) it was more a bad show than a debate. She didn't give a serious answer to almost none of the questions, she just looked in the camera and was talking about her Alaska energy state, hockey mams, etcetera. And certainly when it came to the economy, she didn't really know what she was talking about I thought. She memorised some facts and standard lines and she used them over and over. On the other hand, Biden didn;t make enough use of that. He is relaxed when he talks but he has some hestitations and names far too many names, facts and goes into detail where he shouldn't. A missed opportunity for Biden. But overall I was really annoyed while watching this "debate".

I would like to ask Mrs. Palin, how she can say that Mc. knows how to win a war. I did not know that America won the Vietnam war.
Is this his expirience?????

As part of middle class (60K) America my reaction to the debate was that both VP candidates did well. I can identify with Sarah Palin and her family and believe that she will deliver on her promises to provide objective feedback to John McCain AND look out for ordinary Americans. Everyone wants tax cuts but they are not worth it in the long run - we either get taxed on the monies received or end up paying for it somewhere else. I don't want to hear about tax cuts. I keep hearing that Governor Palin does not have the experience to be VP and that she doesn't provide real answers. The same can be said for Senator Obama - in my view he does not have the experience needed nor does he provide real answers. Everyone has been focusing on the passing of a president in office - what will Senator Obama do if the reverse occurs? My opinion is that without Senator Biden - the man of experience - Senator Obama would flounder as President.

CNN the winner= Anti Palin

Palin has definitely worked on a lot of her weaknesses, which were mainly knowledge and self-confidence. She has all the ingredients of a top public speaker. She's charismatic and camera-friendly.
However, Palin is not the reason why I'm in favor of Obama. It's the "diplomacy" style of the Obama / Biden ticket and their compassion with the rest of the world that makes me on their side.

One thing that Palin referred to in her closing remarks, was about America's sovereignty / superiority over the world (indirectly, not sure if it slipped by many listeners) ... this is exactly why I opt out of the Republican arena altogether.

Good luck to all Americans

If I was an american I would definitely vote for Obama especially after hearing the vice presidents debates. Surely Joe Biden is more sincere, exact and realistic. I think Palin is still not intellectually geared for the Whitehouse. Moreover McCain is too old to be elected as President, the American people need to have a younger President with modern views and with a wider perspective of the world. Obama is the right person for the presidency. In Malta we have a new young opposition leader Joseph Muscat who the Maltese people are foreseeing as the next Prime Minister of Malta. He talks the same way as Obama in America and as the american people need Obama as President, so the Maltese people need Joseph as Prime Minister.

When are all of you going to get it! John McCain knows Palin is out of her league. He knows she lacks understanding of economic and foreign policies. He is counting on American’s to get it. John is wrapped with his own ego he can not accept defeat on his own merit. He knows he cannot defeat Obama. In fact, he realized this a month ago. Why do you think he picked someone with no experience instead of a running mate who could actually challenge the Democrats. When he is defeated everyone will say it was Palin who lost the election, not John. They will say if he had a better running mate, maybe he would have won. John has played with the hopes and fears of the Americans who have trusted in him. This is the biggest political joke played on the American people in the history of American politics. Funny John… but the jokes on you. You picked her… now live with it!

Palin was awful! She didnt answer the questions. She avoided most of them. All she talked about was bloody energy!

Palin kicked butt!!!!

I stayed up till 4am to watch the debate, here from Europe. I stayed up till 4am because, although i wont be voting, the next American president will have an important impact on the future of the world, my world also.

So, all i can do is give you a piece of advise. Be smart. Look beyond the suit. Look beyond the words. Don't vote in one candidate just because its pretty or nice to ear what they say.

Listen what the words have to say after they actually have been spoken. Don't let your judgment be forged by the repeated hammering of a few key words or sentences.

Wow! Did anyone catch the "Can I call you Joe?" I became sick after the question! I knew right then what the strategy was and this was to TRY to show America how superior she was to Senator Biden. Of course Senator Biden, the gentleman he is had a response of yes. Senator Biden not once called her Sarah, people with lack of sense would have taken it as he disrespected Gov. Palin. The winking all night really made me sick! Sexist? "You betcha!" as she would say! ;-) And of course she side stepped a couple of questions by "let's go back" Ready.. Palin is not! This woman has only been in the spotlight for what...a month? I think we need to investigate more into Troopergate! I am so shocked at the people who rally behind her, as if they have known her forever! As Obama has said "We have taken our eye off the ball!" America Keep your eye on the ball, vote Obama/Biden 08

This is a simple comparison.
Palin = Bling bling
Biden = Substance

The American people have had enough of bling bling. Substance and seriousness is needed for today and going into the future. If this was American Idol, I would vote for Palin. But I am want someone who really understands the issues and can think about the issues. That type of ability was not demonstrated by Palin's memorized lines last night.

Well seems to me ... like Biden blew it out of the water. But let's not forget Palin; she did what she had to do-to excite the base once again, so her supporters will obviously say that she won this debate. Howver, if we're looking for leadership, a competent individual and change well... americans better make the right choice. Palin is obviously not the right choice, only if Mc Cain is looking for another crisis. I was pleased to see that she held her own in the debate but come on lets face it she never answered the questions... she went back to ENERGY. Sad to say... though that Mc Cain might still win this, and Americans will pay a terrible price, for political tactics and more of the same.

You cannot not win a debate by exceeding low expectations.

Sarah Palin is a Governor???

Love all the hypocritical comments about Palin's experience; bash her for not being a 35-year Washington insider, but them ignore Yobama's even greater insufficiency. Biden is part of the problem, not part of the solution.

As far as the financial mess, if all the Dems voted for the bailout, there's nothing the Reps could do; it would pass. So, the question is, why aren't all the Dems voting for it? Enquiring minds want to know......

Where are all the whiners crying for a bipartisan investigation? How come there aren't any "blue-ribbon" panels being formed? Because it was the Dems on the Finance committee that caused this mess thru their 'Affordable Housing' initiative (translate: you banks had better give out loans to people that obviously can't pay them back, or we'll jam our regulators down your bloody throats!).

As a woman first I was relieved that Palin didn't fall on her face as expected. After debate it clear that Obama-Biden ticket is best for America and the World.

gail riley for President! Now, that is REAL "Straight Talk"!

Palin and Mc Cain are a puppet and master duo. I could not for the life of me find one sensible thing that she said in 90minutes. How can this great nation be lead by such low lifes.

We need, intelligence, enthusiasm and my god HOPE. I am frastrated by this and if Mc Cain wins, I am moving to Europe. Mc Cain should retire and Palin should go back to Alska and finish her bridge.

People without college degrees should not be allowed to vote. They are a danger to themselves and others. Simple.

GT: I don't know, I could be wrong, but I thought I also heard, "baby-talk"!

What kind of mother will travel all over and drag little children. She barely touched her baby and had small daughter carry the boy, who was almost as big as she! She is not much of a mother, it is shameful.

Funny debate and I'm not suprised at all....
Palin often didn't answer the questions because she didn't seem to understand them...

She reminded me of a miss america candidate replying to questions...exept she never spoke about world peace....

Its unbelievable that such an ordinary person could eventually be elected vice-president of the greatest power on earth...

At least she can see Russia from her home state...

Actually its quite scary....

Its unbelievable that Palin is actually a vice-president candidate....

The worst of it all is that she might actually be elected. After all Bush was....

If she's elected will the capital of the U.S. move to Alaska so Palin can watch over Russia?

Her performance at last nights debate was poor butwith her recent errors it was the most she could expect besides being humiliated. In that regard Biden demonstrated restraint and human compassion....towards Palin who gave the impression she was a contestant for Miss U.S.A...

Too bad it wasn't Biden vs Lieberman as McCain's 1st choice. That might have been interesting

Sarah you're making us women look awful... step it up or consider stepping down

NO, not at all.

First of all Palin was really bad on facts. She does not have a clue of thinsg other than Mc Cain coached her on. She got ot stop saying
" McCain Maverick,...Mac cain Maverick" like thousand times. Sounds like she has a crush on him.

More analyst rollin is biased . He is a moron and probably got money from mccain campaign to give palin 46 points. Please he fell asleep on the point plus buttoin or he is just retarded.

Why all the democrats didn't vote for the Bailout? First The democrats are well known for not sharing the same point of view and NEVER they all have voted 100% for a resolution (at least in my life time), the Republicans on the other hand, share points of views and have given 100% a couple of times in their history.

Second this plan was made by the Bush administration, and we all know how much many democrats dislike him, also the bailout is far from perfect, the damn thing had 3 pages when Bush summit ed it to the congress 3 PAGES!!!, after much deliberation and Democrats/Republicans complaining the Bailout ended with +100 pages, yet for many democrats it was not perfect and thus needed more changes, the republicans on the other hand oppose the core point of the Bailout (tax money) so even after the Bailout was fixed (not perfect, but much better than what Bush wanted) they still opposed it.

You want a resolution that works? Let the Democrats do it.

About the Candidates, this is what I think:

McCain: Has experience on his side, but with each day that passes, it becomes clear that he is not the man for this job, I mean after picking a person like Palin, JUST for political reasons and to catch attention (and god she attracts attention), he lost me... and he should have lost anyone with common sense.

Obama: a guy with ZERO experience that talks sweet, just like a pop singer, however, at least he has indeed demonstrated that he has the Judgment to be president, why? Well he had to pick a VP candidate, many wanted it to be Hilary, but he had the Judgment to not listen to the voice of the herd.

You know the rest of the cliches, he was right about the war in Iraq, he was right about the housing market and the banks and blah blah blah... not the perfect man to be a president, but I am willing to give him the chance (If he fails we can always lynch him).

What the common people wants is not always what we "need"

The VP:

Biden: Part of the Old Washington Politics, but who says that all those Politics are wrong? I mean surely we are in this mess because of them, but everything wasn't bad... I mean Bill Clinton did well and he had those guys as advisors.

YEAH, If you have an idiot in office there is no way he/she can difference "good" advice from "bad" advice.

Palin: She did well in the debate? are you trying to mock my intellect?
The only job she is ready to do is being a waitress, no wait, at least waitress seem to have a brain on their own.

She dodges questions, winks to the camera and says the same things over and over again, and she did well? she was an ANDROID programed to not embarrass herself trying to answer questions with her own believes... I mean after this debate the only thing you can say is that SHE PREFERS TO USE THE WORDS OF OTHERS BEFORE USING HER OWN... and she is a maverick? what a JOKE.

Obama/Biden is an unknown choice for many, I mean their plan is good, but is not detailed enough, but the alternative is a BAD choice... how can you suddenly say that picking the wrong one is better than picking the one you don't know anything about...

Lets say this:

You are in a game show and they ask you this question:

You can pick one of this doors, in the First door there are 5 hungry lions waiting to eat you and even if you manage to avoid them, the room has no exit, so in the end you die.

The second door leads to a dark room and we don't know what is there...

Excuse me but Uncertainty is MUCH BETTER THAT SURE DEAD!!!

Americans please note that this is the most important election in US history.The reason is that the Republican VP is Sarah Palin who is certainly not only unable to be the VP but more important is that she has a good chance of becoming the President as McCaine is 72 yrs old plus history of melanomas.
It would be a disaster not only for US but also for the world if Americans elect McCaine/Palin ticket.
Barack Obama/Joe Biden should be the one to win the election.
They have a better manifesto for the economy and for security not only for US but also for the world.

I THINK BOTH OF THEM DID WELL.
I THINK THE MEDIA GOT IT RIGHT.
PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT OF POLITCAL PHYLOSOPHY.
I THINK PALIN AND BIDEN DID BETTER THAN GUY ON
TOP OF TICKET. I THINK OBAMA AND MCCAIN HAVE SO
MUCH BITTERNESS. THEY NEED TO HOW TO GOVERN
AFTER THEY WIN. THE PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRY ARE
SO POLARIZED AND WHOM EVER WIN, NEED TO FIND WAY
GOVERN EFFECTIVELY AND BRING PEOPLE MORE CLOSE
TOGETHER TO SOLVE OUR SECURITY AND ECONOMY PROBLEM.

Sarah did an excellent job on the debate, she was straight forward and knows what she is talking about.She is here to work for the people,NOT the government! McCain picked a great running mate! She is what the American people need!!!! " WAY TO GO SARAH!"
WE don't need another politician who is going to do just the same old things again, who works for the government and not the people!

Surprised by the debate? Well, YES. I am surprised that a statesman like Senator Biden is having a debate with someone who shouldn't have been on a televised debate in the first place. Why would Biden make time for an encounter with such a silly person? He should be spending his time in consultation with other world shaping figures who are trying to sort out this current mess in our world.

Surprised? YES. I am surprised that one woman could set back women's equality agenda 40 years in a single stroke. It's like watching a Lucile Ball sitcom. At least Lucy was ACTING. And we all, indeed, do love Lucy in part because she unmasked what is silly through humor. In contrast, Gov. Palin masks incomprehension behind a mask of bellicose toughness. Pit bull indeed. What a totally off-putting image for a person running for public office in a world that needs to work in concert to solve some very challenging problems.

I'm sure that Ms Palin has her redeeming qualities; but this is not about her. It is about all of us. She reminds me of the candidates for high school government that we used to hear say things like "I'll be tough with the school administration' cuz I'm a wrestler and also I play football and I can hit 'em hard... and also I'll get us a candy machine in the senior lounge. Vote for me. I'm tough. The school will soon see it MY way."

I will say this for her though: she sure can read and talk fast. Can she think that fast? I would have liked to have been surprised about that.

Subject: Change, Chicago Style

This is an interesting article.

Is this the change you were looking for

CHANGE; CHICAGO STYLE

Body count. In the last six months 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago, 221 killed in Iraq.

The leadership in Illinois is all Democrats:

Sens. Barack Obama & Dick Durbin,
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.,
Gov. Rod Blogojevich,
House leader Mike Madigan,
Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike),
Mayor Richard M. Daley (son of former Mayor Richard J. Daley)

Chicago is a combat zone. Of course they're all blaming each other.

Can't blame Republicans, there aren't any!

State pension fund $44 Billion in debt, worst in country. Cook County (Chicago) sales tax 10.25% highest in country. (Look'em up if you want). Chicago school system one of the worst in country.

This is the political culture that Obama comes from in Illinois.

And he's gonna 'change' us?

For ian john, the terrorists want us to elect Obama so of course they are laughing, laughing while planning their next attack. All Obama spouts is change, change, change. Socialism will be change, re-distribution of wealth will be change, and another attack on our country will be change.

Sarah and John all the way. Sarah really is a free spirit who will decide in OUR best interests .... not her own pocket. Hopefully she will soon be President Palin

Lou Ann Steepy: Your coments and statistics are the very best and main reasons I cannot vote for Obama. How could anything good come out of that???

Palin did better than i expected but still don't believe she is ready for the VP job. She still avoids answering important questions. Palin looked as if she was reading a back drop or focusing really hard to remeber her answers. I was really impressed with Biden. He and Obama are the perfect ticket. These next weeks are going to be very interesting.

Has anyone heard or seen the video of the new baby daddy for Bristol? He's a young black guy and he has a u-tube video saying he's the father. He's very convincing.

Sarah Palin is the biggest political ploy ever played. The whole situation would be laughable if not so damn serious not only to the U.S.A. but the rest of the world. Her performance last night was gutsy in light of the odds against her but substance is what was blatantly lacking. As far as U.S. political debates are concerned, take a look at the other democratic countries in the world and see what a real debate is all about . There was one going on to the north of you in the same time slot last night ,way more exciting than the bland repetetive utterances to the south.

Joe Biden, is experience personified, I think he has what it takes to be the president of the united states

Thank heaven for small mercies. We don't get all the campaign advertising on CNN-I. I remember saturation campaign adverts (from some campaigns, in Colorado). It made tv insufferable!

Wow. If 'doing well' is defined as not being a 'car-wreck', the bar has reached a new high in being set low!

But, Amy Holmes, it has changed votes! Read some of the other blogs. Several Republicans stated that they are 'very uncomfortable' with having someone as obviously clueless as Sarah Palin, as Vice-President. Godforbid something should happen to John McCain, but realistic Republicans are giving this a second look.

I can't understand why the media keeps declaring that Palin held her own and did a great job in this debate. It was obvious that she was continuously spouting rhetoric, and not answering questions. Also the tactic of trying to portray herself as a down-home, middle America gal came off as bogus and annoying. Anyone who can say they were swayed to the Republican side by this debate must have a thing for "mavericks". I think everyone was just glad that Joe Biden didn't make her cry.

I'm not surprised at all !! Just because Sarah Palin performed better than expected – doesn't make her qualified to a VP, let alone being a heart-beat away from Presidency.

This country made collosal mistakes in the last two elections. If we make similar mistakes again this November; then we deserve to suffer.

I'm so amazed that even the most experienced political analysts missed (and at I have not heard them talk about) the critical mis-statements or obvious show of "lack of knowledge or awareness" on the part of Sarah Palin. e.g. "Talibani" are helping us fight the war against terror !! Taliban is our enemy !!

I really truly wish that McCain would've picked up some other VP candidate.

I think what many people fail to quantify is the millions of women Palin has impressed , in the middle class, whom are not being polled...Palin is now going to draw impressive crowds wherever she goes, she is far more of an assett to McCain then media analysts will admit...

The media tends to represent urban america, and just as the media and polls overestimated Kerry the same is probably happening with Obama...

There is an element of niavety at play here around the Biden/Obama tech speak approach – it play well in the news media but does not generate votes in the battle ground states in middle America where Palin's approach is far more effective...

I'm not only surprised, I'm shocked at how many people actually take her seriously! It's like watching & listening to a robot... spouting off the obviously memorized & practiced soundbites, one liners, facial
expressions & folksy talk that her Republican handlers have drilled into her. She reminds me of someone singing a memorized foreign song when they don't speak the language! Her refusal to answer questions she either can't or won't answer stinks of the same Republican arrogance we witnessed throughout the early years of the Bush Administration. When I think of how elder McCain (McSame) has put our country into the position of possible having this empty, shallow, small time, small town, unread, unlearned, UNQUALIFIED sleazy, phony politician (Palin) only one heartbeat from the Presidency & her finger on our nuclear button, We've all got to question both McCain's values & his judgment. He's lost my vote!!

I cannot believe Barrack Obama when he says that will not raise our taxes. He is making a lot of campaign promises that is going to cost us, the tax payer or is he just buying votes?
Can someone please tell me why Obama has not been fully investigated, on how he required his own sweet deal for his own home and land at was well below fair market price?
What connections does Obama have with voters’ fraud and Acorn?
Why is he trying to place blame on the Bush last eight years when he himself has had two years to help change it and did nothing?

Palin is a dynamic speaker. She sure can memorize and deliver
a speech, However, it's obvious that she doesn;t understand the issues. She's way out of her league.
I pray that the American people are smart enough to send her back to Alaska, She's a figurehead for McCain. He's a showman and not a maverick. He's using her and she's too myopic to notice.

I seriously question all the media that proclaimed Palin the winner. I am truly shocked and disgusted. Moreover, I think that it is ignorant to think that the "simple" talk that Palin used to speak directly to average Americans is a good thing(as proclaimed by media and Republican congressional members). It is an insult to intelligence, and frankly, why would Americans want someone as smart as they are? I for one would like a genius as president/vp. Please America, do not force me to escape to canada.

Observing from outside the US, it is amazing to see what the general public focuses on, particularly when the economic walls are caving in.

In my opinion, it was evident from the debate that there was a fundamental difference betweent the two candidates. One is a very experienced, passionate and respected candidate, while the other is passionate I believe for the wrong reasons, and clearly lacks knowledge and is only popular because the media has focused in on the new kid on the block.

What Palin lacks in substance and knowledge, she makes up for in entertainment with her rehearsed sacarstic answers. Does she understand what she is saying? of course not. People from other countries have more knowledge on the US foregn affairs policy and what has taken place in Washington over the last 20 years than Palin would ever begin to obtain and even understand even if the Republican party wins this election.

Her prepping over the last three days prior to the debate just demonstrates how well she could cram for exams, i.e., only in theory and doest grasp the practical everyday issues that support the theories.

The fact that the general media was also focused in on how Biden would be perceived if he went for the attack and how it would make him look chauvanistic and a bully, was an unfair pressure to him as an experienced politician to restrain himself. But he did it very professionally and showed nothing but respect for Palin, which by the way, was not so forthcoming from her.

It is very frightening to think that the American public would even consider voting for the Repubican party, based purely on the entry of Palin. Admttedly, she is great entertainment for TV, but that is where her policies (lack of) begins and ends. It is hoped that she is tolerated and the sad fact is that the media is captilising on the frenzy she is causing and it is doing their ratings a favour which brings in more viewers, therefore good for their balance sheet and bottom line.

To think that Americans would rather put McCain/Palin in the White House than put a 'black man' only reflects the populus 'red neck' thinking of America. Is it really the most advanced and democratic country in the world?? To be honest, America is showing its true colours.

Before the world, their economy is crashing with repercussions to the rest of the world. Some are saying the 'chickens have come home to roost' for America, the end of captilism as we know it. Yet still, instead of endeavouring to show the world that they are an intelligent and fair nation in their politics, it only shows why they got in the mess in the first place with even considering of putting McCain/Palin to run their 'great country'.

Hell, you have Arnold as governor in California. You have also, hollywood, with some of the richest people in the world, where are these affluent and influential movie stars, to help bail out their own economy with ridiculous money they earned from main street American and the rest of the world. It is suc a contradiction in terms.

Where are the CEO's who with the encuoragement of government (by lack of regulatins) brought the world economy down? ysThey went hat in hand to the Federal Treasury to be bailed out and hiding behind the tails of Paulson and Bernake like little mischievious boys who purposely created all this mess out of personal greed. They should be named, shamed and publicly fired. H. Paulson was one of them 2 years ago.

To think that Obama's race is criteria, is not shocking when it comes to Americans. It leaves one to wonder if Palin was a Black woman, would she be so popular. Obama would have been way ahead in the polls by now. It just goes to show how fickle and shallow the general american public really is.

Of course there are some very good people there in America. But the general concensus is that America with all of its progress, 'the most powerful country in the world' is yet to come out of the dark ages.

The so-called American dream is a materialistic dream that is why Americans are in the position they are in today. Land of hope and glory, more like Land of hopelessness and gory outcomes.

A view from a very concerned citizen of the world

Thank God for Tina Fey. Palin is so unqualified that it would be a bleak prospect of more clueless Palin rhetoric for the next few weeks, more 'she didn't drool, so she won' hype....SNL has hit a home run with the last three weeks shows.

Betty

You acted like Fox was not going to say Palin won the debate regardless! If Palin ran of the stage crying they would blame Biden for being sexist or a bully.

You should wake up! Fox new is not fair and balanced. It is a part of the republican spin machine. Just like MSNBC with Rachel Maddow and Keith Obermann are obvious democrat/liberal leaning commentators.

I'm an independent who is sick and tired of incurious people who fall for the bullsh*t.

No party is always right all the time so stop defending one all the time!

You only need to be blind to see the difference on last night debate, based on experience and on education with the Vp's. It’s sad how the standard have been lowered because of a woman, I am all for a woman to be in power, but not for the wrong reasons. Palin, needs to stop pretending that she knows the issues this country is facing, she does not know the problems of a big city how can she know the problems of our entire country. I hate to place my vote on someone who does not understand the diversity of the world and the past of our culture in order understand our future. We are not all from Alaska and the problems of about 670,000 people are not the same problems of the population of 300 Million people; furthermore Russia it’s not the only country besides the United States and that is not the country we are having problems with. Multitasking is a gift, and Paling does not even have that, taking care of five kids at home and one with special needs requires special kind of person and I think she is, but dealing with that and the with a country that is at war...can be rather complicated, adding lack of knowledge of it, can be a catastrophic.

The world has to be laughing at us. I just can not grasp why the public, and especially the Repbulican party, have such disregard for intelligence, education and statemanship. I certainly want our head of state to be the best and the brightest. That i certainly not what we see is Ms. Palin. She sets the bar low for herself and her children, but does not realize it.

Sarah Palin showed her true colors yesterday when she "slimed" Obama with her "pal around with terrorists" remark. Outrageous!
How in the world did she get to be a governor?? There must be very few choices up there in Alaska. I guess a wink and bedroom baby-talk will get you anything in Alaska.
John McCain's handle is not "Maverick" anymore, it's been "Two-Face McCain" since he's been in Washington. People, he is World War III in a suit! With a world-wide economic crisis and John McCain's penchant to bomb first, and ask questions later, as President, we will be in World War III within 12 months!
Hannity, from Fox News, it's official, you're a Nazi, Congratulations! – Hermann

My honest obervation was–and this is to be taken generally, not universally–that intelligent people would call the debate a win for Biden, and unintelligent people would call it a win for Palin. He out debated her, yet she furthered the disturbing current trend in seeing feminism as "pit-bull" ism, and we all know the average intelligence level of the typical class bully. She does, as Bill Maher has so eloquently stated, captivate all the morons.

Hello to all of our International Friends on this blog. It's great! You all have shown more sincere concern for us than John McCain or Sarah Palin has. Their retoric sounds shallow and self-serving, doesn't it? I'm embarrassed about John McCain's pick for VP too, but you all need to understand the Republican psyche.
The largest pot of money in the world is the United States Treasury. All of them want to tap into that huge pot of money and they will pull every cleaver method they can conceive of to get into it. Many Republicans got their wealth from the government. Ross Perot is a famous one. First, they need a republican president in office. This makes getting at the treasury much easier. If you can legislate your way into the treasury then, it's not robbery. And, Republicans get very rich during wartime. Defense contracting is the most lucritive way of getting at the treasury.
John McCain said we would be in Iraq for a hundred years, so gonna be some very rich republicans out there. Dick Cheney's Haliburton got the most money from the treasury for their contracts in Iraq, billions!. If John McCain keeps us in Iraq for a hundred years, Republicans are gonna be rich for years to come, so ELECT REPUBLICANS!!!
Now, seems some cleaver bankers are making a run on the treasury for $700 billion dollars. They will be the ones receiving this money. It is a pretty corrupt group. They are not concerned with the rest of the country, every one of them are stepping over bodies to get at the treasury. Now, you know why all this seems illogical.

Are you kidding? Why would anyone in their right minds want to vote for this despicable duo! The GOP ticket is bereft of any ideas, cannot do any good. All they will do is drag this country (and the world) down further into the abyss. Bush and his cronies have managed to inflict enough harm to this economy..... this is cascading into other economies as well. McCain and Palin would certainly ensure that our country will become a third world nation in their first term. So much for the Republicans and their "less government", lassez faire and "tax cut" regimes. Surely they have mortgaged the future of America. The national debt as of date stands at some $ 11 Trillion. Hope this is not sub-prime :). Its high time we sent these swift boaters away to where they truly belong. Oblivion!

If we go by "Ghostbuster's" rules: Palin, when you "slime" somebody, it makes YOU the "slimeball"!

Reuters is reporting this morning that Obama only has a 3-point "national" lead so John McCain's job in the debate tonight is to say something that will plummet him ahead of Obama that voters will have fresh on their mind when they go to the poles. It will be racial. John McCain will say something in the debate, even if it is a lie, if it sticks, and puts fear in the minds of all the WHITE voters that are now planning to vote for Obama to cause them to not risk voting for a black man, John McCain and Sarah Palin will be laughing all the way to the White House. Fortunately, Barack Obama and his white supporters do not see him as a black, rather, just American.

I do not know who I will vote for yet, but Palin is more grown up acting than Biden. Biden and Obama act like children and McCain and Palin have thrown trash as well, but they at least stick to the questions and answers for the most. Obama and Biden sling trash all the time and side step. I say turn the trash talk into some real serious answering of questions or we need to trash all of them and start over. Now that would make history!!