Far more interesting debate than last week's, and more interesting than the last couple of VP debates.
Biden did quite well. He avoided gaffing and did not come across as a bully or condescending. He took many shots at McCain--which is what he's supposed to do--that Palin let slide, probably because she doesn't possess his encyclopedic knowledge of the last 35 years of federal law. He did come across as a little wonkish, which I don't think appeals to the common man.
By now this is cliche, but Palin easily exceeded all expectations. She was relaxed, a little funny, and very comfortable. She made good points on the topics, particularly on energy, and held her own on foreign policy. She even pushed back on Joe a little.
In the end I think Palin did more for her ticket than Biden did for his. That's probably a result of the media and pundit criticism she's taken the last couple of weeks (no one pays attention to Biden except his gaffes). Typically I'd say no one really votes for VP anyway, but this may be an exception year because so many conservatives (including me) dislike McCain. Those who questioned Palin after the Couric interviews may now come back into the fold.
Did she sway undecideds? Frank Luntz certainly thought so. We'll see if the polls show anything.
All in all, a pretty entertaining debate. I expect the next two to be as dull as the first.
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