VP Debate - Kinda Fun!

Well, it wasn't the train wreck that many had expected it to be (including me). Palin did herself and her party proud tonight. She was solid. She never got too ruffled. She didn't commit any major gaffes (that was reserved for Biden's "Bosniacs") and didn't misstate any facts, at least none that would be considered overtly egregious in the greater political atmosphere of the day. She wouldn't always answer the question posed to her, and often sidestepped a response in order to move to a comment that she was confident in stating, but she usually transitioned fairly gracefully. She's quick on her feet, and that helped her many times tonight. Of course, those ardent Democratic supporters were probably pulling their hair out the whole time noting her avoidance of certain questions and topics, but I would say that is exactly why McCain picked her - to drive the Democrats crazy.

For his part, Biden did fine. He was extremely knowledgeable about everything thrown his way; like McCain, he's been around the Beltway block a few times. I thought he could have gotten away with being a little more aggressive in confronting some of Palin's statements, but for whatever reason he never really challenged her directly. He certainly won the Moment of the Night when he briefly got choked up talking about losing his wife and having two injured young sons. He simply came across as a good, decent fellow, and one who has served in Washington with distinction. Obama's choice of running mate was definitely justified.

They were both coached well in every way, and played to their strengths: Biden's overall experience to Palin's maverick, middle class, Alaska outsider perspective. One added plus for her: Regardless of what happens on November 4th, this isn't the last we'll see of Sarah Palin. All in all, the debate itself was fairly even, but undoubtedly the newsmaker of the night was the hockey mom herself.