The one we have been waiting for took place Thursday night. Biden vs. Palin. The blowhard vs. the lightweight, the senior senator vs. the reform governor, Mars vs. Venus. Apparently 70 million of us tuned in for the show.
In the end it was a solid performance for both. Palin showed what those of us who support her believe: she is smart, in touch and has lived a life more like most of ours than the three Senators.
It took awhile, but Biden actually displayed a touch of humanity. He choked up when talking about his family and the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. For a moment there was a real person there, it is a shame that so many decades in Washington layer over that.
Biden clearly had his technical issues down. Palin stuck to her themes. I am not sure Biden's explaining the nuances of a Senate procedural vote was particularly riveting for the viewers and Palin was effective with her "you voted for it before you were against it" retort.
It would have been interesting however, if at about an hour in, Palin had been told she could not steer her answer to any question into energy policy. Also, at about 45 minutes into the debate I would have liked it if she had been told she had used her quota of the word "maverick" and would have points deducted if she did it again.
Biden seemed to forget at times that he was actually running for Vice President and only mentioned his running mate's name, the guy who would be President, offhandedly. I kept waiting for him to say "I and whats-his-name will..."
Both running mates demonstrated how they shore up their partner's weaknesses. Biden demonstrated substance and experience, something Obama is a little thin on. Palin showed charisma and charm, things McCain is short on.
Neither candidate did any damage to their campaigns. Palin probably helped by exceeding expectations and Biden at least maintained status quo. The debate was not a train wreck but also not truly memorable as a discussion of public policy. Then again, when it comes to public policy, are Vice Presidents ever truly memorable?
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