No Harm, No Foul | The VP Debate

The Vice Presidential Debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin was the most anticipated political event of the season. All eyes were glued on Palin as she spoke – anticipating a blunder or a gaff. Sadly, for democrats, she delivered neither.

If you expected the Alaska Governor to ramble on incoherently as she did during the Katie Couric interviews, think again. Palin didn’t win her state’s election on looks and charm – well maybe a little on her small town charm. Rather, like George Bush who “won” his first term as President, she won because she has the ability to connect with the “Joe six pack” voters who overwhelming populate Alaska. However, times are vastly different then they were in 2000 and voters are probably not going to cast a vote on the grounds of likeability this time around – the stakes are too high.

All polls are saying that Biden won the debate and Palin did better than expected. In other words, she neither hurt nor helped McCain’s chances to win – no harm, no foul. However, Sen. John McCain won’t admit defeat of his wilting Ace-in-the hole as he told Fox News, “You know, I almost felt a little sorry last night for my old friend Joe Biden.” According to CBS News Knowledge Network Poll, 46 percent of undecided voters thought Biden won and only 21 percent thought Palin won. The CNN poll has an even larger winning margin of 51 to 36 in favor of the Democrat.

Why did voters choose Biden as victorious? It came down to the issues – as it should – and which one of the two had a clearer grasp on them. While Palin won in the “likeability” poll, she lost on offering anything of substance. For the most part, she stuck with the talking points that had been drilled into her at McCain’s ranch in preparation for her big night. Biden too stuck to his talking points, but did so in a way that it didn’t seem rehearsed – he actually sounded like he knew what he was talking about. Sen. Biden never once, during the course of the 90 minutes, attacked Palin’s record or criticized her policies. It was as if she didn’t matter as he instead focused on Sen. McCain’s record and policies – probably the best strategy to take.

Following the debate, pundits were quick to say that Palin did better than expected, but is not ready for the job. Carl Bernstein, co-author of All the President’s Men and political analyst for CNN, said that Palin would be a fine Secretary of the Interior, but doesn’t have the knowledge to be second in command. He went on to say that this says a lot about the judgment of Sen. McCain.

In the end, the Vice Presidential debate probably won't have much affect on electoral map. If nothing else, voters got a glimpse of who would take the reigns if anything happens to McCain while in office and this time they have decided we need more than a talking head.

Tony Engelhart is a featured writer for Xomba.com. Read the rest of his work here .