Around The Horn On The Veep Debate

Who won the debate? NY Times:

Senator Biden did well, avoiding one of his own infamous gaffes, while showing a clear grasp of the big picture and the details. He left Ms. Palin way behind on most issues, especially foreign policy and national security, where she just seemed lost. It was in those moments that her lack of experience — two terms as mayor of a tiny Anchorage suburb and less than two years as governor — was most painfully evident.

Washington Post:

Mr. Biden, a far better-known quantity and a more experienced debater, did well in part by not messing up: He did not say anything that the McCain-Palin campaign could seize on as sexist or dismissive. Instead, Mr. Biden seemed determined not to engage with Ms. Palin but with her running mate; he was sharpest at the end as he ticked off the ways in which Mr. McCain was not a maverick but was tied to the positions of the Bush administration. Last night's debate was no train wreck for either ticket, but it left one hoping that the remaining two presidential encounters will be more illuminating on the issues.

LA Times:

In the end, Biden left voters with a more constructive vision of the government and a more compelling case for how it has failed the nation under President Bush. Palin stumbled around the question of how much to embrace and how much to reject that failed administration. She insisted that she's part of a "team of mavericks," but said little about what that team would do. It was not a reassuring night. Thankfully, the presidential candidates return to the stage next week.

Chicago Tribune:

Bottom line: We were heartened to see a respectful discussion. Biden was in his comfort zone. He was more direct. He's been where the action is. Palin clearly has not. He had the depth; she had the empathy. But she did not provide more confidence that she would be ready to step into the most demanding job in the world at a moment's notice.

Boston Globe:

Palin has shown some comfort in scripted settings and in last night's well-structured debate. She has yet to show voters she can deal with unexpected problems and less-than-friendly questions. Since McCain chose Palin five weeks ago, she has not held a single press conference. Last night's debate offered Palin a chance to put to rest some fundamental questions about her readiness to be vice president. And she failed to do so.

Not real good for the Sarah, looks like 4 Biden wins and 1 tie.