I think she thinks she is, and maybe she'll make it through the debate just fine. BUT, so far her "performance" amounts to a handful of campaign crafted zingers, and hype over lipstick. I don't think as many women relate to her as many people might think.

We'll see how "debate school" pays off when you're Sarah Palin

in a word. No

To the world’s dismay, the “bar” for our leadership standards has been lowered.

We have all seen enough of this. We simply cannot afford to continue on the same path.

Another disgusted X McCain supporter

Vote – Obama

If Americans have not already understood that Palin is not qualified for any position of responsibility than there is little hope for our country in this new century, regardless of who becomes president.

I think this debate is going to be real interesting. I think we're going to see Palin staying short and sweet to start, but as it goes on Biden will pick up the pace a little bit and Palin will try to rebuttal.

I think Palin needs to start doing some things on her own and drift a little from her advisers. I think her advisers are starting to hurt her and drag her down, mostly with her self confidence in her pubic speaking. She's trying to hard to say the right things, when she should just say what comes to mind.

I cannot wait for Sarah Palin's true colors to come out and people have a chance to take off their political beer goggles.

The expectations are so low that Sarah Palin has no where to go but up. Her performance in the Katie Couric interview series will likely prove to be the low point of her candidacy. As you said, Americans love an underdog and she will turn things around. At the same time, however, we cannot forget that she is not prepared or qualified to hold the second highest elected office in the country. Her inability to address foriegn policy and domestic issues, combined with questions of a general nature posed to give us an insight into what brings her to the positions she has taken, demonstrates a total lack of readiness for high public office. We have too much as stake in this election to put her first in line to the presidency.

Palin has demonstrated that she is not ready for prime time. Her grasp of the issues is slim to non-existent at best and the fact that she could be one 72-year old heartbeat away from the presidency just scares the heck out of me. If she were to become president she will make Bush look like a genius!

Ready for prime time? Perhaps, but so is Bart Simpson...

Ready for the White House? No way.

I think she'll hold her own in the debate tonight, and it will make for good TV but as far as changing minds and convincing "undecideds", highly doubtful.

Ms. Palin has not had the tenured experience needed to step into the presidential office in the event of Mr. McCain's demise. She may be an expert debater, but that hasn't been reflected in her previous interviews. I would be seriously concerned if we found our nation being led by her. Thank you for an opportunity to express my feelings.

Does not relly matter if she does well. The right media will spin it that there is a conspiracy against her and that the moderator as she has a book deal would benefit if Obama is in power. Did they ever thing that the book would sell well if he is defeated and as all indications point if he is good portion will be due to racial intolerance

I'm voting for sarah Palin because she's just like me! Someone who wants complete power, someone who wants to run other people's lives, someone who knows how to lie or manipulate her way out of any argument, someone who will never EVER take responsibility for her own failings, someone who is proud of her lack of education (meanness trumps intelligence every time), and someone who knows they'll be rescued from any damage they may inflict upon themselves (and others) when the world comes crashing down around her. Yup – Sarah's my gal!

Laurie .... LOL .... You Go Girl ! ....... LOL

Sarah is more than ready! She has defeated her opponents in debates and elections. Unlike some who just try to get their opponents kicked off the ballot for technicalities like Obama did. She'll be fine.

Cindy...Ga.

I feel like Palin is the winner of bad MTV reality show, “so you want to be the next VP?" – Not too dissimilar from the MTV reality show, “Next Elle Woods.” The world is now watching the unqualified winner of that show run for the real VP position. She has very little knowledge of world economics, policies, etcetera. I truly can't believe that citizens are seriously considering her worthy of being the next VP and perhaps the next president of the US. Has George Bush set the bar that low? This joke has gotten out of control.

No matter what you do tonight Sarah, the media will tear you apart! Just know that this girl is behind you!

McCain and Palin.

Sarah Palin seems to have re-invigorated the discussion of fundamental values and integrity in privateand public service. With all the talk of plans and bills to remedy the financial crisis, this is the bottom line of the problem. A tremendous lack of honesty both in government, in the media and in the private sector. I hope the debate will help us to see which candidate can actually see to the central problem that we face, a lack of accountability that is beyond politics. As a 40 year old Roman Catholic woman, I will not be voting for the only catholic on the ticket, because he is extreme in his views and has not seen that no country can speak about law, values and integrity without accepting and acknowleging the humanity of all human beings born and unborn. It is troublesome that I agree with him on other issues, yet he and others miss the forest for the trees.

Isn't it SAD that everybody is coaching Joe Biden to dumb it down for Palin and to be careful of her?

There is an increasingly long list of things he SHOULDN'T do–lest he hurt the poor thing's feelings, or expose how abysmally ignorant she is, or be seen as sexist...

How can it be that we have devolved to such a place that we are now advising a very competent man to avoid treating his opponent as an equal, to shy away from showing his very capable ability to debate–in favor of sparing the exposure that would result if he dealt with Palin like any other politician who claims to be running for office?

It would be funny if the stakes were not so high. The world is a very scary place and we need people who are knowledgeable, smart, and can delve deeply into complex issues. To think that Palin could, should something happen to a President McCain, have her finger on the button of our nuclear arsenal. That makes me truly afraid for the safety of my beautiful grandchildren. I also blame a lot of this on the media, which typically focus on the trivial and stylistic elements of the campaign rather than on substance.

God bless America if they're rooting for Palin as the underdog. I'm sure Matthew Scully has been working overtime to write cute quips for Palin that are designed to distract from her already proven ignorance on any issue of substance in this campaign. Her forte is supposed to be energy and yet she can't even accurately quote the percentage of Alaska's contribution of gas and oil.
Personally I'll be tracking how many times she says "yup", "yeah", drops consonants on word endings, launches into more inarticulate gibberish of mashed Republican talking points, and evades answering questions.

As a 54 year old female professional, I am so very disappointed that Sarah Palin does not appear to be held to the same standard for a VP candidate as has been in place for over 200 years - the VP candidate must be ready to assume the presidency of the United States. Gov. Palin cannot answer questions from the U.S. Press, and blames eastern elitists. How would she ever negotiate with foreign powers? I am from a small village – and I can see with my own eyes that the questions posed are reasonable. My 16 year old daughter could answer better!

It is shameful that the GOP and Sen McCain are so ready to lower the bar. That sets back so many of women's accomplishments over the last 25 years. After GWB, how can this nation lower the bar any further. So much for Country First McCain.

I would be ashamed to have Sarah Palin representing women in the white house. This woman can't even articulate her own points let alone debate. God forbid she actually had to step up to president...we'd have some serious problems.

As a 38 year old African-American female professional and I am sickened by the lack of basic understanding Gov. Palin has shown in her recent interviews. After watching her interview with Katie Couric I was sick on my stomach to think she could be running this country one day. The GOP has thrown her into the deep end of the pool and hope that she floats. Unfortunately, she needs to do more than float, she needs to be a world class swimmer and right now she has only shown us that she can dog paddle – and she isn't doing that well.

Its a sad day in American politics when VP debates have to be dumb down to accommodate a candidate. She is really making George W. Bush look intellectual and I didn't think that was possible.

As a professional 58 year old female, I am totally embarrassed by Gov. Palin, and as a former life-long Republican, I am totally disgusted by McCain's pick of Palin based on nothing more than his inaccurate assumption that women voters in American are idiots unable to see what he was trying to do.

The Obama/Biden ticket is my ticket, and the Democrat Party is my new party affiliation. Trust me on this, I am not alone – and McCain has no one to blame but himself.

She doesnt know how to set priorities. I always wanted to be a professional musician....but I had a child. She came first....
Everything I did in my life was for her best interest. Your kids are the only real legacy you leave behind. If you choose to have children, then you should stand up for the responsibility. I could see someone with one child in the VP or Presidential slot, but not five....I dont care what her qualifications are....she has prior responsibilities that should be priority one.

Fundamentally, Palin is out of her element – I'm embarassed for her. I also think it's been grossly understated how the media in this circumstance has 'helped the American people'. Palin's interviews on general government issues are very telling to her lack of both knowledge and honesty. As a voter, I consider her evasive personality and see-thru embellishing remarks as laughable. The saddest part of the whole thing is that in her mind she thinks people are snowed by her whimsical stylings. Maybe she has concluded that we're all on the same intelluctual level – a terrible assumption.

Wow – some serious "Palin hate" out there. I may not agree with Biden, but I certainly don't "hate" him or "fear" him. Some of you out there have got to take a chill pill.

I am far more interested in how someone "thinks" than I am in what they "know". Facts can always be learned. I want to know how a person processes information...from what moral ground do they come from...what questions do they ask...how do they make decisions. Those traits are much more important to me in seeking a leader than anything else.

Obama says he wants change. Yet he brings in a Washington insider who is one of the people he says are the problem. ???? See the numbers after the debate. Biden may just get beat up by a girl. Of the 4 she's the only one with experience as a Chief Executive. She's also the only one with experience as a Commander-In-Chief. She is responsable for the Alaska National Guard and the Alaske Air Guard which works with NORAD watching for Russian air activity such as intruding aircraft and incoming missles. NORAD is a combined effort of both The United States Air Force and The Canadian Royal Air Force. If you don't agree with her positions at least respect her experience over the other 3.Combine that with things folks have said for decades they want. Breaking the glass ceiling for women, someone who can relate to the middle class and someone who isn't a Washington insider. Granted she has some weak spots but she also has strong points none of the others have.

You know...you can still like Hillary and also like Obama. No matter what the circumstances, Obama is the one on the Dem. Ticket. If you like Hillary you should vote Obama. Do you think Hillary would get a Presidential Appointment in a Republican administration?

As a lifelong Republican. I am totally disgusted with my party. To pick this person as a VP candidate is totally absurd. She has absolutely no idea of whats going on in the world, and has the audacity to blame the media for her ignorance. McCain could have picked a much more qualified person, Kay Bailey Hutchison for one, but he decided to show the american pubic his judgement skills, or lack there of.

I think Joe Biden if he actually debates properly will expose her for what she is, someone that is ignorant of the issues of today and also at the same time expose John McCain's judgement.

Anderson Cooper: As a small business owner of a 100% international business (100 % export) for 28 years I strongly oppose and expressly regret the Senate affirmative vote. I have had 3 years where I could have used a bailout because foreign customers refused to pay invoices. The banks refused to loan me replacement capital. US govt export insurance was not made available. I had to give up salary and reduce employees but I SURVIVED WITHOUT ANY GOVERNMENT BAILOUT. Shame on the Senate and I presume the House on Friday, It does not take much courage to vote when you don't meet a payroll. Those responsible, Wall Street and the US Congress, should pay. How about Congress refusing compensation for 3 years. I DID AND SURVIVED. Congress just doesn't get it.

"The American people are smart and it takes them a while to make up their mind. But the verdict on Sarah Palin is increasingly unkind."

They really get unkind when they realize that you are trying to pull a fast one on them. There is no reasonable explanation as to why McCain chose her except for political reasons. He was shaky with the conservative base because of his years of bucking Republican leadership and weak with Christian conservatives. He doesn't poll well with women and there are concerns about his age. So he picked a candidate for VP who offsets all these issues, whether or not she's qualified for the position.

The verdict on Palin is increasingly kind because it is becoming more and more evident that the choice of her as running mate is a complete contradiction of the whole 'Country First' ethos that McCain's been trying to ram down the throats of the American voters.

Voting for Sarah because she is just like us is a totally in sane. Yes she might be like me, Im a soccer mom.
But I dont want to be responsible for all the mem women and children in this country. She can barely be responsible for her own family, How is she to take care of this country. This is a sad state of affairs when being a hockey mom qualifies you to be VP.
Donna

I hardly think Sarah would even make a good guide for a moose hunting expediation. She comes across like Daryl, Daryl and Darly only with a bigger mouth. The AMERICAN PEOPLE better waken up ,this could be a real diaster.

You people crack me up. Biden is a horrible VP pick and will be an even worse president. I don't care what you think about Obama, McCain, or Palin. Biden bites regardless. He's got no track record of helping the American people. Go find the things he's done while in the Senate. Find me some examples of how he's going to help the middle class man. Biden will lie right to your face while smiling. Don't count out Palin. She's at least legitimate middle class America. She's the only candidate not so far removed from society as we the people know it.

Yes, she's ready to set professional women back by 10 years. She's going to come out with her nasty remarks rather than expressing herself like an intelligent woman who has knowledge of the facts.

What's the difference between Palin and Bush..........you guessed it.............lipstick.

Only in a Republican America is a black man who is a Harvard Educated Constitutional Scholar, with 8yrs as State Senator and 4 yrs as US Senator and member of the Foreign Relations Committe deemed not ready to lead yet a white evangelical ultra conservative woman, with 20 mos as Governor of Alaska and a Bachelor of Journalism considered ready on day one.

America first my eye. It's the republican base catering to their constituency of the easily fooled and narrow minded. It's a disgrace that she is even on the ticket.

Somehow being an ex-beauty queen must put Palin in a different category on how she must be handled. Never during the Democratic primary debates was it mentioned that Obama, Biden or any of the other candidates must treat Hillary with kid gloves else be labeled as being sexist. Why? Because Hillary is a strong, competent, knowledgeable person who has a firm grasp of the issues and knows how to communicate them. If the same could be said of Palin this would not even be a part of the discussion.

If Palin were to end up being our president, would all the angry leaders in the world treat her with respect and use careful handling?
I think not! Grow up and take it like any other leader would.

In my mind, Palin's biggest shortcoming insofar as being a serious national player is her complete lack of an underlying political philosophy. Any serious politician has formed one by the time they enter public life, but she seems to have never considered it.

Thus we get someone who has no idea what the VP does, or what the Supreme Court has done, why we're in Iraq, is a pre-emptive position wise, is a blank check to Israel wise or probably any other question of national importance. Conversely, Ronald Reagan did have a well defined political philosophy and questions dealing with tactics or strategy were much easier for him to deal with because he always had a firm understanding of his political underpinnings.

I think it's an absolute shame that the McCain campaign chose such an ignorant woman to be his VP pick. We all knew from the start what it was: a ploy to get all the angry Hillary voters on his side on the basis of gender. The longer this goes on, though, the more we see that Palin is the absolute farthest from Hillary, in regards to personality and drive as well as public policy, that we could ever imagine.

I'm sorry. I'm a white, 23-year-old, woman voter who thinks it is awful that McCain has chosen someone like her not only for those who are upset with Obama's (very well-thought-out and meditated) VP choice, but has chosen someone to represent *me* and *my* ideals, none of which actually do.

What a terrible choice. I hope Biden wipes the floor with her.

Obama/Biden '08 and '12!

It's a shame that Joe will not be able to participate in a real debate.

It is disgraceful that the prevailing notion is that Sen. Biden must "dumb down" his approach to this woman. Have we forgotten that she came out of the gate throwing punches at her national convention? Have we not heard the same tired, arrogant, disrespectful campaign one-liners at every speech she has given since then? What she is doing is the equivalent thumbing her nose, and sticking out her tongue at the opposition, all while hiding behind daddy. She is about to step in the ring with a real opponent and she should be subject to every ounce of pain and embarrassment she has coming.

I think governor palin should go back to alaska and address the crime problem in her state. She has cut the budget there when her state has a huge surplus. Shouldn't alaskans feel safe when they walk the streets? She is a not ready for prime time player.

I hope so, because this is her only chance. I don't know why every one keep comparing Gov. Palin to Sen. Obama. There is no comparion: He is a man a black man at that, She is a woman, a white woman, need I say more.

If she was ready McCain team woiuldhave pushed her on every TV in America, the answer they know what we now know that she is not too good with interviews, but thankfully for her debates are suppose to be easier.

"America loves to root for the underdog." This is true only when Americans don't have anything to loose. The stakes are way too high to root for someone who is constantly proving that she isn't capable of being the VP.

I agree Palin does lack the experience to carry an office as important as the VP. But if we are all going to harp on experience or lack thereof then Obama is just an unqualified for the office of the President. Let's be real, not spiteful and petty....neither one has put in the time it takes to gain the experience needed for these positions. And both have avoided or tapped danced around answering crucial questions.

People – this election is NOT A JOKE!! I am so alarmed this has become nothing more than "we must not offend" Palin – this is a "debate" for the American people to see who is best qualified to be the President of the United States if something, God forbid, should happen to the President. Who, in their right mind, does not want to know exactly what the knowledge and qualifications are of both these candidates – especially on the economy and foreign relations?? We need qualifications of BOTH Palin and Biden – I am going to be furious if as an American citizen all this debate is going to amount to is Palin looking cute and telling how she sunk the good old boys (without ever explaining how) and Biden not being alllowed to ask anything relevant to what every American needs to be hearing!!

This American will NOT be rooting for an underdog! There is no excuse for repeatedly trying to "rose color" the obvious facts about this woman's incompetence. I'm tired of the charade. If the debate only serves to exonerate her because ANY performance is higher than the current low expectation, what has the American public learned? It is a national disgrace that we know more about political strategy than the candidate.

it is a really sad day when a person like Sarah Palin can be dressed up and paraded in front of the American People as a legitimate choice for Vice President. She doesn't even have sense enough to realize when she is in over her head. Instead of politely saying that she does not have the answer or sufficient knowledge to respond to a question, she completely looses track of what she is saying, throwing in a few catch phrases, and looping the same words over and over until you have to just give up because you can't understand what she is saying. And her party leaders keep feeding her the same b/s line, making her belive that she really is up to date on current affairs. Anyone that looked at or read transcripts of her interviews must realize that she is dim-witted at best, and totally clueless at worst. God help the country if the american people blindly follow McCain on this one.

Are you serious? She may be the least qualified candidate for a position of this magnitude in the history of American government! We've already seen what "gut-call" politics has done to our country. I'm PRAYING that Americans are smart enough to not make the same mistake three times in a row.

I don't hate Palin, but she is a good 15 to 20 years away from being well-versed enough to be Vice President. Do you realize that 30% of Vice Presidents eventually become President? God forbid that McCain wins, gets sick, and SHE becomes President? Are you kidding me? She's just got her passport last year for heaven's sake!

You have to KNOW the issues, not just be a pretty face that rattles off nice sound bites for the republican base. Obama now. Palin for 2050!

Mary,
I agree with you that people should not have abortions. I am Catholic and believe that all life is sacred. I am against capital punishment too as is the Vatican . However, I do not believe that my religious views or anybody's religious views should be imposed on everyone else. If a woman is raped, who am I to tell her she MUST carry the child. Rose v Wade is quite specific about abortions and does not always allow them. I like Joe Biden's position on abortion and I am voting Obama/Biden for the sake of our economy.

She was hardly ready to leave Alaska. This is an absolute joke. Why anyone is confident in the McCain ticket anymore is beyond comprehension. This woman is a total trainwreck. "I read em' all Katie"

If our government is made up of so many intelligent, experienced, knowledgeable wonders....WHY are we in such a freakin mess?#! Maybe an "ignorant" " person with some common sense, honesty and integrity, who truly cares about this country and it's people and is willing to learn the "complex issues", would be a breath of fresh air in the stench coming from Washington. Of course, why would such a person come forward...the media...critics and analysts would beat the living daylights out of them.

I'm embarassed for Palin. Everytime I see the Couric or Gibson interview, I cringe. When cornered to give answers to pointed questions, she somehow manages to not answer and starts drifting into lala land. It leaves the average American wondering, "Does she really think she will be able to continue to avoid the issues without any really solutions?" We aren't stupid Sarah! Pony up the dough! Stop with the nonsense answers and give us some substance!

Can someone please tell me when I can see the re-broadcast of the debate tonight? I'm desperate to watch but have a conflict during the live show. I live in Seattle. Thank you very much. Teresa

Ask yourself this one question: If my son or daughter were taking the bar examination, which includes complex questions about the U.S. Constitution, or an economic exam for a PhD at Harvard, so your child land a "sweet" job and then take care of you in your own age, who would you want to tutor your child? Sarah or Joe?

I am a very senior citizen and believe Sarah Palin is less qualified than me for VP and that is scarey, Having been a femnist before it was cool, it is my hope that the women of this country will put politics aside and see that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be the VP of this great country. Her lack of knowledge as indicated by her interviews is so apparent that I am embarassed for her. It is difficult for any party to spin a lack of knowledge IMHO. Her interest in Alaska is obvious and good for her and her state but it does not appear that she has any vested knowledge in the affairs of the world, Our interest in the rest of the world is global and cannot be denied in this era or intense media attention and its ability to scrutinize everything.
By the way in 30 seconds or less, I can tell you what I have read in the last month: What Happened, McClellan, Fleeced, Morris,Eat, Pray, Love, Gilbert, The Nine, Toobin,,and the New York Times daily and I am a light weight reader. If a question on reading material stumps Sarah, that is catostrophic IMO. Hopefully America understand that there is nothing wrong with Palin the person but there is very little about her that qualifies her to have the number 2 spot in our government.

Palin's candidacy is a huge embarrassment for the US on the world stage. McCain has lost all credibility in my mind (and my vote). It was a cynical and stupid move selecting her, and casts doubt on his judgment.

No Palin will not do good ,but I feel sorry for her it is not her fault.
She was picked to get the women's vote, but she is not Hillery. This shows
how much Mccain knows. She is not qualified to step into the office of president . I do like her spirit but that's all that I like about her.
On the other hand Mccain is not going to win anyway.

I am Hoping Praying that Sarah Palin decides to step down from this campain... while she maybe able to handle Alaska... this country needs focused leadership, and we need to get back to what is important to this country. the world is changing day by day... and we are not looked at as the great nation as in the past. our next president needs to focus on the economy and relations with other countries. Mccain only picked her because he thought he could use her to his political gains. Sorry Sarah... you need to take care of your Family first. remember... Pride comes before the Fall... open you eyes... focus on your family... May God Bless...

Sarah Palin might not be an idiot, but she has shown a lack of interest in anything that happens outside of the Alaskan border. How is that we can elect somebody with such a narrow view of the world, in this era of globalization? The reason she is doing so poorly in interviews is because this is the first time she has ever thought of the American economy as a whole, or any foreign policy. Her comments, or lack there of, about the surge 2 years ago, gives us insight in to this as she said she had enough do deal with in Alaska and hasn't thought much about Iraq. Her inability to answer Couric's question of what news source she reads, tells us she is naturally not interested in current affairs. The other part that hasn't been talked about when she answered that question was "Alaska isn't a foreign country, where it's kind of suggested, 'Wow, how could you keep in touch with what the rest of Washington, D.C., may be thinking when you live up there in Alaska?" Does she realize that most foreigners are probably more informed than she is about American financial crisis and American Foreign policy?

Palin doesn't seem to care much about any current or historical events, and McCain has demonstrated that he doesn't care about American security when he selected her as his VP candidate.

I'm a "regular person" from Alaska. Her views are different from just about every single person I know in Anchorage. All of my friends are pro-choice, and non of my friends believe Alaska exists to be a haven for the survivors of the apocolypse. We do love our guns here, but that's about the only similarity. She doesn't connect with me at all.

On the other hand, Gov. Palin can do a fine job of governing a state with roughly half the population of Rhode Island. She needs more than 2 years experience doing things on a much larger scale before trying her hand at the big-time in the national arena.

I'm ashamed of any women that actually support Palin. Todd, I agree with your comment about this being like a bad MTV reality show...as John Stewart said, "it's like the first season of Lost, only MORE confusing!" But seriously, the woman made rape victims pay for their own rape kits – even if you're pro-life and thus anti-abortion, how is that just? Furthermore, the McCain campaign's assumption that the American people are DUMB ENOUGH to not investigate her infuriates me; he hedged his bet, and now it's going to bite him.

I think Sarah Palin is pretty as a lady, but trained to generate a white noise. She talks about nothing, does not understand the subject and not able to address it. This just distracts the public attention from focusing on realities.

Although, she acts as the most politicians at all times: producing noise, ambiguity and disappointments. Do you really want to be led this way?

I watched a little of the Katie Couric interview and it was enough to convince me that Sarah Palin is not qualified to be VP of this country. I have two brothers and a sister in Alaska and had asked one of my brothers for his opinion. He said that while she was a good governor of Alaska that he was scared by the thought of her being so close to the presidency. By the way Sarah, seeing Russia from your window is not having foreing policy experience. I don't care how many times Putin has flown over your airways!!

From what I understand there were plenty of other women that McCain could have picked as a running mate. Women who were far more qualified. That is if he really picked her?! I think she was picked by one of his advisers who saw that college kid's website and hastily made the decision before really looking into what Palin was all about. If she flubbs up which I'm sure she will, what will they do.

Vote for Obama!!!!!!

Sarah Palin is a politician, you know this for sure as she narrowly escapes the tough questions presented to her during interviews. But is she a World Leader? NO! Honestly, Democrats and Republicans, would you want someone at the helm (if needed) that takes any questions on budget and foreign policy and relates it to her experience as "Mayor of Wasilla, AK?" Everyone take a moment and look up Wasilla, if you compare this to any city in any state – it's a postage stamp and she's relating national and international relations with her experience in this postage stamp town? She is not qualified, McCain did this as a political game – just like cancelling his appearance to the debate last week until a bailout was confirmed right? But.....he showed up without a bailout confirmed. McCain would definitely win "Survivor" (outwit, outlast, outplay)but not the presidency.

I dont think she has the vast knowledge of what is going on in these world of politics. She could not mention one news paper for god sake.

I so badly don't want to laugh but with Sarah Palin's last interviews it's really really hard to keep a straight face. I also kind of want to feel bad for her but at the same time she was the one that thought she was or is a heartbeat for being president which is scarring a whole lot of Americans!! I think Joe Biden will crush Sarah Palin and Sarah Palin will come off sounding scripted because McCain can't afford to have another slip up which I think Palin will slip up a lot or will not have complete thought out answers. If this does not go good for Sarah Palin which I think is a very good possibility the McCain camp will have a big problem. Also I think Sarah Palin could come off as extremely defensive which I think would also be a negative!! I'm a democrat and always will be but Sarah Palin needs to realize that she is seriously out of her league and she doesn't have the experience necessary. It might be better for her to become the president of the PTA and gradually work her way back in several years!!!

When was it decided that Sarah Palin could and should not be treated as an equal to Joe Biden in this debate? You didn't see any pulling of punches when Hilary Clinton debated – powerfully and skillfully challenging her male competitors regarding their experience, knowledge, competency and countering every attack on her. When did everyone agree that Sarah should be treated with kid gloves and protected- like a little girl-princess or someone's young daughter? If she can't stand the heat, she should get out of the kitchen... that's what Harry would say.

To tack on to Laurie's point, which also coincides with what Bill Maher said on Real Time. "I'm gonna vote for Palin because she is just like me. A moron." I think that about says it all. We elect people smarter than us to run the country no dumber than us. That makes no sense... but then again neither does trickle-down economics and we have used that since Reagan more or less.

I feel sorry for the people who think Sarah Palin is ready to be the VP. They probably are "just like Sarah"... – her lack of education becomes more apparent every day. She is loosing support nationwide, not to mention in her own state of Alaska. She is down in only 1 month to a 68% rate of approval in that state. Nationwide...down to 30%. And to all that claim that the Dems and the media will tear her apart ....they don't need to do that. Palin is very capable to do that herself. She should be charged with reckless endagerment if after seeing herself in the interviews with Katie Couric she still think she is qualified to be the VP. How embarasing!!

Sara Palin is going to make a lot of you eat guff, or maybe you prefer Crow, tonight. She hasn't gotten to where she is by being a nitwit, and if Biden is smart he will come out swinging. If he pusst foots around with her he will get stung!!

If McCain feels that Sarah Palin is qualified to be VP, who is he going to pick for his cabinets, federal judges, and Supreme Court Justices?

If I were Joe Biden, I would say: I've been given a lot of advice on debating Sara Palin. Don't be too aggressive, don't be too condescending. But I'm not here to debate Sara Palin. I'm here to debate Governor Palin. Candidate for the Vice Presidency Palin. And I will do her the courtesy of treating her the way I woud any other Vice Presidential candidate."

That would disarm the problem right from the start, and pay her the supreme compliment that she is being treated like a REAL candidate. Then when she falls flat on her face it won't be Joe Biden's fault.

America is not stupid. John McCain has shown stunning poor judgement in choosing Sarah Palin, who is completely and undeniably nowhere near ready to be Vice President or President.

Ha! You all think Sarah Palin is not prepared? Are you prepared to pay for everyone's health insurance under Obama? Are you prepared for the wealthy to no longer invest back into the American ecomony and provide jobs because of paying more taxes under Obama? Are you prepared for someone who went to church under a racist (oh, that's right, he was NEVER that way before until it became public)?

How about "if I were president, I never would have allowed us to participate in the Olympics?" Way to be American.

Give me a break. Wake up. Everyone is so focused on Sarah Palin we seem to forget the inexperience and naiveness of someone who may BE OUR PRESIDENT. McCain's not perfect, but I feel better that my children will be protected under someone who at least has a clue how to protect this country and stablize us.

I agree with Cathy; why should Senator Biden be careful as to how he handles Governor Palin? She is a politician; she should be handled as such. She got into a male dominated field, play like the boys. Senator Biden should not tone down his tactics because the Governor is female. Give me a break. It is no secret the Governor lacks something; I'm not sure what because she loses you in her responses to questions.

Electing Sen McCain and Gov Palin will put the finishing touches on the fall of America.

I have a feeling everything Sarah says tonight will sound like it has quotes around it – she'll be repeating all key responses she's been brainwashed into. Mix some smiles and cheerleader enthusiasm and alot of people will be fooled into thinking she's the solution.

As Sarah says, you betcha!

the fact that snl does not even need to change much of her own quotes for a laughable skit might make for good must watch tv but not for must perform government. for all of those palin supporters- just because you have clearly wasted your own chance at education and intelligence, don't impose it on all others out there who want to see this country stay respectable and competitive.

I am anxious to see how Sarah Palin handles the debate.I dont think her knowledge is going to increase from her last interviews. It is also interesting to see how Biden handles her. What I dont understand is what do people like Laurie & Alison find in Sarah Palin to support her. Just coz shes from a small town, has 5kids and a hockey mom (pig with lipstick). There are millions of women like her but not all are qualified to be a VP (or Prez). It people like Laurie & Alison that we have had GWB ruling us for the last 8yrs.

As a Republican, it upsets that so many of my party seems to be 'brainwashed' that this gal is the golden ticket for this November. It is an embarrassment to see the McCain Camp point fingers at Couric for 'misdirected' and 'confusing' questions, than admit their own blunder. What happens if she is pressed with hard questions from a leader from Iran or Russia or anywhere for that matter. Is she gonna use the "I'll have to get back to you" response with them as well? Go home and hunt your moose! The best thing you can do for the Republicans at this point is to have Romney or Huckabee step in as your replacement. This foolish decision making and 'spectacle' politics is why I am voting for Sen. Barak Obama and Sen. Joe Biden.

I can't wait for tonight's debate. All I can say is Sarah Palin should bring her A game, otherwise, Obama will take an even further lead in the polls. Its inevitable, Obama WILL be our next president! And I can't wait for our lame duck President to get out of the White House!!!

Obama/Biden 2008

When did being "common" and "average" become something we admire in a VP candidate? I'm not looking for someone I can relate to. When did topnotch undergraduate and postgraduate education become unremarkable and unimportant? I don't get it... we have sunk to a new low if we put Sarah Palin in the Vice President's house... to say nothing of Todd Palin. Do we want him representing us around the world? I'm no fan of the Cheneys, but the Palins are the real nightmare.

As an American, I am ashamed that our political situation has come down to such a play of stupidity. Anyone concerned with the US and foreign affairs should now be extremely concerned about how all the other countries of the world have likely been convinced that our nation is led by idiots.....

And just out of curiousity...how can someone who is so pro-life be so pro-war....which is inherently about death? And to say something like war is "God's plan..."....doesn't Mrs. Palin sound frighteningly similar to some jihadists that we've heard before?

What is more frightening? The fact that we have such ignorant and conceited people running for office, or that ~50% of the probable voting public find her favorable? It makes me sick.

The format of a debate is easier for her to skirt through. She will be asked a question and will have a set time to answer. If she doesn't have an answer, she won't answer it and will fill the space with talking points. The moderator will not be able to MAKE her answer the question by repeating it or forcing the issue like within an interview format. For those who do not notice this, will think she did great. I believe that she has been given a few pre-practiced zingers to throw. She will be listening for opportunites to launch these. Unfortunately, Joe Biden will not be able to go after her like he should because the 'sexism' issue in this campaign has backed him into a corner. Should be an interesting night. I am sure that my frustration and outrage over this candidate will continue until she leaves our televisions in November and returns to Alaska.

Has the McCain camp put out their spin yet that she won the debate. Oh wait, maybe they want spin it until after it happens like they did last week.

I really hope both VP canidates are asked good questions and the moderator doesn't get scared off by the McCain machine already trying to spin this once again as the mean media. i also hope they are asked questions that makes them think not all the obvious questions they have been practing for. The american people need to find out what they really think, how they handle themselves under pressure and how they will handle situations not in their talking points.

I think that John McCain's desperate attempt to sway female voters is starting to backfire on him. I respect McCain the man, but I do not respect his decision to choose Governor Palin. She is obviously out of her league, and if she needs to take a crash couse on how to be VP this close to the election, then the American people had better take a good look behind the curtain and realize that there is no great and powerful Oz !

I think that the following question sums it all up. If I were the moderator I wold ask Sarah Palin this question:

If you were going into surgery and your life was at stake would you prefer your doctor to be a "Joe-sixpack" or the smartest, most knowledgable, and most qualified surgeon available? And if you pick the later why do you think that someone who is not the most qualified to make life or death decisions for the nation should be selected for Vice President knowing that there is a actuarily significant chance that if a 72 year old were elected the VP will become president?

Personally, I'm an Obama Supporter. I think Palin should step down. I mean, McCain can do bad by himself. It's obvious in the interviews held, when both McCain and Palin are present, the look on his face tells me that sometimes he doesn't even agree to what she is saying. So that leaves me with one question for Senator McCain: What's the point?

I'm not a fan of the McCain/Palin ticket but I have a feeling she's going to do well in the debate against Biden. All the coaching she's gotten over the last few days shoring up the McCain message and honing her attacks on Obama will leave her looking quite competent to America. I really think people wil be surprised and that McCain will get a boost out of this in the polls.

It is discouraging to know that this woman who is “a heartbeat” away from the Presidency is so very empty-headed in her thoughts. For many years women have fought for the right to be treated in a respectable and equal manner. Sarah Palin is a mis-representation of an intellectual woman. It should be crystal clear to her at this point that she is absolutely not ready or qualified to hold any political office. Surely she has seen and heard the comments from “every day people”. She has constantly demonstrated her inability to address important issues that affect every American citizen. Furthermore, she seems to seek the shelter of her elder running mate, John McCain, to deflect any tough question posed directly to her. When she is faced with having to actually answer a question she does so in “generalities”, she can not be specific, or she just dances around the mulberry bush. If she is indeed so comfortable in her own skin” as John McCain would suggest, why is she so sheltered from the hard questions regarding the economy and foreign policy or anything else for that matter? I think Joe Biden should not be concerned with gender—if she is so ready, she should also be willing and able to handle herself during this debate without eluding the question, relying on stories, and reciting mind-numbing phrases. That is what a WOMAN READY for the VP position would do.

It is real funny that people on here and all over the media smear Palin on issues that Obama has ten fold. Why nobody is pointing out that Obama has deep ties with Fannie and Freddie, no foreign policy experience, no credible honest track record other than he speaks well while reading a teleprompter and that is the tip of the iceberg! At least Palin is real, not fake, not telling people what they want to hear just to get elected. Oh and don't forget the bail out that is now taking place. All the Democrats, Republicans and Executives that had a hand in this should be in prison but if Obama gets in it will all be swept under the rug and things will go on as normal. Why because he is deep in it all. I think they should just prop up that robot Obama and force him to explain what part he had in this all and without a teleprompter. "Well I had No...Ah Uh Ah Uh No Well I AAH Uhh....."

I agree with almost everyone on this blog. Sara Palin is NOT QUALIFIED to be president or vice president. She can not even hold a conversation let alone have a negotiation. If they win it will be a sad day for America. The only way that they do is people could'nt see pass Obama's color !!!!!

"
Michael October 2nd, 2008 9:11 am ET

If Americans have not already understood that Palin is not qualified for any position of responsibility than there is little hope for our country in this new century, regardless of who becomes president."

I see this comment all the time and I would just love for someone to explain to me how Obama is more qualified for a position of responsibility than she is and he wants to be president!

Lets not under estimate anyone at this point. I seriusly doubt that Palin, under the watchful eye of everyone right now, would fail, although i might say her previous performances have left me cringing! She will deliver alright, like she did at the convention, but that should not cloud the fact that she is inexperienced.

America is a great country that badly needs great leaders right now and Palin is far from being great! Wake up Americans! This may be our last chance. God Bless America??? God HELP America is more like it!!!

Maybe God put her in this position to show her what kind of person she is. I have to think that she is praying hard for God's holy spirit to speak for her, and to rid the American people of it's sinful ways. And praying that God uses her to lead these people out of sin. I think that, because my family is from that kind of church. It's scary her thought process. I was just reading that everyone may change sides, if she does well. That kind of thinking makes me upset. We as Americans are not that fickle. I hope we're not! I hope that even if she does well, that we remember that she has a lot of skeletons in her closet. There is the troopergate scandel. Her lies about earmarks, her Bridge to Nowhere. I do believe that she has used her power as mayor and as governor to get what she wants, and she needs to be accountable for it. So while she is praying to God asking for guidance asking for peace, asking for wisdom. Maybe God put her in this position so she can reflect upon what kind of person she really is. God doesn't like boasters, lying, or those who are prideful. Maybe this is why she is here. I don't know, just trying to think like a pentecostal, end of the world, tongues speaking christian.

If I'm not mistaken, Gov. Palin had a very bad week concerning her daughter's pregnancy before her big convention speech. People were concerned about how she would handle that scrutiny. She packed a punch. Now, I see the same set-up all over again. I'm not a supporter of McCain, but for some reason I still like Palin. Either, she'll internalize the negativity and enter the self-fulfilling prophecy phase, or she'll use the negativity to fuel the fire and come out on top. Either way she'll make headlines on Friday.

A woman who understands absolutely nothing about the world or foreign policy is in an election that could place her in the world's most influential and powerful position. If that doesn't scare the hell out of the American voter, I don't know what will.

As a canadian, our leaders were debating in french lastnite and english tonite. Here you have the 1st female VP, and all everyone is worried about how she'll do in one langauge debate and even that seems a longshot. Amazing.

Everyone loves their own brand! Right. One woman on the conservative AM radio station said: "If she can face down a moose at 4AM in the Alaskan wilderness, then this moderator will not be an issue for her." Are you serious? The hunted animals are never at an advantage. Similarly Palin will be a good debater if she is arguing from a position of strength. As Eddie Murphy once said: "But I hate to ruin it for you, but, Sly wins this one again." The partisan finger-pointing and the biased media accusations are not going to work. Lets face it. Its just like your child getting an F on their report card – you don't want to see it, but you have to deal with it. Stop smelling your own farts and think about who you are electing.

She lost me from the get-go with the community organizer stuff. Actually the entire Republican party did, just plain unAmerican.

One more point......I agree with what a gal said above earlier. Biden being coach on DUMBING DOWN!! Are you kidding me? He has to be told what he can and can't say so he doesn't come across as sexiest or condescending in order to protect little Sarah PalBush. Why?? When your opponent has to be coached to be NICE to someone, you know that personal is out of her league.

A perfect example would be playing baseball with you kid, you know you shouldn't throw the ball at him like you normally would because he might get hurt which makes sense. I guess Biden will just have to underhand the ball the PalBush so she can handle it. What a crock!!!!

I wish Biden could be Biden but we can't because poor old little PalBush will get hurt. Hey PalBush, if you are gonna run with the big boys you better play by the big boy rules!!!

Well, believe it or not even with low expectations, she can still go lower... what if she makes 3 or more mistakes/deer in the headlights moment? That will bring her way down where no one has gone before. Is possible, as she has demonstrated not having basic knowledge of some issues.

"Unlike some Sarah didn't try to get her opponents kicked of the ballot for technicalities." As if this "observation" is credible; it seems more like an accusation spewed from malicious, unreliable lips.

Palin IS NOT ready!

Get real. I am utterly tired of delusional individuals who insist on representing Palin as more than a mediocre, ill-equiped vp candidate.

Sarah Palin will do quite well in both the debate tonight and in service to America as the next Vice President of the United States. Her lack of "Washington" experience, personal accomplishmens as Mayor and Governor and her integrity are the type of leadership Americans are looking for to lead us out of both the financial and terrorists issues. At least, during her political career, Sarah Palin has done more than write two books about herself!

In my view, she's had a week to practice , memorize and be coached. So, I think she should at least be able to answer some basic questions.

One thing I have noticed about Sarah Palin is that she sounds very much like a "Used Car Sales person". She throws the pitch and generalizes frequently on topics that require serious answers.

One thing is for sure, she is CERTAINLY NOT PREPARED TO BE VP.

You can just rehearse for two weeks to be VP.

Excuse my typos...it's hard to type when you are constantly throwing up in your mouth watching this candidate on television.

Go get her Joe.

Ditto what Ann from Lake Bluff said … I had no opinion or Ms. Palin when I first learned of her addition to the McCain ticket. I was interested in hearing from her and her stance on many of our country's foremost issues. In each instance, I have been shockingly disappointed. I feel for her as she was thrust into the spotlight. Who wouldn't accept the VP position, especially as our country's first. I, do not, however, share the same empathy for McCain as he obviously does not care about our country like he states or he would never have put her and us into this situation. He has demonstrated that he is incapable of putting what is best for America first by selecting her as his running mate. He accuses Obama of putting himself before the country, but it seems that he is really describing himself. Everyone knows why he put her on the ticket. Hopes of luring female Clinton supporters, extreme conservatist, and plans to drill for oil in Alaska NWR. By the way, McCain, I am a retired Navy veteran and you have not voted to take care of me or other VETS as you mislead the people when you spoke in the first debate. Let’s be real and listen to what is being said by the candidates as this is not about party, but our county’s future.

Sarah Palin is as dumb as they come, and the women routing for her is as dumb as she is. You can't even see Russia from Alaska, unless you go to a very small island off of Alaska....hmmm. Once again she's picking up McShame habbits...lying for TV.

It's sad to see that Biden as to hold back because of this fragile idiot gracing our tvs with her hidious accent. This chick needs to go back to Alaska, have some more kids, kill some more moose, and never run for office again. If Alaska voted her into office, they are just as dumb as she is. I am going to have my entertainment food ready for this debate, and I'm looking forward to her running off the stage crying.

DC

Would individuals feel so strongly about Sarah Palin if she were their surgeon?

“What medical journals do you read?”
“I read them all, any that are put in front of me.”
“Can you name some different surgical procedural options for my particular problem?”
“I’ll get back to you on that one.”
“Your house is next to a medical school. Why does that make you qualified to operate on me?”
“Well it kinda does, doesn’t it?!”
“You’ve not only never operated on an individual, you’ve never stepped foot into a hospital up until 1 year ago. Are you nervous about holding this life in your hand? Are you ready?”
“Absolutely. You can’t blink. You’ve got to get in there and operate on that thing that needs to be operated on by the operator…me.”

Sarah Palin is truly frightening. How can she rationally think she is ready to hold millions of lives in her hands? If she had any intelligence, she would admit she is in way over her head and bow out for the good of our country.

I am a life-long Republican. I will proudly vote for Obama this November.

ANY person (male or female) that has to cram for a debate should not even be in politics PERIOD. We ask more of our elementary school kids to pass the TAKS test. If these interviews were conducted on radio instead of television, I wonder what those who support Sara Palin would think of her. The woman is a complete moron. I am still in shock that this person was even a thought for VP. Of course those that support her are the ones that put Bush in the White House TWICE and look where our country is now.

Should be an interesting and entertaining debate – I might actually feel a little sorry for her...........NOT. If you can't take the heat – get out of the kitchen.

Has anyone every thought about this.......

Obama, McCain, & Biden all ran for President, why you ask? Because they all felt they are qualified enough and ready to do so.

Obama won & picked Biden because Biden obviously felt as though he was ready to be president.

McCain won & picked Sarah Palin! What? He meet Palin ONCE....2 years ago! I forget did Sarah run in the primary's?

I too agree with Cathy. WHY LOWER THE BAR? If she can't play on the same field then she has no business being on the ticket. This kind of regressive lunacy can do nothing but damage to all the strides we have made as women to be recognized as equals.

Is she not Joe Bidens equal? (Politically, of course not. That is a joke of the most offensive kind). But as a human being? Yes, she most certainly is. So let her walk right into the fire all by herself. No special treatment or handicaps.

I am outraged with this kind of talk. Are other world leaders going to give her a nice wide berth and handle her with kid gloves? Pretend they're not as smart as they are so she and her guileless supporters don't feel bad?

This is the most absurd theater. Please tell me I'm dreaming and when I wake up all will be rational again. I really fear for the future of this country. The dumbing down of America. Just when you thought it couldn't get worse.

Alison,

Do America a favor and stay away from the voting booth.

I can see Russia from here guys, guess that constitutes foreign policy knowledge!!!!!! Give me a break...

Obama 08

She's sandbagging and if not then McCain needs to quit because that leadership we don't need.

I agree, Eric. I also feel sick reading about the stats of Palin's support. People can say whatever they want about spin, but the truth is...she isn't experienced enough, tough enough or mentally suited for the position.

How could anyone seriously consider Palin ready to lead based on her past performance since nominated!? How absurd that the bar for president should be lowered to Palin's one liners and total lack of knowledge regarding issues. You would think that the picking of a VP would be used to sum up your weakness perceived by the public. In Obama's case, the public viewed his weakness as foreign policy experience so naturally he picked Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In McCain's case, the public has perceived his weakness as the economy, the overwhelming major issue this election and almost always an important one. So who does he pick, Palin, who has no knowledge of economics.

This means either of two things, McCain is incompetant in picking who he surrounds himself with or that McCain does not understand what is going on with the economy. Either way, McCain is in some serious trouble.

Not by a long shot. No crash course can prepare one to be ready for this
task. She is so so superficial. This is not a beauty contest. The Republican die-hards have watched how Bush and Chaney have given
perception for substance, and lies for truth and think that they can fool all the people all the time if they use certain issues. It will not work this time.
And although race will always be a factor for some persons, we have grown and can truly put our Country first.

This morning driving to work, I saw a home-made banner draped across the back of a Chevy Blazer that sums up Palin's readiness for prime time..... "Just say NO! to another Bush, this one with Lipstick." Palin's lack of curiosity, interest, imagination, and knowledge make her ready for hardly any job – let alone one of the highest offices in the land. Have we not learned anything in the last eight years in terms of evaluating a candidate's readiness????

Democracy demands education, because without education how can you hope to understand what you are voting for. Some of the anti-intellectualism surrounding Palin worries me as it is a sign that our failing educational system is beginning to have side effects.

People need to realize that our elected officials are supposed to vote for what is best for their constituents not for what their constituents tell them to vote for. For those of you who think that kind of logic is undemocratic I would advise you to look up the word republic.

We should elect officials who are smarter than the average American, otherwise we could get into some real trouble.

I'm wondering how palin's baby and pregnant daughter is doing without the attention and love only a mother can give. Surely this is already taking a tole on her family. I wonder if she truly cares!
At this point I think I would have given up, gone home and take care of my family and Alaska.

McCain claims that he puts the country before politics, but his selection of Palin as the VP clearly shows that it's the other way around - that he's putting politics before the country, with the hope to win over the Clinton fans.

It's outright irresponsible of McCain to play such dangerous political tricks at the cost of our country's future. I mean, given McCain's old age, how dare he put the nation in the hands of Palin - an ignorant pit bull that only knows how to bite without any rationale - in the likely event of his death?

In response to Eric's comment above, yes, it's immensely frightening that half of our country's population follows McCain's preach and Palin's non-existent logics. So we blame Bush for the mistakes he made, but really, it requires some idiotic voters to put him in office in the first place. It would not be unfair to say that Bush is a collective image of the Americans' ideals. SO, whom may these swing voters accidentally vote for this time??

Major concerns as a republican
1, Sarah Palin is running as a reformer of big government spending.
However, I happen to know from being told personally from people who were recruited from my home town that they were promised $1,200.00 a month to move to Alaska, that is for everyone in the household. From what I understand most Alaskans are on this kind of welfare. Explain to me how the leader of a welfare state can bring jobs back to the U.S.

2. If McCain handlers who are on Sarah Palins team can shut her down and make her seem like an idiot, how will she handle the pressures from people who don't like her or may be in conflict with her. Will she hide away from world leaders and the press at a time when America may need her to step up to the plate.

Here's hoping Sarah demonstrates her ability to think nationally in lieu of concentrating on small time achievements of her past. also, hopefully, she will lose the overused 'lipstick', 'marverick', 'thanks, but no thanks', and, recently, the 'I don't know, but I will get back to you' verbage that has monopolized every public offering she has had so far. She needs to be prepared, poised and knowledgable NOW.

To: All Americans

It's a sad day indeed when Sarah Palin who is running for Vice President is simply not qualified by any measure, but yet some seem to suggest her long list of qualifications. If you listen to her interviews she danced around the questions better than the partipants on "Dancing with Stars". I would like to know a few qualifications that matter to the American people. Does this self claimed hockey mom really have a clue. This John McCain and Sarah Palin ticket is a true disaster to modern day politics. How dare her claim to be an average American when her income is $250,000 a year. How does she represent us as Americans? Why should Joe Biden have to tone it down so he doesn't come across as being cruel to a woman?

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but John McCain is a phony and he will lie about anything to get elected. He only represent the rich and powerful whom have self interest for himself and the good ol' boys....You may not like everything about Barrack Obama and Joe Biden ticket, but it sure beat living another four years with Dumb and Dumber.....

Seems like this country is in a stupidity downfall. Anyone that thinks she's good because she's "just a regular ol' girl" needs their head examined. She has no concept of the issues at stake and lets not forget the video proof "I'm not even sure what the vice-president does!"

She's an anchor for a sinking ship.

As a Canadian living in Dubai, American people needs to do the right thing for the world. This is not only America that is watching this election, but the whole world.
Choose carefully, McCain – Palin will Destroy the image of America in the rest of the world. America needs to re-build its image as the most powerful nation in the world.
America....please use your head and not your hearts. Obama-Biden is the righ ticket for America and the World.

The immediate compare and contrast in real time between Palin and Biden is a major obstacle for Palin. Palin must match every cogent and insightful answer from Biden. There will be no do-overs; no reset button; no edit button.

If Palin gives the same type of shallow, incoherent responses she gave Couric, she loses. If Palin throws zingers, she loses. Palin must prove herself tonight–not to her fan base–but to people who do not support her and have yet to see a reason to support her.

The voting bloc McCain so disparately needs is steaming mad about the economy and Wall Street crash. The market today does not help his cause: down 270 points by afternoon trading. Voters are going into this debate knowing the value of their retirement accounts, mutual funds, and personal savings account plunged yet again.

Voters are not in the mood for cheap entertainment. Qualifications are far more important than likability in this debate–and ultimately, the election.

Palin needs to demonstrate more than cursory knowledge of the issues, and most important, she needs to be coherent.

How absurd to even consider that one candidate has to treat another as a special needs child. I use to jokingly relate Senator Obama to the old Jimmy Steward movie Mr. Smith goes to Washington. In that venue now he is being joined by Giget. It’s all very entertaining and has engaged the public in politics but the thought that Sarah Palin could actually be the president of the United States is a nightmare. Any candidate that starts a campaign blaming poor performances on the “gotcha” press is likely to end a career blaming foreign leaders for playing “gotcha” war. Anyone who discusses foreign policy in terms of “the good guys and the bad guys” clearly has no clue and for the sake of national security and diplomatic relations should be dismissed as a candidate.

I am not looking to the VP debate so much for enlightenment as for it's potential entertainment value. They both say incredibly dumb things at times as do we all. I can almost hear biden now...."Back in 1959, when LBJ was president, he would warm up his dinner in the microwave before sitting down with the family on the ranch in Hawaii".
Whether or not either are ready for prime time, the debate certainly is.

This woman is absolutely EMPTY.
She has NO brains.
She can NOT think.
She is repeating somebody's phrases and trying to fool America, that she means something.
But she – does not.
It is not enought to be mom of 5 kids (actually, not good Mom) to be VP.
And it is funny to hear this arguement.
If McCain has just this one – he also has no sense to be a President.
Let's face it and move on from Old Toys – America is smater.

I have been following american politics for a number of years. Well I think McCain has hit the desperation button and it blew up in his face. I think he must be getting his advice from the 45,000 former Al Queda members who have joined the Iraqi Forces. Of course a successful measure according to McCain, as a result of the surge. He sure knew how to pick his VP. As one reporter puts it, you have to understand the question before you can give an answer. Sarah Palin's performance in her interview is a demonstration of how much she should know to Govern a State. God forbid she McCain win this Presidency. Sarah, for your own inner peace, and to save further embarrassment for your and your family, bowing out of the race would be the best thing.

By the way.. we always hear how many american lives have been lost in freeing Iraq. How many Iraqi lives have been lost in the process. has it reached 1.2 million as yet? Yes they are free, they are dead.

Now I know why Sarah Palin's husband Todd sits in on all staff meetings Gov Palin has and is cc'd on all her emails; she can't think and talk at the same time!

I am a woman and I am very disappointed at the comments that Biden need to be mindful of not offending women during the debate. Women have come along way and if we are ready to play with the big boys we should be ready to take the bug punches. Biden need to speak freely and if he offend Sarah Palin, oh well, so what? Sarah Palin have been doing a great job of offending women everywhere by giving these interviews that let her look like an airhead and setting women back in time like we are not ready for this platform. She is no Hillary Clinton, I tell you that much, and Republicans seem to be stuck on stupid to think this woman can talk with world leaders on behalf of America, are you all crazy? Send Sarah home to take care of her children and let the men handle the business. If it was Hillary up there, she would have my support but Sarah Palin, wonderful as she try to be, is a liar, a slow thinker, and was given an opportunity to be Govenor but she does not have the ability to EARN the VP position.

I feel sorry and embarrassed for friends and family who are still backing McCain. Palin was a bad joke a month ago. Now that I have seen her pitiful performance in recent interviews, I wonder how she even became governor of a state. (or received a high school diploma)

I would rather have my taxes doubled than have her or McCain speaking for me. My vote for Obama is a vote against stupid and selfish.

-former Republican

Sarah Palin is a bully and uses her office to get her own way. Her cabinet is nothing more than her high school year book. She fires everyone she doesn't like and hires her cronies from high school and yes even middle school.
I can't believe there are any Americans that would stand for her to be a part of anyones ticket.

Come on people wake up and smell the coffee

Sarah Palin doesn't have a brain cell left in her head

It is very frightning to me, that someone who is not on the same plane as many of our great leaders can be standing in the position to be our president if God forbid something would happen to McCain. Can someone worse than George Bush be our president? Yet I do not believe that the American people will be fooled again.

I heard many years ago: "It is better to keep one's mouth shut and feign ignorance, than to open it and remove all doubt".
Sad that Gov. Palin does not have the option.

I'm with you cathy. America is in big trouble, when we require our Presidential and VP candidates to "dum it down", just so that they won't look like bullies in a debate. What is all this stuff about Biden "taking it easy" on Palin? Is that what we want in a VP candidate? I would like the candidates to have some degree of respect, but I don't want them to "dum it down". You know we played that same game with Al Gore in 2000. Don't look to smart Al. Don't make Bush look bad. What did that get us? A president who many thought was better to have a beer with, but who could not govern. Palin is very similar to Bush, but not as "smart". Biden should debate her respectfully, but DEBATE her.She knows nothing about the issues. Stick to the issues Joe. You'll be fine.

It is discouraging to know that this woman who is “a heartbeat” away from the Presidency is so very empty-headed in her thoughts. For many years women have fought for the right to be treated in a respectable and equal manner. Sarah Palin is a mis-representation of an intellectual woman. It should be crystal clear to her at this point that she is absolutely not ready or qualified to hold any political office. Surely she has seen and heard the comments from “every day people”. She has constantly demonstrated her inability to address important issues that affect every American citizen. Furthermore, she seems to seek the shelter of her elder running mate, John McCain, to deflect any tough question posed directly to her. When she is faced with having to actually answer a question she does so in “generalities”, she can not be specific, or she just dances around the mulberry bush. If she is indeed so comfortable in her own skin” as John McCain would suggest, why is she so sheltered from the hard questions regarding the economy and foreign policy or anything else for that matter? I think Joe Biden should not be concerned with gender—if she is so ready, she should also be willing and able to handle herself during this debate without eluding the question, relying on stories, and reciting mind-numbing phrases. That is what a WOMAN READY for the VP position would do.

I think she'll be ready for the debate, but that shouldn't be an indication that she is ready to be vice president. Analogy: while in school I would study and prep for an anatomy class, resulting in decent grades. But I am not a surgeon.

Sarah Palin told Katie Couric that Roe v Wade is a states rights issue. Therefore it is presumed that Governor Palin would be ok if some states outlawed abortion while others allowed them. It would then follow that she believes that gay marriage is a states rights issue and would be against a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage. The same would apply to the medical use of marijuana and would overturn the federal law. That brings us to guns, where following Palin’s states rights position, states should have the right to enact their own gun control bans. At this rate, let’s turn everything over to the states, and eliminate the need for a Vice President.

The first comment I'l make is as a woman I am completely offended by Palin. I am also trying to understand why Biden has to handle her with 'kid gloves' so to speak because she is a woman. That in itself creates sexism. A debate is a debate.

Palin you are in the big leagues so you need to get a glove and get into the game.

Yes, presentation, manner and tone are all part of having a successful debate. But one of the main points is a grasp and knowledge of the issues. So with that in mind Palin might come off like that 'folksy, good girl' that for some can be very likeable, but if she displays the same lack of knowledge and understanding that she already has, don't care what she says, she's done.

sarah palin is not even ready to be vice president l dont think she ready for prime time

I agree that we have just lowered our standards for President and VP when it comes to George Bush and Sarah Palin. The conservative Christians talk about abortion being murder, but so is sending people into a war and as a result of that war, lives are lost on both sides. God also talked about this in the ten commandments, but I guess the Conservative Christians are so busy judging others, until they can't see their own sins. Jesus talked about citizens rendering unto Ceasars what is Ceasars. I wonder how many of them have ever cheated on their taxes or never paid them at all?

The leaders in other countries are already laughing at us.

Is anyone out there currently, or have been in the past 8 years, ashamed to be associated with this country? Well I sure have and can assure you that if a person like Sarah Palin can get elected to the White House, I have lost all faith in this country. I'll probably pack up the fam and move to Canada to watch the downfall of this country from afar! Is it really any wonder why the rest of the world hates us?

Only in America could we allow a person to run for the second highest office in America and have nothing to say....... other than what has been scripted for her (Sarah).

I am concerned that she (Sarah) will be given a higher grade just for delivering the one line zingers......which I'm sure she got a lot from Guillian repertoire.

Listen as much as I like the "underdog" There's a time we must say this is not the time for weakness. This Lady is running for VP. Does anyone find this a bit odd, that we Americans can sit here and just discuss and actually vote for a person so unqualified? The "Average Joe Six Pack" shouldn't be making life decisions. There will be no "I'm Sorry" or "I made a mistake" with decisions of this nature. My family's well being does not warrant excuses so, this debate tonight is most disturbing to me being people will think a well rehearsed skit enables this Lady to be qualified to make Major decisions. This is no joke, and if people do not wise up and think further into their own decisions this Lady could run this country one day. I've been GOP for years, Not This One!

No wonder foreign countries look at us like we're nuts! We're asking one of our potential leaders not to act smart so the other one won't have her feelings hurt. With all of the issues that the next administration will have to deal with why are we not discussing the issues instead of using campaign fluff?

I'm sure Sarah Palin is a very nice person; so was Jimmy Carter and we saw what happened to him. She is not even close to being qualified or able to run this country. We need strong leaders who will engage ALL of the leaders of the world community and worry about pre-conditions later after the dialogue is started.

Unfortunately, McCain chose for the ratings not for the right reasons and we all are paying the price.

I hope NOT !!!!!!!!

now it's not that I don't like her, she sounds like a good Mom, probably a good person but she needs to stay in Alaska doing what she does best.... there.

Here are 4 lines from Hands Held High by Linkin Park:

For a leader so nervous in an obvious way
Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay
And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day
In their living room laughing like, “What did he say?”

Striking similarities with George Bush’s speech to Sarah Palin’s inexperience on issues that matters to Americans. Do we really want 4 years of cringing every time she speaks?

I cannot wait until the debate gets the "Tina Fey/SNL Lampooning." This is what I am waiting for. Polictical satire is the best.

She definitely is ready and qualified in all ways. She is not a puffed up politician that professes to know everything. She and McCain are ready to change our government for the better. We need honest, straight-talking leaders instead of smooth, gaff making talkers who are given a free ride by the media.

She doesn't have a choice. If you're going to play with the big guns you have to play like one, and sink or swim on your own capabilities. In her case, they are pretty limited. This nonsense about the public wanting "Joe six-pack" occupying the White House is as shallow and airheaded as most of Palin's other remarks. We want – NEED – someone who has better-than-average education, better-than-average brains and a better-than-average grasp of the important issues facing our country and the skills and knowledge to address these challenges and the mechanisms by which they are addressed. Palin lacks any background, any knowledge, any education and any capacity to grasp complex issues beyond whatever sound-bite she has been told to memorize. If she says anything of substance that actually addresses the issues raised during the debate, it will be a jaw-dropper of a surprise. At least Tina Fey should have some fabulous new material come tomorrow morning.

I like her. She is in the #2 position on the ticket. She has more experiance than Obama who is in the #1 spot on the DemocRat ticket. I was going to vote for Paris Hilton until she was added to the ticket. I like the fact that the Republicans have a woman on the ticket. I would rather have her go to Washington in support of McCain than to have Obama go to DC and mess everything up. Exactly what we need when China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are challinging the USA on defense is to send a socialist left wing tax crazy democRat to washington.

She has my confidance and my vote.

For Joe Biden to dumb it down for Palin you must assume that he's smarter than she. I don't think so.

Sarah Palin will face Joe Biden in God's strength with the talents and gifts that He's blessed her with.

'For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11

No need for adjustments. Sara will be fine.

I agree with the above also, Biden should not take it easy, let him go on his rampage and show his true bumbling self, which after 35 years on the public dollar should be able speak in public without racial slurs and off hand comments.

As for Palin, why should we not require anyone running for office to never be surprised by a question, besides I am sure that all of the commenters on here can name all of the major Supreme Court Cases over the past 10 years.....right.... You should never have top advisers provide executive summaries of up coming bills or topics to study and make educated decisions....you should be able to make quick decisions and live with the turmoils left behind.

When a reporter asks her a simple, direct question like, “What magazines or newspapers do you read?” And she can’t answer even that, really, how prepared for a debate on the issues do thinks she could possibly be?

For every comment directed towards Gov. Palin's lack of experience, just insert Sen. Obama's name and the statement is still true. Both tickets are a joke.

This comment brought to you by a very proud independent.

Angie, you fail to grasp the essense of the Permanent Fund dividends. Nobody is offered 1,200 dollars to move to Alaska. But – every proven resident of the state is given a share of the interest in the Permanent Fund. The philosophy behind this is that the natural resources (oil) of the State of Alaska should serve to benefit ALL the State's residents equally. Back when the principal of the fund was lower, we only got about $300 per year apiece. Now of course the principal is far, far greater. This was established decades before Palin became a political player, indeed, it was when she was in grade school. The permanent fund principal is never spent. The interest funds state operations (which is why there are no taxes) and part of the interest is redistributed among all residents equally. This is 1) not welfare and 2) not something Palin has any capacity to influence one way or another. She could no more overturn it than she could overturn continental drift. I am not a Palin supporter, but your ignorant argument about her credentials (or lack thereof) and their relationship to the Alaska Permanent Fund couldn't go unanswered. I lived in Alaska 14 years, so I know more about this than you do.

Even if Palin makes it through the debate without screwing up, it won't help her. She has already shown her true colors. Everyone now knows how uninformed she is and how unintelligent she is. She is done for and so is McCain

I cannot help but think that the bar has been deliberately set too low by the GOP. Palin, as others have said, has absolutely nowhere to go but up. If she even comes close to holding her own, the perception will be a victory for the GOP ticket.

Of course, one can't exclude the possibility of a major "I-read-it-all, I-can-see-Russia-from-my-house" gaffe. If Biden can then resist the urge to humiliate her (which, let's face it, would be enormous), he should win...handily.

Palin has the "low-bar" advantage thoroughly in her court.

T

*The best AMERICAN IDOL SHOW EVER ! *

I could care less how well Gov. Palin does in the debate. It's already clear that she has a complete lack of knowledge regarding both national and international issues and I for one am NOT willing to take a chance on someone who could be a heart beat away from the presidency....THANKS BUT NO THANKS!

Living in Brazil, it just seems to me that McCain has made the 2 worst decisions in his political career by choosing Sarah Palin as VP candidate and "suspending" his presidential campaign to argue he would save the bailout, and then just appears for the debate. Anyway, who else in the world, besides John MacCain, truly believes Sarah Palin is prepared to be President and commander-in-chief of the USA ? This is the most unprepared candidate in US history to run for VP (substitute for the US President) !!!!

What a joke. This is absolutely INSULTING to women. I've head commentators saying Gwen shouldn't ask FOREIGN POLICY questions. Is this some damn reality show? GROW UP AMERICA. Didn't we JUST do this HAVE A BEER thing with BUSH?

This whole Sarah Palin thing is nothing but a big farse, she is nowhere near qualified to be Vice President. I can not beleive that there is even the a debate on her qualifications for V.P. I beleive Jack Cafferety said it best about one of her interviews "if that doesn't scare the hell out of you" as she tired to answer some basic questions and couldn't.
This idea about Biden being nice to her during the debate is absurd, she is running for the second highest office in the the country and he has to worry about hurting her feelings, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!

I have just spent the last week in Europe. In Paris they think our Sarah to be flavorful but without having substance or nutritional value. In London they think her headlines are spoiling their habit of eating fish and chips from a newspaper wrapping. In Germany they believe we are nuts, and in Amsterdam they're certain that our election is in fact a promo for an up-coming reality program. Here in sunny Minnesota we're sure than Ms McPalin would be at her best patrolling the Alaskan border with the Russians. Who better to confuse the enemy when they invade!

As a registered Repulican, I plan to vote for the Obama-Biden ticket bcz it's the better choice. Everyone knows that Sarah Palin is in way over her head and probably shouldn't be Executive of Alaska let alone VP of our country. I have too much at stake to risk this woman being anywhere near the white house. There should be a law or a committee to stop idiotic decisions made by presidential candidates. Is this a joke? He cannot be serious. Are they trying to prove that no matter how screwed up the ticket is a black man still won't win? Makes me wonder...

I would rather see McCain and Palin as president and vp than Obama and Biden. I think McCain is the better choice, and the better prepared. Biden has a little Senate experience and a little foreign exchange experience, but he is not running for president .. Obama is running for president, and he has no executive experience. He does talk a good talk, but, thats not enough. McCain has experience on all sides, and he is running for president. Palin is a go getter, and is devoted to serve the United States. She is a smart gal, and will learn what she needs to learn. What did Bush know before he went in? What did Reagan know? Not much for either. For that matter, Clinton didn't know much either. And, I am an avid Clinton supporter. I am a democrat and I will be voting for McCain.

Who cares ... let's start the debate!

I can't wait!

Gettin' the popcorn ready for this one ...

With the great leaders like nancy pelosi,barney frank,harry reid and the rest of this donothing group we have now as far as intel Palin looks like the best choice to expose some of there spin .

I think the question should be, is Biden ready ? Look at the idiotic statements he makes. I think he will get beat up by a girl tonight. Everyone knows no matter what happens Palin will not get a fair shake.

This whole Palin thing is silly you know as well as any other american knows its a scam against Obama. Macain is old and just like any other old man needs to have someone young and attractive to look at. By the way hats off to who ever hired Lou D.

I am astonded that we are even debating whether Sarah Palin has the knowledge, experience and temperment to serve as VP. The lady can not string two thoughts together in a coherent sentence. The right seems to be OK with a box of hammers being elected so long as it adheres to a right wing ideology. Been there , done that with Bush- for the last 8 years. The fact that McCain will not let Palin give a real Q & A press conference says it all. The president of Iran has given more press conferences on US soil than Palin for crying out loud!!

What I find frustrating (not too much though) is that the media in trying to play it fairly between Biden and Palin alway s have to follow those Katty Couric interview spots with a "But Biden is a gaff machine as well". No doubt Biden says some nutty things from time to time but does anyone really think this guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Hell he's smarter than McCain and Palin combined.

Cindy – –Haveyou watched the debates when Palin was running for Governor? Not much substance there either. LOts of one liners and zingers

mary – 40 year old Roman Catholic – I' m sorry that you think Palin is Pro-lIfe. She is not. She is anti-abortion. To be pro -life you must stand against abortion, war, death penalty. You must be concerned about taking care of all life from conception through death, not just conception through birth. Too many "pro-lifers" throw those "not aborted" babies to their own defenses after birth because they were not born into the Leave it toBeaver households. Voting on a single issue is voting against your and many others self -interest. As a Catholic we are told we will be judged by how well we take take of the least among us. That includes people too, not just fetuses.

Let's face it, McCain chose Mrs. Palin because of the shock factor...she is pretty, intertesting to a point (moose stew, anyone?) so basically she was picked to counter Obama's,popularity, to be the Republican's ticket rock star, idol to the masses. , bad move. Does Mr McCain thiks we are that dumb? please, se lacks in many areas, foreign policy is a glaring example.

I'm truly disgusted with this, our country has been ran and ruined by incompetence in the white house, and if we are not careful, we'll hire more incompetence to ruin our great country for four more years

Sarah Palin is not only not ready, she never was. She read a speech prepared for her by the campaign. It was not her own. Since then she has faced on the spot questions where she never had a correct andswer or any insight to American politics or events.

She may be a looker with spunk. That doesn't make for a president and it definately should lead anyone to claim executive experience......

When I look at McCain, I see a man, who yes is reported to be in good health, but still old and tired and grumpy at times. I see and listen to Palin and I cringe. Are we really that stupid a nation that we would even consider electing these two? I think bot McCain and Palin will go on the attack in the debates and try and avoid answering what Americans really want to hear, solutions.

Go Obama/Biden

Sara Palin's right-wing reactionary, conservative views are very out of the mainstream of our centrist country. Adding to the perception that she is a mental simpleton is her adherance to highly simplistic solutions to problems that have complex, multiple causes. The biggest problem with these views is that they will surely alienate most of us from each other and further divide our great nation. That she cannot answer simple questions like: Where do you get your news? What publications do you read? Can you name a single Supreme Court case you disagreed with are shocking and frightening to the country. Alaska, for all it size has a very small population and is swimming in oil money. What could a President Palin do to help with urban problems? Would she prefer that the first-10 amendments to the US Consitution be set aside and that civil liberties be adjucated by each of the 50 states? However she does tonight, she has scared me enough that I could not possible vote for John McCain. And, I am angry with him for putting me in this position.

The issue isn't the debate, it does not predict whether you can be Vice President. The issue is Palin's capabilities and past experience and education.
"If" John McCain gets elected America is in big
trouble, (at 72 years old he is nearing the average life expectancy of a man and has had past health issues and looks more worn-out every
day). A possible Palin Commander in Chief, what a joke. American voters are crazy to vote for that ticket.

NO she is not ready for Prime-time let alone to be a VP. PERIOD
How she will fair in the debate does not matter to me now, for i have seen her interviews and she is NOT fit.
And by the way I saw this morning "Papa" McCain was all over the network praising /supporting her. And he said she has talent? Hello since when does wanna have to have talent to be a VP? Brains YES, talent NO.

I second the thoughts of those who think that if we dont already believe that Sarah Palin is a joke and not qualified to be VP, than there is truely no hope for our future.

I hear Republicans everday say, look at the facts and the record of the two nominees. Dont vote with your emotions vote on the facts.

Well, for all you independents out there like myself, you hear this and you start to inquire a little bit more about the facts and the so called record of these two candidates. And the Simplified Facts are:

Fact #1- For the last 8 yrs our country, our economy, our military, our socail services, our MONEY has been in the HANDS of Republicans.

Fact #2- The net result from the Republican presidency is a Financial CRISIS, a WAR in the Middle East that we can't get out off, and I deficit of 8 trillon dollars etc...

Do Republicans really want the bi-partisan American to look at anymore facts for the answer? OH, and by the way, the facts have made me emotional and I know cant stand a SIMPLE MINDED REPUBLICAN. Change your parties name to IDIOTS of America. Is suits you better.

People attack Biden for flubbing things up sometimes, mistakes and gaffes and the like, but there's another side to that. Biden and Palin have flubbed a comparable amount of things, however, Biden has been out in the open unafraid of media exposure, while Palin's media appearances have been carefully scripted and screened. And even though Palin has had much less exposure then Biden, she's screwed up and gaffed at least as many times, if not more. Imagine Palin with the exposure of Biden, imagine how many gaffes she'd have then?

Apart from that, I prefer somebody who'll screw up and be open and honest about it over someone who'll screw up and hide it.

Does any modern presidential or vice-presidential candidate actually have independent thought on any subject; or, are they pumped full of politically correct catch phrases and canned partisan respones? I would hope that a candidate exists who can utilize a combination of experience, intellect, judgement, and lifelong study to form a solid foundation of core beliefs. I'm not sure such a candidate exists anymore. To date, what is disappointing about these debates is the inability of any candidate to demonstrate such an independent intellect.

Don't think Biden should treat her any differently than any other political opponent. She's running for VP for god's sake, not Barbie of the year!! Then again she does act like Barbie of the year, and talks like one.

Seriously though he shouldn't be expected to handle her any differently just because of gender. That would really be insulting to intelligent women everywhere. Then again - Gosh, yep, it's hard to be serious when speaking of Sarah Palin.

I am astounded by the number of people who post on the internet. Those feelings are only exceeded by the amount of low self esteem – this almost maniacal wish that everyone should do poorly so that you, the writer can feel better about yourself. Yes, it looks like an Obama victory, so Canada, our northern neighbor doesn't have to fret about so many people claiming they'd go there if McCain wins. What country would want so many people who are so negative ?

I think the Mccain campaign has blown it again in their handling of Palin. Everyone who has ever taken a college level final exam knows the worst thing you can do is try to cram 15 weeks of course material into a two day cram session for a final exam. You overload your mind with way too much information and when you try to use it in the exam you either get it mixed up or have a complete mind block.

However Palin's situation is worse because she has no understanding of foreign policy or national economics to begin with and to try to cram her full of as much information as Biden has gained in a life time; is a train wreck waiting to happen. Biden also has intimate knowledge of all leaders he has met with personally over the years and this type of information decides how you approach working with each leader; information Palin does not have which puts her at a definate disadvantage in this debate.

I don't expect much from her as most of her debates have been on a "LOCAL" political level and she is definately over her head in national politics.

As a women, I wanted to give Sarah Palin the benefit of the doubt when she was announced as McCain's running mate. However, after hearing her speech at the convention and all the interviews she's had during the past few weeks, I cannot in my right mind vote for the McCain/Palin ticket.

Do McCain/Palin supporters realize that Palin could potentially be the next President if something were to happen to McCain? How can people not consider his age and her lack of experience and ability to answer simple questions a liability.

For me, it doesn't matter how well she performs tonight because she has already shown the world that she is unable to handle the media or as McCain calls it the "gotcha" moments. What is Palin going to do when McCain is not around to stand up for her? If she is unable to handle the pressure of simple interviews, how is she going to handle questions or decisions about wars or issue relating to national security?

Obama/Biden ticket is by no means the perfect either, however, if I had to choose between them or McCain/Palin – they win hands down.

I hope that all voters open their eyes and make a decision based on what is best for the United States vs. voting solely based on party lines.

I am appalled as a women that Senator Biden should have to take it easy on her!....... I for one would really like to be able to go oversees without my Canadian hat on! If McCain/ Palin win I am going to have to go buy a matching backpack for my trip. How can anyone with any common sense what so ever think this woman could be THE VICE PRESIDENT !

If Sarah Palin is the best John McCain can do as a running mate, I can hardly wait to see who he selects for his cabinet or Supreme Court Justice if elected.

yeah, I like the under dog. That dog is gonna bite. I'm voting for Obama, but I like all the hoop. I might vote Rep. or I might vote Dem. I don't know. I am not for the bail out either way. Hey.

It is odvious to the American people that Sara Palin is not qualified to be on any ticket. I am really tired of the hearing that the media is bias or the questions have to one sided. Every interview that I have seen her in she has been asked basic questions that any candidate should be able to answer. Stop making this about her being attacked. She is running for the second highest chair in our country, if she can't handle these questions then what if a tragic event such as 911 were to occur again. This is an outrage for McCain to say that she is the most qualified candidate. He chose her to get the womens vote and that is it. To think that we as American people are that dumb. McCain said that country should be first, well put country first when you pick a running mate!

This debate in all likelihood will turn out to be boring because Palin will in all means evade talking about issues and what she would do to tackle issues going forward.She will divert the topic to Obama and his experience rather than debating against Biden.Biden on the other hand will be left with no clue what to do as he has been warned already now not to attack her or use strong words because of the reason that GOP will use that as as sexism.

It is all in the hands of moderator not to let her divert the topic but again now that the moderator is labelled as Pro-Obama she is expected to be in defensive approach.I think that was a smart play from Mcain and GOP campaign.All Biden could do is remind her again and again the debate is about Palin and Biden and they are VP candidates not presedential candidates.If he doesnt do that in a matter of time after the debate entire press will pounce on him and declare him as a loser in the debate.

Why are you so surprised at the answers given by Sarah Palin? She obviously doesn't understand the questions.

I think Palin is a joke. She is an embarrassment to women in this country. If McCain wanted to split the female vote because Obama didn't pick Hillary, he should have picked a woman that had the same qualifications as Hillary. He has disgraced women all across this country. There are numerous qualified women that could have been chosen. I think McCain has once again showed us that his decision-making abilities are not to be trusted.

Charlotte,

This has nothing to do with oil. These welfare payments have been around for decades in Alaska. Palin and her parents have been on this system. This is what attracted them to Alaska.

By the way, why should we go to Alaska to bring big oil and use the money of U.S. taxpayers to encourage drilling and the people who are already on welfare in that state get money from the oil companies on top of the welfare they are receiving from other hard working Americans in every state? All of the American taxpayers who have been paying their welfare bill all these years should have been paid back before one payment was made to Alaskans.

Sarah Palin has been fooling everyone about reform. I encourage everyone to take a look into the welfare we have already been supporting in her state.

McCain is not choosing her for any other reason than he plans to get benefits for big oil just like Bush. It is all about big oil and keeping big oil happy. They really don't care about her positions or intelligence. Maybe her screw ups are intentional and she has wised up to this fact and she intents to take him out before he ruins her good deal. This would better explain why a seemingly confident and able woman is now acting like an idiot

Sarah Palin can't even answer a straight question from the press. I am very curious to see how she will beat around the bush in the debate. Since she claimed that she's been hearing Biden's debates since her second grade, it will be worthwhile to see her arguments.

Debbie Stevenson said :
"Sarah Palin will face Joe Biden in God’s strength with the talents and gifts that He’s blessed her with."
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11

Ohhh Boy ! Watch out now Joe! Looks like McCain/Palin have now enlisted Jesus against you

Being a Roman Catholic myself Joe I'll be sayin' a couple of 'Our Fathers' and 'Hail Marys' for ya. I just can't believe that Jesus is really dumb enough to throw His support to McCain/Palin.

Biden has one thing to look out for here. In the event he makes her look TOO bad, Republicans will then play the "he is so mean to a girl" card. The last thing they need to do is make her look like a victim.

The only thing I have seen, thus far, that the entire Republican ticket is "ready" for is to personally and politically attack the entire Democratic ticket.

From an Independent voter's perspective: I see the Democratic candidates' speeches and ads focusing presenting plans, ideas, and on occasion taking shots at McCain. However, on the flip side, ALL I have seen from the Republicans, in speeches, ads, interviews, etc is attacks on the Democrat's candidates.

The Republicans aren't addressing the issues which are important to me: The country's financial mess, regulation, economy, energy, security, & misappropriation of military assets. So far, and especially in the last few weeks, this has been a one-sided debate.

I have received multiple Democratic mailings, someone knocking at my door, and listened to ads...not asking for my vote but asking me to make sure I am registered to vote. What have I received from the Republicans, so far, this year? Attack ads.

For this independent, the decision is becoming awfully clear: Choose the candidates that talk about solving the issues and care enough that you actually participate in the democratic process.

I have high school students who could give more informed answers to the questions, which have been directed at Ms Palin. Is she ready to be president? Ok, maybe at her daughter's high school.

Isn't it a bit curious that Sarah Palin is expected to be able to go head-to-head with Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Kim Jong-il at a moment's notice, but her supporters are worried that Gwen Ifill (with a broken ankle) will be too tough on her?

And based on Ms. Palin's speaking style, am I the only one who thinks that Yoda is for her writing?

I'm to the point I don't even think I will vote. It to me has gotten that ridiculous.
I'm sick of the constant digs at Palin. I never even heard of this Biden guy until he was picked to run for vice-president. How would I know how much he's ever done for this country since I have no clue who he is. I'm sure there's allot of Americans that would tell you the same thing. I' wonder why he's not under scrutiny about what he reads or what shows he watches, There are allot of people I've talked to that never heard of him either
I think the best thing for this country could have is a leader that can for once stop the back stabbing and just help and care for the Americans that vote for them, think of their country, and stop trying to sell himself-herself on popularity. It reminds to much of a salesman trying to get me talked into something I don't want but trying to get me to believe I really need to. There's allot of popular people but can they run the country, possibly couldn't do any worse..

i have to say that with each interview, i just get more disgusted with her being nominated. The low point was when a CITIZEN in Philli asked her about Pakistan...and when covering up, she blamed the CITIZEN!! what kind of leader does that? what is she going to do if she ends up needing to step into the President role, and theres a "gotcha" situation?? Blame the media, or blame the people?? true Leaders can handle themselves, they dont need to be coddled or use excuses for their mishaps...futher, if you really analize what she says about Roe vs Wade, her answer almost sounds Fascist....heck, she fired a librarian for not removing books she deemed immoral...Do you think she wouldnt try the same thing while president??? lets not also forget her husband is part of a group that wants alaska to seceed from the US..you cant tell me that she doesnt agree with that to some degree...what happens when the First Husband gets another DUI by the way?

If McCain wanted to split the female vote because Obama didn’t pick Hillary, he should have picked a woman that had the same qualifications as Hillary. He has disgraced women all across this country.

I agree with Sherron.If women voters were the concern, Mcain should have gone for someone like Kate Bailey Hutchinson.Bringing Sarah Palin to the ticket is really insulting for all Hillary Supporters because there is no way Palin can match up with Hillary Clinton .To me comparison is more like comparing elephant and a lamb.Clearly it is the pressure from Core Republicans like RUSH LIMBAUGH forced Mcain to shred his maverick image and come to a very mean decision.it did helped initially because Hillary women were very angry for her not being nominated as a democratic nominee, but in the long run it was expected to be a short hype affair. They thought they can get away with Economic issues until the elections with Palin hype.But their calcluations went dead wrong when the wall street collapsed and there is no way any other issue will top the voter's concerns other than Economy for a long long time.Women quickly realized that and it is showing up in polls.If you look at the polls it is very clear Independents and women voters who are holding back or leaning towards Mcain took a u turn by a big margin by now.If Palin doesnt prove good enough in todays debate, there is no question rest of the undecided's will flock over to Obama's campaign and he will win by a big margin in the coming election.

Since we're on a steady diet of the media displaying Gov Palin's interview mistakes PRIOR to tonight's debate, why not show some of Sen Biden's mistakes to make it fair.

Obvious who the media wants to win...

When a VP is chosen, hopefully they think about the fact that this is also the person that is going to step in and be commander and chief if something happen to them. Palin is Not ready for that job by any means.

Palin is such a joke, NO she will never "be ready" but America, ready or not here she comes. I think it a good thing that she will be EXPOSED for being yet another "ignorent" republican. You go girl!

If you guys let this Debbie get away with this Christian Right nonsense at Least post my response. I'm not gonna lay down on this guys !

Debbie Stevenson said :
“Sarah Palin will face Joe Biden in God’s strength with the talents and gifts that He’s blessed her with.”
‘For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11

Ohhh Boy ! Watch out now Joe! Looks like McCain/Palin have now enlisted Jesus against you

Being a Roman Catholic myself Joe I’ll be sayin’ a couple of ‘Our Fathers’ and ‘Hail Marys’ for ya. I just can’t believe that Jesus is really dumb enough to throw His support to McCain/Palin.

Although Palin may be lacking experience, the real question that people might want to ask is: would Palin do such a bad job that we would need $700 billion to right the ship?

The bar has been set so low by all our leaders, executives and politicians, that regardless of the debate's outcome, Palin won't even come close to the ineptitude of the crew that required $700 billion.

If ever there was a time for Palin and her limitations, it would be now since so many others are already at the bottom of the barrel.

I'm a 27 year old registered Democrat. People, people, people!!! What are you doing? Are you really going to vote for the McCain Palin ticket? If you are please buy a one way ticket out of the country because you are ruining it just like GWB is. Sarah Palin is not the most intelligent person in the world either, but come on lady give us something. She sits in interviews looking like a lost puppy on the most basic questions. My 10 year old brother could have done a better job than here. The McCain campaign needs to take dramatic measures during this debate, something has to be done, she's either going to get handled by Biden or the moderator will dumb it down for her. This lady has ZERO smarts. For this point forward I'm no longer referring to the Republican ticket and the McCain Palin ticket. I'm replacing Palin with a Box of Rocks, I fell as though the Box of Rocks will give me a straight answer and not "get back back at ya". So, to all you folks supporting the McCain Box of Rocks ticket, good luck.

Let’s come together as a country and deny McCain and Box of Rocks from getting elected and sending out country down a path of destruction.

VOTE!!!

This is just another example of the Republican "dumbing down of America". I don't want someone in the white house that is just like me, I want someone there that is smarter than me! On this world stage in which we operate we need the most qualified people we can gather to make good decisions on our behalf. Sarah Palin is not qualified to stand on that stage.