Biden edges head-to-head with Palin

Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden have gone head-to-head in a live TV debate. Initial reactions from US political pundits showed both performed well but while Mrs Palin regained some of her credibility, Mr Biden came out on top. Both candidates have a reputation for making gaffes, with Mrs Palin's performances in TV interviews being widely mocked and Mr Biden's record of babbling extending back years. In the debate, Mrs Palin went a long way to restoring some of her reputation which has been damaged in recent days and Mr Biden successfully reined in his capacity for waffle. As Mrs Palin met her rival for the first time on the debate stage at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, she shook his hand and said in his ear: "Nice to meet you. Can I call you Joe?" It summed up how the McCain campaign has tried to frame the only vice presidential debate of the election, with Mrs Palin as a "Joe 'six pack' American" taking on the Washington establishment represented by veteran politician Mr Biden. The first female governor of Alaska, and the first woman nominated by the Republican party as vice president, displayed her folksy style that has been mocked by late-night comics, saying "Aw, say it ain't so, Joe" at one point and adding "doggone it". Mrs Palin also displayed her trademark smile and feistiness in the opening moments of the debate as she sought to establish a connection with working-class voters. But she frequently brought up issues familiar to her like energy - her state is a major producer - rather than answering all the moderator's questions directly. Asked if there were any promises she had made to Americans which she could not keep because of the current financial crisis, Mrs Palin said: "There is not. And how long have I been at this? Like five weeks, so there hasn't been a whole lot that I have promised except to do what is right for the American people." Both candidates looked directly into the camera as they addressed the nation on their candidate's policies. Ahead of the House of Representatives' crucial vote on a financial rescue package, Mrs Palin said Mr McCain would "put partisanship aside" to help solve the nation's economic crisis. Mr Biden criticised the Bush administration and said the US had suffered "the worst economic policies we've ever had" over the last eight years. "That doesn't make John McCain a bad guy, but it does point out he's out of touch," he said.

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ITN | October 3, 2008

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