
More Debate and Election Coverage
+ Republican View - Hang Time For Sarah Palin in Debate Game
+ Democrat View - Palin Avoids Blunders, Biden Gives Solid Answers
+ Biden Wins Vice Presidential Debate
+ Palin, Biden Throw Down On Economy, Iraq
Community Discussion
+ Sarah Palin Won The Debate
+ Who Do You Think Won?
+ It's On .... Biden vs Palin
+ Debate Recap
+ Who's Better Sarah Palin or Hilliary Clinton?
VP Debate Pictures
Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Sarah Palin went head to head in their first and only vice presidential debate in St. Louis on Thursday, clashing on the economy, energy issues and foreign policy. Here, the candidates greet each other at the start of the highly anticipated showdown.
Scott Olson, Getty Images
The debate at Washington University in St. Louis marked the first meeting of the vice presidential candidates. "Can I call you Joe?" Palin asked Biden, who approved.
Don Emmert, AP
The stakes were particularly high for Palin, who has served as governor of Alaska for less than two years. Polls show the public has become more skeptical of her ability to handle the vice presidency. Palin made only one obvious stumble, when she twice referred to Gen. David McKiernan, the top U.S. general in Afghanistan, as "Gen. McClellan."
Rick Wilking, Pool / Getty Images
The pressure was less intense for Biden, a veteran of more than 35 years in the Senate.
Ron Edmonds, AP
The economy quickly took center stage, with both candidates weighing in on the financial crisis and the bailout bill awaiting congressional approval. "The economic policies of the last eight years have been the worst economic policies we've ever had," Biden said.
Rick Wilking, Reuters
Palin said one way to gauge the economic times would be to attend a child's soccer game and listen to parents. "I betcha you're going to hear some fear," she said.
Ron Edmonds, AP
Later, the tone became more heated when the topic turned to the Iraq war. Biden said that he and Barack Obama will be the administration to end the war and said John McCain had been "dead wrong" about the conflict. "For John McCain there is no end in sight to end this war -- fundamental difference," he said.
David McNew, Getty Images
Palin countered that Obama's exit plan was essentially "a white flag of surrender in Iraq" at a moment when victory was "within sight." She also said Biden had once supported McCain's view of the war.
J. Scott Applewhite, AP
Palin got some bad news just before the debate, when an Alaska judge threw out a lawsuit filed by Republicans seeking to stop an abuse-of-power investigation aimed at her. Here, Palin looks on from the side prior to taking the stage.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Palin and Biden smile after the conclusion of the debate.
Ron Edmonds, AP


Comments: (196)
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By: Prelude to the Election on 10/02/2008 10:52PM
I think Gov. Palin is looking down reading from her notes too much. I am more convinced than ever that the McClain/Palin ticket is underwelming and the Obama/Biden ticket will get my vote. I hope everyone out there will vote for whomever is their choice - but VOTE!
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By: Glo on 10/02/2008 10:55PM
This debate is over and some of the commentators think that this "chick" did a good job. She did a good job at avoiding certain questions, and OMG... how many times is she going to refer to John McCain and herself as being Mavericks. If I heard that word one more time I will scream. Sat. Night Live will have a good time this weekend poking fun at her.
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By: rhonda on 10/03/2008 12:05AM
I'm sure Katie Couric was laughing hysterically at the answers from Palin. All Palin said was "energy, enery, energy." The moderator didn't insist that Palin answer the questions.
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By: Analyst on 10/02/2008 11:14PM
As much as I despise the back stabbing Obama I found this debate between Palin and Biden quite interesting. Biden surprised me in being calm and colletive. On the other hand Gov. Palin was strikingly dynamic. She impressed me as being down to earth but no push over. She is as tough as nails. At any moment I expected her to spit tobacco. Yes, Palin looked presidential to me. She won my vote.
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By: Steven F on 10/03/2008 12:10AM
This election is very critial to all Americans, we need to really think about what is important for our next generation. We need a canidate that will support the American people. The lower and middle has been taxed excessively, many American jobs has been moved to foriegn countries, and the economy is in a dilemna. America need a president that will fight for the rights of the American people and I think the Obama/Biden ticket will get us there. Biden was clear on the issues that are facing America today. We want to make sure we have good foreign relationships. We do not need to go to war with Russia, because i think Russia will try to bring the war to America. Russia was excessive in how they attached Georgia but Georgia caused the attack. So we need a president that will resolve these foreign issues. I think Biden did a better job than Palin because he focused on the issues and answered all the question.
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By: SHARON G on 10/02/2008 11:22PM
i was not impressed at all by sarah palins tactics to be so down to earth until she came off as a very unprofessional individual. Joe Biden gave good answers and held his composure very well. I do not believe that ms palin is equipped to back anyone with running our country, e\what is this world really coming to.there were still a lot of talking out the side of your neck answers given tonight
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By: Charles on 10/02/2008 11:30PM
Analyst..You were going to say she won the debate no matter what or maybe you watched another debate. Palin may be wonderful as a small town Mayor, but it's obvious she is wayyyyyy out of her league running for VP. She was like a runaway train; she was determined to use her scripted answers for any question..Golly gee. I think Biden was too nice to her. He should have beat her down with her global warming answer. In the end, the questions were soft and fuzzy and so is Ms. Palin. If McCain wins then dies in office there won't be a single press conference during a Palin Presidency.
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By: Ablackpearl on 10/02/2008 11:38PM
Charles...I agree. The only answers she had were on her index cards. She is out of her league running for VP. Anyone who thinks that they are an expert on foreign policy because they are "closer to Russia" is another prime example why she is NOT THE ONE.
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By: BLESSEDNTX on 10/02/2008 11:43PM
Joe Biden bought his "A" game and performed above average. Polls are already confirming that he won this debate.
Gov. Palin is waaaaaaaaaaaaay out of her league. They took her off of the campaign for weeks to prepare for a 1 1/2 hr. debate. She's NOT ready!
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By: Lranee on 10/02/2008 11:49PM
I give credit where credit is due and Gov Palin did well tonight but her expectations going into this debate were so LOW that I was just happy to see she didn't run away crying!
I was upset that at the beginning she completely disrespected Gwen Ifill and the debate all together by saying she WOULD NOT answer questions! (smh) completely ridiculous!!!!
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