Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden squared off last night in what could have been an even more anticipated event than the first presidential debate a week ago. Though both candidates did as they should have by speaking about their running-mate’s policies and ability to lead, Biden had the chips stacked in his favor going into the debate.

I’ll be the first to admit that Palin messed up beyond all measure in her interview with Katie Couric. Biden, on the other hand, did a fantastic job answering some of the same questions. The governor showed poor organization, lack of intelligence, and it was a painful interview for me to watch.

However, with this burden on her reputation and the Republican ticket’s success riding on her performance at the one and only VP debate, Palin had to exceed expectations last night… and she did. It’s undeniable. Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat, if you compare her interview with Katie Couric with her debate last night, it’s a night and day difference. Palin looked into the camera for the overwhelming majority of the debate. Biden failed to do so. Consequently, Palin was far more convincing in creating the tie between her and “common Americans” across the nation. She spoke pragmatically and wholeheartedly - something very difficult for eastcoast politicians to do. Though both Palin and Biden have similar situations (upbringing in a small town, children in Iraq, etc.), I really enjoyed when Palin exploited the Democratic ticket’s starkest difference - for a ticket that’s so entrenched in bringing “change”, they dwell a lot on finger-pointing.

Oh, and for the record, post-debate polls are ridiculous. I referred to this in my post following the first presidential debate, and it held true last night. Fox will always say that the Republican candidate won. CNN will always say that the Democratic candidate won. And not just by a little, but a landslide. If you ask me, I really think Palin’s performance last night will boost McCain’s campaign in the days to come. Now, all the Republicans need is for Ahhnolddd Schwarzenegger to call Obama and Biden “girly men”, and then they’re set!

*Sighs.* I’ll never understand Democratic policies. With all this focus on the “middle-class”, what incentive is there to move up the social ladder? What’s the point of risky investment in small business when your earnings will be stifled with taxation? At this point, I firmly believe that energy independence is the single most important pursuit our government should undertake. Palin’s background and the Republican ticket’s energy plans will hopefully have a chance to lay the infrastructure for fulfilling this pivotal step in turning our economy around. Guess we’ll find out the night of November 4th.