Biden - Palin Debate

I think Palin succeeded in her most important objective -- not to hurt the McCain campaign as she did in the Couric interview. Palin spoke confidently and with energy, she made her points effectively, and I think she probably restored some confidence among the right-wing base who cheered her nomination just a few weeks ago and have had little to cheer about since.

Joe Biden did what he had to do -- he touched the key themes very effectively: the middle class tax cuts, the end to the war in Iraq, the many ways in which McCain intends to continue ruinous Bush policies, and the authenticity of his own empathy with the concerns of "Joe Sixpack." The icing on the cake: for those who may not know Joe Biden, he made it very clear that he is ready to be President if needed.

On balance, I think it was a win for both parties, but more so for the Democrats.

From the Obama perspective, he is looking more and more credible and attractive to moderate, swing voters after each debate. He will pick up some votes for sure after tonight.

As for McCain, he avoided a potential Palin meltdown hazard - good for him. But he won't gain any ground, and time is running out.

Last night probably doesn't change the game, but the guys who are ahead on the scoreboard are running an effective ground game in the fourth quarter. It is hard to see how McCain will be able to catch-up.

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