The core values of a vice president require composure under public and media scrutiny, not one that dodges public attention and criticizes the media, which is the product of the First Amendment and our own medium for intelligence; the news is a fulfillment of our rights as Americans to know who our politicians are and what they are doing. Do we want another reclusive Cheney? Should we hold a national parade each time our Vice President actually makes a public appearance? Should we applaud a vice presidential candidate for giving a presentation, albeit a mediocre one? Furthermore, should her performance in the Vice Presidential debate be judged upon her brief history of interviews and speeches (most memorably the Couric interview)? If not, upon what criteria should we judge our political candidates? Truly, we should maintain pre-established criteria for any politician or speaker, contemplating important questions such as, "What is his/her strategy?", "What was his/her tone?", "What facts were established?", "Who conveyed the more powerful message?" To celebrate a "Most Improved" is a step in the wrong direction in judgment and threatens the preservation of our high standards of intelligence and integrity, and furthermore, our future as upstanding citizens of the United States.

Joe Biden clearly exhibited stronger foreign policy experience; his 36 years in the Senate were strongly exhibited in the debates with his strong representations of fact while still maintaining a friendly air: the clear representation that Senator Joe Biden, the man who wears his heart on his sleeve (so to speak), has not changed. On this same note, he was determined to undermine the reputation of fellow Senator John McCain. With strong attacks against McCain and strict reinforcement of Obama's policies, Biden truly exemplified the meaning of teamwork and strategy.

Sarah Palin went into the debate an underdog. Her facts were weak, and even inconsistent, exemplified by her comments on mortgage which did not reflect either her's or McCain's views (and had to be corrected by the McCain campaign the next day). Her tone was aimed towards attracting the common folk, “Here’s a shout- out to Miss Dover’s third grade class” and calling out the "Joe Six Packs of America". Although she had a valid strategy in mind, her lack of facts left only her folksy tone to rely upon, which in many ways was similar to that of Dora The Explorer; it's great for a while but get's annoying once you pass the second grade. Her refusal to answer questions was a blatant disregard for the moderator, as well as the millions of Americans watching wanting answers to serious issues that Palin evidently did not have the answers for on her memorized notecards. Her attempt to connect with voters was what many claim to be in vain after her coldly mechanical response to Biden's emotional speech about losing his first wife and raising his children as a single father.

Furthermore, for Americans looking at the full picture, Biden evidently conquered all areas of the debate; factually he has more to offer - an aspect intellectuals will agree upon unanimously. His restraint in correcting Palin's several errors (including calling General McKiernan, McClellan). If Sarah Palin cannot remember the general's name with whom she assumed a closer relationship and common perspective on foreign policy issues (on Iraq, Iran, and the Middle East), her point is completely invalid. Although one may argue Biden did not know his name since he did not use it, he did not, at any point claim this, or any close relationship with the general. Palin explained McCain's plans for bringing wealth to the middle class, debating Biden over taxes, etc. yet could not properly explain the rational behind these proposals. Biden illustrated Obama's policies in a simplistic manner and further exemplified how Obama's plan, which includes tax breaks for 90% of Americans, is part of a policy that will directly improve conditions for Middle Class Americans.

Towards the end of the debate, Biden renewed confidence in Americans by swearing, if the duty came upon him to lead as president, somber continuity of the policies of Barack Obama. Sarah Palin, on the other hand, claimed to disagree with McCain regularly and declared she would lead the country as only an independently thinking maverick would. Coming from a woman whose only qualification is her 20 months as Alaska governor, these words are uncomfortable and convey a clearly underqualified, overambitious candidate whose unruly behavior is grounds for deep concern.

"Palin, were she simply to do an adequate job tonight, at no point cry, faint, run out of the building or vomit, you should consider the debate a tie...".

SNL's Gwen Ifill (played by Queen Latifah)