The vice presidential debate appears to have been a win for both sides of the fence though most polls are showing Joe Biden with a strong lead over Sarah Palin in overall effectiveness. For Joe Biden, this was probably his best debate ever. And for Sarah Palin, she certainly was able to overcome the past couple of weeks worth of bad publicity. But was this debate enough to change how Americans feel about who they will vote for this election year?

Sarah Palin showed some actual abilities during this debate that many didn’t believe her capable of. She was able to keep her sentences coherent, she expressed herself as an “energy expert”, showed Americans where she’s made some executive decisions, and generally came off quite well in terms of likability… however, she still has no substance. She deflected questions she was unsure of in favor of talking point issues (energy, ad nauseam!) and on a couple of occasions showed obvious nervousness and uncertainty. Although she kept her head above water, she didn’t help McCain much at all with her lack of knowledge in details over his record or economic and foreign policy issues. Palin also made two huge slips in my mind. First, she stated in response to a question about the economy that there is a “toxic waste on Main Street that’s affecting Wall Street”. Let’s truly pray she just misspoke there. Next, she basically agreed with Biden and Obama that gays deserve equal rights in the constitution and in policies regarding gay marriages. I’m not sure the evangelical right is going to take this assertion too well. I was also not thrilled when she made the comment (and I’m paraphrasing here) that Biden’s wife had “found her way in heaven” or some such nonsense. I felt it was uncalled for and inappropriate given the circumstances and was just kind of flung out there with no purpose.

Joe Biden on the other hand, didn’t make any major gaffes, as was expected of him. He stayed on his talking points, was able to follow the discussions well enough to counter Palin’s digs on Obama and was able to express detailed knowledge of John McCain’s record, something which Palin was unable to show. On the other hand, Biden came across a bit too “lawyerish”. There were a couple of responses where I had a hard time keeping up with his logic. For “average Americans” (not political junkies like me) I just have to believe it was tough to connect with him in those moments. To Biden I give the “Best Zinger” and “Best Performance” awards. First, for his comment, in regards to the 20 million people he indicated would lose health insurance under the McCain plan, that this was “the ultimate bridge to nowhere”. Next, for standing up to the “I’m a mom therefore I understand every day people” line. Biden stated in no uncertain terms that as a single father, trying to deal with every day issues was something he was keenly aware of. His point was very clear - just because I’m not a mother, doesn’t mean I cannot understand and connect with working families, parents, women and those in need. Classic!

So how does all this affect the future of this election? Not very much at all. If Palin had tanked this debate, McCain would have been seriously harmed. Because she didn’t, she was able to increase Republican morale that was waning over the past couple of weeks but it probably does little more than that. From this point forward both vice presidential candidates will be far less of an issue. For now, the race continues. Fasten your seat belts, we’re in for a long five weeks ahead!