by the intellect and knowledge of Biden? How about his down home way of reaching people?

Oh, he "reached" people last night....Joe never met a lie he wouldn't buy a beer.

That is the very reason he WAS a legitimate candidate for President numerous times in the past.

Hard not to like Joe.

And, if anyone knows the story of his life, then it is all the better....

Damn Zeal have I told you lately that I respect you?

Because I do.

It's a good thing that Biden has that intellect and knowledge, because Obama is certainly lacking on the knowledge part.

I have to smile when people point out that Palin seemed to be a little lacking in deep knowledge but Biden showed he had it... because between Biden and Obama it's like that too. Unfortunately Palin isn't running for President........but Obama is.

His story is heartbreaking. Biden is less know outside the East Coast so I really looked forward to voters getting to see exactly what he is all about. Contrary to what media focused on, I thought he was the lesser known of the two nationally.

That is why I am so interested in impressions today. They both did what they needed to do so it was a very good debate.

I would be willing to bet you a million bucks that you and I could devise a test of knowledge to be given to both Obama and Palin and all the rest for that matter. I'm betting Obama could easily answer most with the facts and far exceed the others, he also would not have to be primed for it. You agree?

Jen much of the time I don't much understand your answers that seem more directed at slamming Obama than dialogue. There is no way anyone can listen to Obama and not be impressed not only by his intellect but also by his basic knowledge of social and domestic issues. His issue solutions score higher on evaluations than even McCain.

Why do you think the polls are reflecting a majority public that doesn't see him as you do?

"I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy, I mean, that's a storybook, man."

-Joe Biden on CNN

...that other people call "Gaffes."

GREAT EXAMPLE: When he said that Hillary would probably have been a better POLITICAL choice than he was. He said this in response to one of HIS supporters who criticized her.

From MY point of view, he was simply taking up for a friend and colleague, with maybe a little bit of old fashioned chivalry thrown in.

Did not see much of the Debate, as I went to a Hockey Game, BUT...I did hear him say several things that could almost be praise of McCain, with addendum of course.

Also his story about Jesse Helms, when he was a young Congressman, and the advice he got from one of his superiors (I forget who...) explains a lot about his "style..."

I would have thought he would have gone over and slapped her and said wake up and answer the question. Not really but he was on. He attacked McCain 66 times and she fell to defend him. She attacked Obama 44 times and he defended every time. Sharpe guy.

You could see by the line on audience reaction that Palin flatlined every time she tried to change the subject on details she didn't know back to energy. Biden was sharp throughout. He stumbled once when Palin noted she thought he was wrong but only once that I could detect.

You know what on that Hillary gaffe that was my exact impression. That was an endearing act imo. I noted "chivalry" here and it was a trigger word but that is exactly what it was to me.

seeing the debate than myself. I have tried to listen to the issues. She has noticed body language and how they appear to be coming off. But even she got ticked at her changing the subject. She showed a lot of weakness. That said, Biden was unbelieveable. As I said he controled himself much better than I could. I thought he nailed her to the floor without having to make her look bad. That is my opinion but you know I like Biden.

No, I was not surprised. When Biden ran for president in the 80's, I was very impressed by him. His command of facts and firey oratory grabbed my attention. His personal story is compelling, thus making him accessible to wide range of the electorate.

Obama/Biden are very well prepared to lead the country. Possibly Biden confirmed that last night for some undecided voters.