I watched the debate twice ... it keeps reminding me how different this race is in comparison to past presidential elections.   Very exciting ...

Biden: I was deeply impressed by the substance of Joe Biden.  He knew his facts, seemed to talk straight and really convinced me of his sincerity and good judgment.  I truly doubt him getting choked up was pretend, and Palin could not help but compliment him on stepping across the isle when it was the right thing to do.

Palin: We all know that Palin is not running based on her knowledge or experience in federal issues ... the perspective the GOP is comming from is that within the short period of public service we see she learns quick and gets things done.  The fact that she kept control of her part in the debate was masterfully done.  Arguably, some may say that she didn't answer the tough questions, but truth is that she unlike most politicans who have done the same thing - she has an excuse, she has not molded her own answers to many of these tough questions.

Overall: I think that both came out winners - Palin the underdog showed that she can run with the pack while talking "folksie" with the people, and Biden reveals himself as a trustworth and experienced maverik.  Give them both a Klondike bar.