By Carmen Wilson

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Democratic Sen. Joe Biden and Republican Gov. Sarah Palin focused on foreign policy in the Middle East and America’s failing economy in the first and only vice presidential debate last night.
The highly anticipated debate came toward the end of a hectic week for Wall Street and Congress. Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain were included in the chaos; both senators voted for the $700 billion economic bailout plan. McCain’s campaign, which suffered in the polls, relied on Palin to debate without any uncertainty, in spite of many critical eyes watching for mistakes following recent televised interviews. Obama counted on Biden to maintain their lead without any hints of condescending his less experienced opponent.
Expectations were met from both candidates at the debate, which took place at Washington University in St. Louis. Palin turned her inexperience into a jab at politicians’ tendency to contradict themselves. “It's so obvious I'm a Washington outsider. And someone just not used to the way you guys operate. Because here you voted for the war and now you oppose the war,” Palin said.
As Palin acknowledged her inexperience, she emphasized her appeal to the regular American. On her first chance to speak, Palin suggested speaking to parents at a children’s soccer game to measure the economy.
Biden used a similar tactic. “Walk into Home Depot with me where I spend a lot of time and you ask anybody in there whether or not the economic and foreign policy of this administration has made them better off in the last eight years,” Biden said.
Biden did not appear disrespectful of his opponent, but was frequently shown smiling in response to a Palin comment. Biden spent much time defending himself and Obama, and denying claims made about both senators’ political histories. The candidates spent more time attacking the other party’s presidential candidate than they did directly insulting each other.
No matter the outcome, Biden recognized the magnitude of the election: “This is the most important election you will ever, ever have voted in, any of you, since 1932,” Biden said.