The Student versus The Statesman

Tonight, Americans were treated to a stark contrast.

On the right, Republicans offered up a candidate who performed like a diligent understudy eager to perfectly recite the lines on a page. Sarah Palin spent the night doing what she does best--palinizing, avoiding answering questions and instead providing canned generalities and stock "zingers." She performed her choreographed debate dance well, down to how often she looked at Joe Biden and how often she looked in the camera. She studied for this debate. It showed.

On the left, Democrats offered up a candidate who didn't just perform. He certainly executed what he needed to execute properly--in a forceful and earnest manner. But Joe Biden did more than just "perform well" on stage.  Unlike his opponent, he didn't just recite what was on notecards. He recited what was in his heart. Indeed, at one point, he spoke so earnestly that he became emotional as he talked about his dedication to his family. And when he spoke of his dedication to this country, and Obama's as well, he spoke just as earnestly and authentically.

The mantra going into the debate was that if "Palin could be Palin," she would shine. She shined, all right. She beamed as a neophyte does when they tremble with excitement about finally being on the national stage. She glowed when she delivered the scripted lines she studied, even giving a little nod to herself as she successfully delivered the words meticulously drafted by someone else. But when it came to convincing Americans (and especially independents) that she is an authentic candidate and a qualified candidate, it doesn't appear that she did anything to keep her star from fading.