Palin was very well rehearsed. But for me, that created a certain disconnect because it wasn't real; although the weak attempts at creating a down-home feeling with phrases like "Joe Six Pack" and "Soccer Moms" seemed to be intended to combat this, it made it even more painfully transparent to me.

Appearances aside, she side stepped many issues while Biden seemed to pretty much answer as asked. Her attacks on Obama were just that, attacks, and really didn't have a lot of substance, while Biden really seemed to level McCain. Biden also seemed to be on offence far more than Palin, but I suppose that was no surprise.

In conclusion, I think it can be summed up with a few words: "It could've been worse for McCain/Palin".