More on the VP debate

There is something to be said for evaluating 2008's vice presidential field as the lesser of two liabilities. Or, if not outright liabilities, perhaps candidates with a great deal of downside in addition to the advantages they bring to the race. Joe Biden was never about energizing the Democratic base. Obama chose him to balance the ticket and attract some of the white, working-class voters that Hillary Clinton courted so strongly. And the campaign knew his propensity for misstatements, which has materialized lately. He has arguably never produced much of a bump in either direction for Obama. If he fails to perform well in the debate, there may be few Biden supporters left in the party.

By contrast, Sarah Palin's popularity may have never been higher than before she spoke a word as McCain's official VP choice. In speeches and forums allowing her to set the agenda, Palin displays the charisma the campaign clearly hoped would help deliver the White House. Yet in unscripted interviews, her capacity to provide meaningful analysis seems desperately short. As Politico writes, prominent GOPers are already worried.

Sarah Palin's media appearances thus far--namely the Charles Gibson and Katie Couric interviews--haven't been particularly encouraging for those who hoped her to be cut from the "free-thinking maverick" mold.



The question, then, is whether the palpable gains she has already brought to the ticket will be overshadowed by her inexperience as the campaign rolls on. It seems she brings a bigger upside and downside, but none of this may ultimately swing voters toward either ticket.