I agree that Palin may well be deemed a 'winner' tomorrow night just on the basis of bright-faced, perky lines, never mind the winding words.

Tonight PBS ran a couple of previous vice presidential debates, notably the GHW Bush and Geraldine Ferraro. I can see why Bush was considered to have done better- he was energetic and decisive, she more soft spoken and almost tired.

They said tonight that no US presidential outcome has ever been affected by the second spot ticket. I can't imagine why, frankly. Nowadays the second spot is an important one.