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More than 50 million Americans tuned into last week's presidential debate, but local partisans said the clash they are waiting for comes tonight when the vice presidential contenders go at it.

The vice presidential debate has the potential to be more entertaining and explosive because of the personalities of the candidates, Republican Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska and U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del.

"The debate I'm really looking forward to is Thursday," said state Rep. Jay Barrows, R-Mansfield.

The big question is which Palin will show up.

Will it be the brassy speaker who electricified the Republican National Convention, or the unsteady newcomer who stumbled through an interview with CBS News last week? Late night talk shows and "Saturday Night Live" have taken to mocking Palin's lack of experience and inability to answer some questions.

The other wild card is Biden, who has superior experience, but who is prone to verbal blunders.

Last week, he claimed President Franklin Roosevelt went on national television when the stock market crashed at the start of the Great Depression. Roosevelt was not president at the time, and TV was a largely experimental technology.

Barrows said he is confident Palin can handle the pressure.

"This will give the country a chance to see why John McCain picked her," he said.

Danielle Fish of Mansfield, a member of the Republican State Committee, said she cannot wait to watch the debate and believes interest is high because of Palin.

"No matter if you agree with Gov. Palin on the issues, there is no denying her natural charisma and charm," Fish said.

"She leads a relatively normal life, everyday challenges we all face with kids and family. Yet, here she is running for vice president," she said.

"It's fascinating. People want to learn more about her, hear directly from her. This debate is the first live opportunity for voters since the Republican convention. And of course, see if she answers everyone's question - is she up to being vice president? I think she'll deliver."

Paul Grady, chairman of the Democratic City Committee, said Biden is an accomplished debater - if he can avoid gaffes. Even though Palin has struggled recently, Grady said the expectations for her will be so low that she will "squeeze by."

Susan Blais of the Attleboro Republican City Committee said she considers tonight's debate "make or break" for Palin.

"I think she is going to do fine," Blais said, although she admitted she was nervous for Palin.

Ellen Parker, a member of the Democratic City Committee, said Palin has proven she is good at giving a "canned speech," but the debate will help determine if she can think on her feet.

"I'm anxious to see her answer questions and go up against Joe Biden," Parker said.

National commentators are predicting the vice presidential debate - being held at Washington University in St. Louis - will get higher television ratings than the forum between Barack Obama and John McCain. The debate begins at 9 p.m. and will be broadcast on the four major networks.

Some compare the debate to a stock car race, with spectators waiting to see if anyone crashes.