---

Who to pick, the old man who was a POW or the new guy with no experience? All of you who CAN vote are pondering this question. However, those of us who cannot vote are also considering it.

As for me, I am not basing my opinion on the candidate, but the running mate. McCain's health scares me and Obama is way too under-qualified for my comfort. Therefore, my choices are the new Alaskan lady or the old Democrat. This question was further pondered during the vice presidential debate last Thursday. The topics ranged from economics to foreign policy.

Both candidates fit into the stereotypes that we have all learned to know and love. Sarah Palin, as the Republican candidate, expressed how government is too involved in politics today. Meanwhile, Joe Biden, as the Democratic candidate, expressed the liberal, passive- aggressive views that Democrats love so much.

I believe this debate was valuable to the race. Palin showed that she does know the court cases and other foreign policy doctrines, even though earlier in the week she could not even explain Plessy v. Ferguson (separate but equal). She was able to eloquently explain her views on foreign and domestic policies with her new-found knowledge, which reassured me that she can follow the obscure patterns of our country and the many laws, court cases, and doctrines Congress passes.

Joe Biden also did very well last Thursday. He showed how his experience complements Obama's views. He highlighted how, during his career, he has participated in bipartisan decisions and always had the country's best interest at heart. He also did a very surprising thing - he actually knew the true role of the VP. He knew that the VP actually did not have a huge influence over Congress as Dick Chaney believes, and actually referred to the Constitution. Of course, the debate was not without its moments. My personal favorite was Biden's declaring that global warming was "man made." Silly me! I thought the trees were the cause of it! In addition, I enjoyed Palin's interesting phrases, like "darn right."

Nevertheless, the debate did have flaws. I really got annoyed by both candidates playing up their running mates. It was constantly "Obama has always done yada yada" or "McCain has always defended blah blah." Palin also played the soccer mom too much. I doubt that up in Alaska, soccer moms know the point value of the NYSE or talk about any policies made by Congress. Biden also seemed to be the typical politician, pointing the finger when things go wrong and accepting praise when things go right.

Overall, I would have to say that the debate helped both candidates. Palin looked presidential and showed she knew about foreign policy, and Biden showed he had the experience necessary to help Obama. Of course, these results do nothing to help me decide. But I'll live; I can't vote for another year or so.