One thing was every evident in this face-off - experience. Joe Biden spoke with confidence on every issue thrown at him because of his experience. He has been a long-time senator, respected politician, foreign policy expert, former candidate and all-around statesman to know the ins and outs of his turf. He doesn't need a script to answer Gwen Ifill's questions, and he answered them very convincingly.

Everything seems set for the 2008 vice presidential debate. But while such encounters between running mates have played second fiddle to presidential debates of past election campaigns, this one stands out because of the interest and anticipation that has continually snowballed in the past days. What's the big difference this year? Sarah Palin.