Palin scores big in VP debate

Was the position, so often described as a “heartbeat away from the presidency,” more than the governor could handle?

While questions about her political abilities may remain, Palin showed that when down for the count, she has the grit and determination to keep fighting – a trait that would serve her well in Washington.

Palin entered Thursday’s debate under tremendous political pressure. With some analysts calling the race over after Palin’s less than stellar performances during recent interviews, a serious stumble in the debate would have been disastrous for the McCain-Palin ticket.

Palin not only exceeded expectations, but also outperformed seasoned political veteran Joe Biden by making her case directly to the American people and refusing to be pigeonholed on any topic.

Biden, whose main objective was not to hurt his ticket, did an admirable job countering a very direct, personable Palin without resorting to negative attacks on her political experience.

For the night though, the win goes to Palin and the Republican Party for salvaging a faltering campaign and showing, as Yogi Berra once said, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”

The Republicans may have been down, but, with four weeks left in the campaign, they are far from out.