Mistakes, Say Debate Coaches, WIll be Highlights of VP Debate

From http://www.wtvr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9094182

With the first presidential candidate debate ending in what experts call a tie, the focus is now on the vice-presidential candidates who face off this Thursday. So, what will viewers tune in to see?

Debate coaches say voters want to know their candidates are up-to-speed on the issues, but they will also be looking for sincerity, respect, and most of all they will be watching for slip ups and how well the candidates can handle the pressure.

And both candidates have recently slipped up during interviews. Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin has drawn attention over her recent interview with CBS Anchor Katie Couric. Couric asked Palin several questions in a one-on-one interview. At points, Palin appeared unprepared and told the anchor she'd have to do more research and "get back" to Couric.

Her Democratic opponent though, is not without his flaws. Senator Joe Biden also interviewed with Couric and when answering questions about the current economy mentioned Franklin Roosevelt. Biden made a blatant historical error when telling Couric, "Franklin Roosevelt spoke about the stock market crash on t-v." (Herbert Hoover was president when the market crashed in 1929 and radio, not television, was the medium of the day.)

"This is much more about avoiding the gaffe, as opposed to hitting the homerun," says University of Richmond Debate Coach Dr. Kevin Kuswa. He says the stakes are high for both candidates especially for Palin who's the newcomer.

Word is Palin is currently at a debate camp at Senator McCain's ranch in Sedona, Arizona. She's said to be training with Liberty University's head debating coach Brett O'Donnell. Meanwhile, Senator Biden arrived in Wilmington, Delaware today to also prepare. He's said to be practicing with a former beauty pageant contestant turned politician, so he can work on debating a woman, without offending other women.