[Bells]

Both sides came well prepared. I thought Palin did better than expected, but I genuinely feel she comes across as more of an endorsement for McCain, rather than Vice-President material. Even whilst speaking, it sounds as though she is chanting McCain's achievements, rather than staying true to opinions of her own. This will obviously appeal to McCain supporters, because they seem to want achievements listed rather than actual policies.

The opinions put across which happen to be hers, however (e.g. supporting teaching creationism in schools/anti-abortion), are frankly quite worrying. I really don't think the world is ready, particularly not when she has the potential to become President herself (if McCain serves one term). Those who vote for them deserve all they get if the Republicans end up with another 4 years. And it certainly doesn't improve international relations/foreign policy.

On the other hand, Joe Biden comes across as a lot more real. In fact, he has disagreed with Obama on several occasions, which deepens their mutual respect and allows the government to be run more honestly. I'm not saying I support all Democrat policies. In fact, I think more choice is needed as far as the two-party system goes, both in the UK and the US. But I would much rather see Biden/Obama in office rather than the alternative.