Analysis: Voters Give Edge to Biden in Debate

KYW Team Coverage

Thursday night's debate drew plenty of media attention as a possibility for a train wreck, but both Sarah Palin and Joe Biden avoided any catastrophic missteps. However, several polls released on Friday gave an edge to Sen. Biden.

KYW's Larry Kane reports that it was the battle of Wasilla, Alaska versus Wilmington, Delaware.

Delaware Joe and Alaska Sarah showed America two faces: Palin, sticking up for John McCain, talked Reagan style about America and family. Biden showing off his vast knowledge of government, but he centered his attack on John McCain, not Sarah Palin.

Palin also surprised many by diverting many of the questions back to two themes --she knows energy, and she knows family.

On the latter issue Biden struck back, almost teary eyed, suggesting that he, a victim of a family in tragedy so many years ago, understood what family is about.

The debate was a real one compared to last week's presidential event, with a different ending. Both families gathered on the stage afterward in moments of warmth.

You'll pick the winner, but there's no question that Biden-Palin was sharper than the Obama-McCain encounter.The CBS instant survey says 46 percent of uncommitted voters gave it to Biden, versus 21 percent for Palin.

And 98 percent said they see Biden as knowledgeable, versus 66 percent for Palin.

KYW's Pat Loeb watched the debate with students from the University of Pennsylvania.

About 100 students gathered in a common room of the Hill House dormitory to watch the debate together.

Many had already made up their minds, but Jennifer Scuteri of Berwyn, Pa. was watching with more than an academic interest:

"I'm still undecided, so it's really good to see both perspectives just, like, raw and on television live."

(Loeb:)   "You're still undecided?"

"I'm still undecided, I really have to look at the issues. I really don't want to mess this vote up because every vote counts, and I guess it's just a matter of drawing from the debates what I can."

And that is what Penn faculty member Julie Zaholski is hoping for:

"We are trying to nurture this future, and I listen to the conversations that are going on. They got it. It's so exciting, and the more we can do to stimulate this -- it's the best thing I've seen in 30 years."