The nation sat with baited breath has night as the seconds ticked down to 21:00 EST and the beginning of the Vice Presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Louise Palin.

Apprehension, not felt since the Superbowl, flowed thickly through the fruited plains as Democrats and Republicans alike shifted nervously in their seats. Would Palin sink or swim? Would the nation spend 90 minutes in a suspended state of cringing at the anticipated oratory debacle? Would Palin implode in a maelstrom of self inflicted wounds of ignorance? There was a silent collective rectal tightening as the candidates strode onto the stage…

After which we let out a sigh of relief. Tonight we met the real Sarah Palin. She was as gorgeous as Biden was handsome (they must spend a fortune on their teeth). Palin came out and immediately disarmed us with her eager request to Joe Biden if she could call him “Joe.” To which he agreed with a flash of his famous smile.

Palin was excellent; fantastic, capable and convincing. She fielded her questions like a professional, her composure barely slipping in joyous anticipation when a question or topic landed on one the subjects she had rehearsed over the past week. And the rehearsals paid off. Her demeanor was pleasant; her colloquialisms appropriate and charming; she radiated confidence and comfort at being in the fray. She also demonstrated a toughness unseen before, mixed with a deep respect for her opponent. And she exuded unapologetic honesty for her opinions on certain matters, such as gay marriage.

The nation respected the opponents too. They fought hard without trampling on each other. Moreover we respected their deep personal commitment to the United States of America in their both having sons serving in the U.S. military overseas. And that, when compared to the current administration's mix of arrogance and apathy, are the marks of Kings and Queens.

You can read about the details elsewhere. This debate was a success for Democrat and Republican alike. Both candidates were superstars; indeed they were better than their Presidential partners. In watching the windup with their families about them it left this writer wondering how good it could have been if Biden and Palin were on a ticket together. Palin showed that she is indeed Vice Presidential material who, with time, could take on the mantle of Presidency if called upon.

Hey, Joe wasn’t bad either; in fact he was great. It’s just the world wasn’t waiting for him to fail on live TV.