• The economy

Biden: The middle class needs relief, tax relief. They need it now. They need help now. The focus will change with Barack Obama.

Palin: It's a toxic mess, really, on Main Street that's affecting Wall Street. And now we have to be ever vigilant and also making sure that credit markets don't seize up. That's where the Main Streeters like me, that's where we would really feel the effects.

• Foreign diplomacy

Biden: Our friends and allies have been saying Sit down. Talk. Talk. Talk. Our friends and allies have been saying that. ... If we don't go the extra mile on diplomacy, what makes you think the allies are going to sit with us?

Palin: Diplomacy is hard work by serious people. It's lining out clear objectives and having your friends and your allies ready to back you up there and have sanctions lined up before any kind of presidential summit would take place.

• Vice president's role

Biden: The primary role of the vice president of the United States of America is to support the president of the United States of America and give that president his or her best judgment when sought.

Palin: We will do what is best for the American people in tapping into that position and ushering in an agenda that is supportive and cooperative with the president's agenda in that position.