Both candidates get job done well

Palin's performance

Pignanelli: Readers: Buy stock in Advil or any similar pain relief medication. Millions of Republicans were squeezing, pinching and crossing various body parts while watching Palin in the hopes that she could hold her own and not repeat the dismal performance in prior media interviews. Well, the GOP may have black and blue marks, but their candidate succeeded beyond even the most unrealistic expectations. McCain's incompetency on economics is now the issue and not Palin's lack of reading materials.

Webb: Absolutely. She exceeded expectations, stood toe-to-toe with one of Washington's most formidable and experienced insiders, and avoided major mistakes. She wasn't the smoothest debater ever, but she re-energized the Republican base and made fair-minded voters comfortable with her.

Biden's performance

Webb: I did switch to the football game a few times during some of his long-winded Washington-speak lectures, but the format prevented him from putting anyone totally to sleep.

Pignanelli: By any measure, the Delaware senator performed well. He provided a detailed plan for economic and health-care reform. More importantly, he controlled his famous verbosity (no small achievement).

Foreign relations

Pignanelli: The nation is grateful that Palin refrained from referencing Alaska's proximity to Russia. Biden reminded everyone he will excel as a representative of our nation.

Webb: As expected, Biden was more knowledgeable than Palin, appearing to have command of facts and history. But Palin hung in there, nailing Obama on meeting with foreign dictators without pre-condition. She didn't embarrass herself, and that's all she needed to do.

Qualifications

Webb: Palin reassured fair-minded voters that she is qualified. She requires some on-the-job training, but give her a few months and she'll rise to the occasion.

Pignanelli: I respect Gov. Palin and her tenacity. Indeed, I required my daughter to watch this incredible woman. (The Obama sticker is remaining on her school notebook.) Yet, Biden demonstrated the competence and experience Americans expect from their chief executive.

Errors?

Pignanelli: Biden was too technical in foreign policy observations. I was ready to throw my shoe at the television if Palin said "Gosh darn it" one more time.