The two New York Time’s articles, “Past Debates Show a Confident Palin, at Times Fluent but Often Vague,” and “An Experienced Debater, Biden is Often Tripped Up by Spontaneity,” explain the weaknesses that Palin and Biden may have to overcome in the VP Debate on Thursday night.

In the first article, Katherine Q. Seelye points out that Sarah Palin is confident, but not confrontational. She said that in past debates, Palin was more prepared to answer questions on pressing issues. However, she said that Palin speaks in general terms, does not develop arguments, and often repeats many phrases (repetition sounds similar to McCain in the first presidential debate). Seelye also pointed out that Palin did not use all of her time and often ended her answers hurriedly. Andrew Halcro, who was in a debate with Palin in the past, said that most of what Palin said was “political gibberish.” Seelye concluded with saying that Palin puts the same emphasis on all issues, but that she is good at relating to the average person.

In the second article, Seelye explains the Joseph Biden is often blunt and forthright in his answers. Biden participated in fourteen of the twenty-six debates during the primaries and has a deep knowledge of the issues, which could be hazardous for Palin. Seelye says that Biden speaks authoritatively and with urgency, which can often come across as condescending. Seelye points out that Biden has to be careful not to come across as sexist towards Palin. Biden’s tendency to be spontaneous and sometimes overbearing could hurt him in the debate on Thursday night.

Biden and Palin both have a lot to live up to on Thursday night at the VP debate. Many Americans are expecting the debate to be more of an entertainment show than a political showdown. Palin, especially after her interview with Katie Couric, has to be more informed about the issues. She and the McCain-Palin camp have to realize that image is important but there has to be substance behind the image. Biden, on the other hand, has to be more to the point and more focused on making an argument. There is a lot of negative buzz going around about the VP candidate’s ability to debate. It will be quite interesting to see what they both bring to the table on Thursday.