The Spectacle Blog  Pre-Debate Thoughts  By on 10.2.08 | 9:02PM
My sense is that Sarah Palin has more to lose than she has to
gain. If she exceeds expectations, it may help relieve doubts
about her readiness, but I would be surprised if McCain gets
much of a bounce out of it, because the focus will soon shift
back to the bailout plan. However, if she messes up, it will
keep the focus on whether or not she's up to the job, and that's
a loser for McCain. Fair or not, that's the field of play.  Joe
Biden would be best off ignoring Palin as much as possible. He
should just answer the questions and keep attacking McCain and
try not to engage Palin and risk a backlash. But will he be able
to keep himself from saying something really stupid? We shall
see.  Palin needs to play to her strengths and recapture that
likable authenticity that she had coming out of the convention,
while at the same time, come across as confident in her answers.
She can't afford another one of the Couric moments on such a
large stage.  But