Vice presidential candidates come out swinging in debate

ST. LOUIS, Minn. (WJRT) -- (10/02/08)--After shaking hands, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden came out swinging in their first and only debate.

From energy to the environment, the vice presidential candidates at times got into a heated debate.

Republican Palin says Sen. John McCain would "put partisanship aside" to help solve the nation's economic crisis.

Biden countered that Wall Street has run wild during eight years of Republican rule in the White House.

They also sparred on energy and environmental issues. The debate was being held at Washington University in St. Louis. The event is the only vice presidential debate of the campaign.

Palin, who has been governor of Alaska less than two years, has been under intense pressure to demonstrate a strong grasp of the issues.

Polls show the public has become increasingly skeptical of her readiness for high public office.

Biden has had a reputation for long-windedness to deal with.

The first question was on the economy. Biden criticized the Bush administration, saying the country has suffered "the worst economic policies we've ever had."

Palin said one way to gauge how bad the situation is would be to attend a child's soccer game and listen to parents. Palin said, "I betcha you're going to hear some fear."

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