Biden and Palin Clash Over the Economy and the War

Propelled by an intense focus on the economy at the expense of all other issues, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has opened up a narrow but consistent polling lead over McCain (R-Ariz.). But even as the two presidential nominees have battled, their running mates -- particularly Palin -- have become the subjects of intense curiosity for the media and the wider voting public, making their debate a must-see event.

Along with touting her reformist credentials, Palin emphasized that she was not a creature of the capital city.

"It's so obvious that I'm a Washington outsider and not used to the way you guys operate," Palin said, mocking Biden for supporting the Iraq war initially and then backing away from it.

Biden also cast himself as a man of the people, repeatedly referencing his hometowns of Wilmington, Del., and Scranton, Pa., and the wisdom of regular folks there. At one point he suggested he spent "a lot of time" at Home Depot.

The debate kicked off with a question on whether the debate over financial rescue legislation was an example of Washington at its best or worst.

Biden said the Bush administration had promulgated the "worst economic policies we've ever had," then ticked off the four guiding principles Obama had outlined for the rescue plan, the same ones Obama emphasized in his first debate with McCain.