Biden and Palin Clash Over the Economy and the War

"We're going to fundamentally change economic policy. We're going to focus on the middle class," Biden said.

Palin suggested the best way to gauge the health of the economy was to go to a "kids' soccer game' and talk to parents on the sidelines. "I betcha you're going to hear some fear," Palin said.

She praised McCain for his efforts in the past to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and for his efforts to get a deal on the rescue bill last week, an example of what she said was McCain "putting the country first."

The exchange came after Palin and Biden met for the first time.

"Nice to meet you," Palin said as the two shook hands at the debate's start. "Hey, can I call you Joe?"

Palin appeared confident at the start. "I may not answer the questions the way you or the moderator want to hear," Palin said, adding that she would instead talk straight to the American voters.