Health Care, Middle East Could Play Role in Vice Presidential Debate

As Sarah Palin and Joe Biden each huddle in their respective corners for the highly anticipated vice presidential debate on Thursday evening, the country waits and wonders what to expect from our candidates. Palin has a tough job set before her as the rookie, by far, in this portion of the politics. Rising concerns for her not so tactful public speaking skills, and seeming lack of concern thereof, may be a source of unease for the Republican vote.

Biden has been able to ride under the public's radar on a different level; he is male, has a record in the Senate, and he did not take us off guard as the chosen candidate. He is a Democrat, but he is also somewhat of a centrist. He's Joe! We shall soon see what more he has to say, though, on some major issues, and if those words have an impact of any measure on the upcoming Democratic vote.

In the recent few days, most of us are holding our breath and watching the news over Wall Street's falling numbers as the House (both the White and that other one) as they have yet failed to come up with a working solution to "bail out" the big bad banks. Most likely, we will be hearing about this topic, at least in the typical form of taxes in the debate Thursday. Palin will most definitely be speaking about cutting our government's shameful wasteful spending, and Biden will probably assure us that their party will only raise the taxes of millionaires. Obama has a plan, however, that involves a much larger tax realm of increase than just those who make over a million.

As Palin has just recently kissed her oldest child, son Track, goodbye and sent him off for a tour in the Middle East, we know she is in full support of our soldiers. She will probably discuss her desire to see the war end properly, as the rest of Americans would as well. Her comments on the war will most likely include her support of Bush's administration, though, and the decisions made up until this point. Biden might also mention his previous support, as his voting record shows. However, he soon believed his pro-war vote was a mistake as he had "assumed Bush competence." He may mention that he now regrets that vote and is now against the war in Iraq.

The health care predicament and a solution to cover the 46 million uninsured Americans today will doubtless be up for discussion as well. Biden will cover Obama's plan, which offers an answer that includes government control and citizen finances. Palin will probably pledge to fix the dilemma with more privatization.

Tune in with me Thursday and watch this vice presidential debate then, as we witness a history-making event. Biden and Palin will exchange words for the entire world to hear. Will it affect the outcome of the election? Only the voters can determine that, and that is up to you and me, fellow American.