A majority of voters believes Joe Biden will win tomorrow night’s vice-presidential debate – but an overwhelming number said Sarah Palin will come across as the more likeable, according to a new poll released yesterday.
In the Marist survey, 45 percent gave Biden, Delaware’s Democratic senator, the edge, while 36 percent said Palin, Alaska’s GOP governor, will shine.
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By a better than 2-to-1 ratio, voters believe Biden will have a better understanding of the issues than Palin.
But 65 percent think Palin will come across as more appealing, compared to 23 percent for Biden.
For many voters, the 90-minute debate in St. Louis represents the most detailed look they will get of the two vice-presidential candidates.
At the moment, 49 percent have a favorable impression of Palin, while 38 percent have a negative impression.
For Biden, 45 percent have a positive image, while 34 percent view him unfavorably.
Both candidates have considerable strengths and weaknesses.
Biden, 65, with 35 years in the Senate, is considered a skillful debater known for the glib quip. But he has also come under fire for being long-winded and making verbal gaffes.
Palin, 44, the first-term Alaska governor, is a charismatic speaker who has made roadkill of her state’s veteran politicians. But she has stumbled in recent media interviews on questions outside her comfort zone.
Biden will focus more on promoting running mate Barack Obama and slicing up GOP presidential nominee John McCain, rather than attacking Palin. He doesn’t want to come across as a bully.
Biden was in Wilmington, Del., yesterday prepping for the debate, aided by a group of women, including Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and former Hillary Rodham Clinton strategist Patti Solis Doyle.
Biden has consulted with Clinton about how to debate Palin, sources said.
Meanwhile, PBS’s Gwen Ifill, the debate moderator, broke her ankle while slipping on a staircase at home. But she said she will be able to moderate the debate.