Although vice presidential candidates may have a slightly more important role during this election, UF political experts said Thursday night's debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin probably will not affect polls.
Neither Sen. Barack Obama nor Sen. John McCain gained ground as a result of the vice presidential debate, said Michael Heaney, a UF assistant professor of political science.
"Biden won the debate slightly and clearly, and Obama is ahead slightly and clearly," Heaney said. "So the debate fits into the overall narrative of the election, which is Obama ahead by a slight but clear margin at the moment."
Since both candidates proved they were qualified for the job, the vice presidency will become less of an issue in the election, Heaney said. Both candidates surpassed expectations during the debates, Heaney said.
UF associate professor of political science Daniel A. Smith agreed. Smith said although Biden had the stronger performance, Palin made up for it by overcoming concerns that she would appear uninformed on the issues.
Heaney said Biden defied predictions that he might be too sharp with Palin during the debate and come across as overbearing. Instead, he always referred to her as "governor" and never directly attacked her answers, Heaney said.
With the debate out of the way, Heaney said voters can expect less coverage of the vice presidential candidates.
"We'll be hearing about McCain versus Obama, which means that the vice presidential candidates did their job," he said.
