Biden won the debate, and he handled himself better than Obama did last week. Palin did ok. She avoided looking dumb and unready by sticking to a carefully prepared script of generalities and banalities. Two takeaways:

First, McCain put her on the ticket to shore up his support among the GOP Right. They were beginning to sweat after Palin's gaffes with Katie Couric. Now they're probably breathing sighs of relief. But McCain already had the GOP Right before Palin (realistically, would they ever vote for Obama?). He needs to reach out to the middle of both parties if he expects to win. Instead, he keeps looking to the Right.

Second, Palin's adequate performance last night probably will slow or stop the flow of free votes Obama had been getting thanks to the Couric interviews. Now he needs to take off the gloves and defeat McCain decisively. He can't afford any more ties--they benefit McCain.