OCT 1: A Boston Globe editorial argues that Sarah Palin should be asked about banning rape kits in Thursday night's debate.
Numerous papers look at Palin's record as a debater. The Wall Street Journal calls her a "formidable foe." A challenger in the 2006 Alaska gubernatorial election writes a firsthand account for the Christian Science Monitor, saying Palin is "a master of ... the fine art of the nonanswer, the glittering generality."
SEPT 30: The New York Times looks at the vice presidential candidates' debating records and finds that Palin is fluent, but "often spoke in generalities and showed scant aptitude for developing arguments beyond a talking point or two." They conclude that Biden is an "experienced debater" but could be tripped up by his "tendency to blurt out whatever is on his mind." They add that, debating a female candidate, Biden risks coming across "as overbearing or condescending."
Watch highlights of past Sarah Palin debates that suggest she stands to dominate.
SEPT 29: Obama adviser David Axelrod says they expect a tough fight:
"I fully expect her to be ready for this debate, and I think there will be a great deal of interest in this. I think it will be a well-watched debate, so it's going to be important... She's very skilled and she'll be well-prepared. I know she's preparing this weekend. As you saw at the convention, she can be very good, so I think it would be foolish to assume that this going isn't going to be a really challenging debate. We're preparing for that, on that assumption."
Biden's spokesman tried to raise expectations even more, calling Palin "a leviathan of forensics."
McCain strategist Nancy Pfotenhauer helped, saying that while Palin would win on "wits," moderator Gwen Ifill shouldn't ask her "trapdoor questions" or too much about foreign policy.
Palin herself, meanwhile, isn't acting worried, the Washington Post reports:
"I'm looking forward to meeting him. I've never met him," she said at a rally here. "I've been hearing about his Senate speeches since I was in, like, the second grade."
She noted that Biden seems pretty confident about winning the debate.
"Then again," she said, "this is the same Sen. Biden who said the other day that the University of Delaware would trounce the Ohio State Buckeyes."
McCain adviser Nicolle Wallace is equally confident: "I seriously hope that people continue to underestimate the most popular governor in America."
SEPT 28: CNN reports that Sarah Palin will go to McCain's home near Sedona, Arizona for "debate camp" until Thursday night. An aide said McCain thought it would be an "invigorating and enjoyable place to prepare for Thursday." Palin spent the past four days preparing in a Philadelphia hotel.
The AP explains that Biden and Palin will be questioned by Gwen Ifill, senior correspondent on PBS' "The NewsHour" and moderator of "Washington Week." Each candidate will have 90 seconds to respond to a question, followed by a two-minute discussion.