Since we seem to be treating these debates as sporting events with winners and losers, I thought I’d do a little preview of these like I do for Ohio State football games. Now, that being said, I can’t help thinking that no matter what the outcome, somehow, someway, the American people are going to be the losers…..but I digress.

The contenders: Joe Biden, experienced, blue collar, senator who takes the train home every night to be with his family. Sarah Palin, governor, mother, hunter, one of those people who clings to her god and her guns.

Sarah Palin will win if: she’s herself, she stays on topics she’s passionate about, goads Joe Biden into making stupid statements seen as condescending to women. Expectations of Palin are so low after her “hurricane ike” like media tour, if she manages to escape without both feet in her mouth, her supporters will claim victory.

Joe Biden will win if: he controls his ego and his mouth. All he needs to do is calmly display the depth of his knowledge and look presidential and let Palin do herself in. The key question is, will he be able to engage his internal censor to allow that to happen? Sorry to say, I think not.

What will happen? Palin will do better than expected and will re-establish some credibility with the conservative base. Don’t look for a Dan Qualye/Jim Stockdale like performance here. Biden will make some gaffes, but will be forgiven by the Democratic base and nothing will change overall after the debate. Should be interesting. And, GO BUCKS! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist…)