During the debate Palin, right, avoided the mistakes that have blighted recent media appearances

So, after days of media build-up and breathless punditry, the vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden, the Democratic senator from Delaware, and his Republican rival, Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, went ahead in St Louis, Missouri, on Thursday night.

And it was not what some expected.

There were no fireworks or major flubs; instead it was a respectful, often passionate and even, at times, emotional conversation between two people who faced unprecedented interest for an event often viewed almost as an afterthought in the US election.

Compared to the visible chill between the presidential running mates, the atmosphere in the sports complex in Washington University, where the debate took place, was warmer, even convivial.

The audience at times even chuckled at asides made by both candidates and there was a heartwarming tableau at the end, so loved in US politics. Both candidates' families joined them on stage after the debate, Palin cradling her infant son while chatting affably to Biden's daughter.

Strong domestic ground

Many Republicans have recently eyed with alarm their party's battering in recent polls, amid perception that Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for president, is stronger on the economy. 

In focus

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Analysts on both sides expressed concerns - both in public and reportedly in private - that Palin, governor of a sparsely populated state and who is reviled by many for her perceived inexperience, would prove an embarrassment.

But she gave as good as she got.

Palin's gift is her appeals to the audience - with her folksy "doggone" and "darn it" exclamations, she directed most of her responses directly to the camera.

She took pains to refer to the American mainstream, mentioning the "hockey moms" and "Joe six packs" that both sides desperately need to propel them to the White House.

She was strong on domestic ground, stressing McCain's plans to impose tax cuts, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and stamp out corruption in "Washington and Main Street".

And she neatly sidestepped controversy on divisive issues such as gay marriage, without alienating either side.

But there were times when she appeared rattled. Towards the end of the debate, her answers were drawn-out and rambling and the debate moderator on occasion appeared to be mildly exasperated that she did not answer the set questions.

Palin also appeared at one point to refer to al-Qaeda as Shia Muslim extremists, a potential mistake echoed by her presidential running mate a few months ago

The danger, of course, is that Palin's comments are seen as glib, superficial and lacking in substance, something she was taken to task for by Biden.

McCain attacks

As for Biden himself, he reined his tendency to ramble and gave thoughtful, passionate answers to the questions with no hint of the infamous Biden temper, which those prepping him had no doubt warned him to keep under control.

Palin and Biden struck a respectful tone when not at their debate stands [AFP]

Biden scored his best digs over the Iraq war – saying frequently that in Palin's comments on Iraq he "did not hear a plan".

Like Palin, Biden appealed to the viewer. He visibly choked up after he mentioned his life as a single parent following the death of his wife and infant daughter in the 1970s.

He also took pains to save his strongest attacks for McCain, perhaps mindful of concerns that too concerted an attack on Palin would spark a backlash among women voters.

He railed against what he consistently described as failed Republican policies and decried the maverick tag that McCain and Palin have ascribed themselves.

But at times he seemed a little, as one commentator noted, "professorial", possibly confusing the audience in a digression about the constitutional job of the vice-president.

While his comment may have been correct, such a rambling answer may not have won over an audience used to the 10-second soundbite.

The morning after

Before the debate had even ended, both sides were furiously spinning away.

Obama's campaign sent a flurry of emails pointing out perceived inconsistencies in Palin's remarks, while McCain's camp handed out leaflets blasting Biden for his comments on McCain's healthcare plan.

Palin may well come out the better in the op-eds and analysis in the morning after - many analysts had pointed out that she faced lower expectations to deliver a skilled and nuanced performance in the debate.

But Biden may well have come out looking the more consummate politician, the one with the experience and the "fire" to bring true change to the White House.

The big question was one the moderator posed – what if something were to happen to their president and they assumed the reins of power?

Both spouted the inevitable about carrying on their president's legacy.

The question for voters is which one after November 4 could conceivably face that challenge successfully.