Avoiding the Dan Quayle Trap: 20 Questions We Hope the V.P. Hopefuls are Asked Tonight

By: Tomika DePriest

Millions will tune in tonight for the vice presidential debate between Delaware Sen. Joe Biden and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. This will be an opportunity for the American public and media to judge who has best understanding of key foreign and domestic issues and mastered the art of speaking in sound bites, and which candidate’s message -- on the top of the ticket -- clearly has resonated with voters.

Both Biden and Palin have received mixed reviews in the media regarding their ability to stay on message with their respective parties and avoid gaffes. Some Democrats and Republicans may be holding their collective breath, hoping their candidate doesn’t come off as confusing or contradictory. Neither party wants to see their candidate morph into this campaign’s Dan Quayle. After all, the vice presidential debate is occurring on the heels of Palin’s botched Katie Couric and Charlie Gibson interviews and after a string of Biden blunders, both in interviews and at campaign events. Either way, each candidate will have to rise to the occasion in a way that leaves the audience with a clear understanding of who they are and from where they come.

Avoiding the Dan Quayle Trap: 20 Questions We Hope the V.P. Hopefuls are Asked Tonight....