This was Biden at his strongest, flexing his middle class Pennsylvania roots while also demonstrating an adeptness for political and policy.
In all, neither candidate scored a knock-out. Now, the McCain camp, likely relieved that Palin has answered the questions about her basic competence, must regroup and look to regain them momentum.
Thursday night's high-profile debate comes at a time with Obama running at a high-water mark, finally having broken the 50 per cent barrier in many national public opinion polls of likely voters.
The second presidential debate will take place next Tuesday on October 7 and the third and final will be on October 15.
American voters go to the polls on November 4, little more than a month from today.
Photograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: Clinton says it finally: 'Obama is the man for the job'