Thursday’s TV debate between the vice president candidates — Delaware’s Sen. Joe Biden and Alaska’s Gov. Sarah Palin — could be more significant in the race for the White House than last Friday’s debate between the actual candidates for president.

    That Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama came close to a tie is the opinion of many viewers. Neither scored a definite advantage. A perceived lop-sided victory in the contest between the senator and governor, on the other hand, might affect the polls. In the governor’s case, a poor showing could dash McCain’s hopes as much for his judgment as her performance.

    The contrasts in tomorrow’s faceoff between Sarah and Joe would make a writer of fiction wonder whether or not the script was a little over the top.

    Is it plausible that a much older, well known male senator from the nation’s second smallest state would be competing against a much younger and little known woman governor from the country’s largest state? One has been on the national scene for decades and even tried a run for the presidency 20 years ago. The other was virtually  unknown in the United States and the world scarcely a month ago.

    Since the high stakes debate is really happening, however, with the prospect of 70 to 80 million people watching, it’s interesting to speculate what might be a last minute pep talk from a top advisor to each candidate.

    Talking to Sen. Biden, for instance:

    “Remember, Joe, that this debate is yours to lose. People expect you to overwhelm her with your superior experience and knowledge. So take it easy. Keep your comments brief. Let her talk, even ramble if she wants to. She will probably make mistakes in handling questions.

    “Your charm is always effective. There’s an advantage to you in showing her respect.

    “And when it comes to detailed political history, forget all about your recent mention of President Roosevelt going on television in 1929 to address the nation. Somehow that slip of yours was noticed.

    “Above all, remember that perception is reality!”

    And an advisor talking to Gov. Palin:

    “Remember, Sarah, that you may have executive experience as a governor but Biden is way ahead of you in top level government experience, both in domestic issues and foreign policy. So, why not concede at the start that he outdoes you in experience. After all, you were only eight years old when he was first elected.

    “Display your personality but keep focused on Sen. McCain’s basic positions. It’s all right to admit that you disagree with him on drilling for oil in Alaska, for instance, but the other side will be looking for any bobbles.

    “And please, skip mentioning that you can see Russia from where you live. That doesn’t do anything for your foreign relations credentials even though it was a remark that got a big laugh in the Saturday Night Live skit.

    “And always remember, perception is reality!”

    *****

    I’ll have to admit I spent a lot of time this past week trying to follow the ins and outs of the debate preceding the Congressional vote on what was called the “bailout” bill. Just the name of the pending legislation was a mistake, though. It seems that generally in the country constituents of members of the House of Representatives tied the word “bailout” to the people on Wall Street who had succumbed to greed. They told their elected representatives that they did not want money going to them.

    Some other name, like “financial rescue” or “economy turnaround” would have carried a different connotation. But of course the one word “bailout” was easier to grasp, even though it was the country as a whole that was being helped, not just Wall Street.

    With the “no” vote a stunning turn of events, who knows what rescue legislation, if any, finally will emerge.

    Whatever happens, it is of critical importance to the “Main Streets” all over Delaware as well as the rest of the nation.

    *****

    “A Fabulous Affair” at the Modern Maturity Center on Friday night certainly lived up to its name, with 51 ten-person tables sold. The math is easy — more than 500 people were there and enjoyed the great food as well as music from “The Fabulous Greaseband.”

    Congratulations and a tip of the hat to everyone, staff and volunteers, who contributed to the highly successful evening.

    The money raised supports the state’s largest center for older adults.

    *****

    This lawyer is painting his house, and a hobo comes around and asks if he can do something to earn a few dollars. The lawyer says, “Sure, take a can of this paint and go around to the back of the house and paint my porch.”

    The hobo does this and 15 minutes later comes back and says he’s finished. The lawyer says, “Already?”

    And the hobo says, “Yeah, but it isn’t a Porsche, it’s a Mercedes!”