by staff writer Narbeh D.

With both the Democratic and Republican national conventions behind us, we can finally take a real look at vice-presidential nominees Joe Biden (D-Delaware) and Sarah Palin (R-Alaska). Wait, what? Sarah?

That’s right. John McCain went out and got himself what a lot of Democrats wanted as their presidential nominee: a woman. As Rudy Giuliani said during the Republican National Convention, “Let’s shake up the White House.” Well, Giuliani can rest assured for no matter which party wins this elections, in the end, the White House will be home to either the first African-American President or the first female Vice-President.

Both candidates appear to be qualified for their position, having held and currently holding substantial positions in the political world. Biden, 65, has represented Delaware in the Senate since 1972. Palin, 44, has made a name for herself in Alaska, where she is currently serving as governor, was mayor of Wasilla, and commissioner and chairman of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Biden proves to be the perfect compliment to the less experienced Barack Obama. Recognized is also an influential figure on terrorism, drug policy, and crime through the Senate of Judiciary Committee. His impressive track record in foreign policy includes repaying dues owed to the U.N. and expanding U.S. radio and television broadcasts in Muslim countries. His leadership helped to bring peace and stability to both the Balkans and Kosovo in 1999.

Concerning education, Biden wishes to increase the availability of education for all Americans. He plans to introduce legislation to make colleges and universities more affordable for the middle class, and for children to receive two years of pre-school education. His ideas for the middle class not only concern education, but also engulf his economic plans. He hopes to re-invigorate the middle class by cutting down on taxes, investing in America’s infrastructure to allow for job openings, withdrawing from a dependence on foreign oil, and stabilizing the housing markets.

Palin has brought a good-natured image to the GOP with her family and reputation as an American mother role model.

Having served the Alaska Oil and Gas conservation Commission, Palin understands that a dependence on foreign oil is unhealthy for the nation and has plans for a $40 billion natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.

Her speech at the Republican National Convention made it clear that her goals for the economy include improved taxed cuts for all Americans, as she hopes to bring stability to an economy in a financial crisis. Palin also wants school to teach more morals, ethics, and patriotism. She plans to give parents greater control over the educational future of their children.

A firm believer in free market capitalism, Palin has show her distaste towards Washington elite and the upper class. It is no surprise to find her classifying health care as a market – and business-driven system. She supports personal management of health care, especially by doctors, and not by bureaucrats.

With all of their accomplishments, both candidates have weak points as well. Biden’s main weakness is the fact that his main priority is Delaware, and he tends to base many of his decisions on the well being of his home-state.

Also in mid-2007, Biden was noted to be against the idea of Obama as the presidential candidate whom he conspired unprepared for the job. He made it clear that being president “is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training.”

As for Gov. Palin, as investigation is underway whether she fired Alaska’s public safety commissioner because he would not fire her ex-brother-in-law, a state trooper. To add more drama to the McCain campaign, it was discovered the Palin’s 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. In a nation where teenage pregnancy is a political issue, such controversy has proved to be rather unhealthy for the Republican Party.

Finally, there is the huge factor of experience that Palin lacks. Though she has served as a mayor and governor, Palin has a very limited career in politics. She has never held and position that would involve her in the affairs of other states, or the country as a whole.

Biden and Palin will debate each other on Oct. 2.