By Morris Arvoy

Al Pheley

Prior to the debate, Pheley discussed what viewers should expect when the vice presidential candidates face off at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

"The debate offers a time for them to show their strengths," Pheley said. He noted the different experiences the vice presidential nominees bring to the ticket as No. 2 behind the presidential candidates, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. As a longtime senator, Biden brings different experience than Palin, but Palin is inspiring enthusiasm, and she has experience as a governor, Pheley says.

"Palin's rising star over the past few weeks has put her in the limelight and taken attention off Biden," Pheley said. "Palin may not have the experience that Biden does in reacting to the issues, but she's rapidly learning how to do that. By taking her to McCain's ranch in Sedona, the McCain campaign is doing everything they can to make sure she is prepared for the debate and able to keep the momentum despite recent polls suggesting her popularity is dropping."

From Biden, Pheley said, viewers should expect to see caution.

"Biden must be careful he doesn't appear too aggressive in the debate," he said. "They call him ‘the bulldog,' so he'll want to make sure that he focuses on the issues and that he is not aggressive on the attack."