I earlier heard the comment Republicans are harping on Biden laughing at Ryan and interrupting him because they do not want to talk about substantive issues or policies, where Ryan got destroyed. Personally, I think it a push.

Biden was substantively better, pointing out Ryan twice asked for stimulus money he calls fiscally irresponsible, and voted for Bushs budget-busting wars and prescription drug plan but now calls himself fiscally conservative. Particularly glaring was that, after Romney and Ryan have both been pressed for weeks to show how they can slash taxes 20% for everyone without cutting entitlements, Ryan refused just as defiantly as he always has. You cannot say, "the math checks but you are not allowed to see it." In their closing remarks the candidates were asked to address a US soldiers complaint the campaign is about them tearing down each other rather than building up America; Ryan thanked him for his service then went through a laundry list of attacks on Obama.

That is not to say Biden won handily; he had a few stumbles, and Ryan did not collapse, but mounted some defense and landed a few blows of his own.

Ryan had better form, because Bidens eager aggression led him to rudely interrupt far too often. They should turn off the mics during opposing statements; drowning out responses should never be allowed. The candidates and moderator sitting at a single table illustrates there was more give and take tonight, but that is still not acceptable. Biden repeatedly referred to Ryan as his "friend," but directed nearly all responses to Raddatz; even when referencing comments Ryan just made he seldom looked rather than gestured at him. He generally spoke directly to Raddatz throughout, only briefly facing the camera for occasional points of emphasis. Ryan looked directly into the camera for his final remarks to "ask for your vote," though one commentator said it looked like he was running for student council.

Again, it was not completely one-sided; Biden was amiable enough despite being a bit overbearing, and Ryan looked a little stiff a few times (and vague often.)

Like I say, I would call it a push; those judging on style will give Ryan the edge to varying degress and those judging on substance will do the same with Biden. Sadly, we have not chosen our president or vice presidents on substance rather than form in a very long time. That is why Ryan has a reputation for being knowledgeable: He no longer talks specifics because he came off like Scrooge when he did, but he SOUNDS convincing.