Palin: Terrific or terrifying?

Los Angeles - From terrific to terrifying, Sarah Palin's ability to polarise opinion was on display on Thursday as America tuned in for the Republican vice-presidential pick's debate with her Democratic opposite number.

It had been hyped as the most eagerly anticipated vice-presidential election debate for years, and all eyes were on Palin as she attempted to recover against seasoned opponent Senator Joseph Biden after a series of media mishaps.

For her admirers, Palin gave a barnstorming performance, erasing doubts about her credentials and threadbare foreign policy experience.

"She's holding her own with an experienced, polished politician," said the owner of the Conservative Cafe, a coffee shop in Crown Point, Indiana that caters to right-wing customers.

In Dublin, Ohio, meanwhile, a group of around 100 McCain-Palin supporters crammed into Hoggy's Barbecue and Grille were delighted.

Peggy Guzzo of Liberty Township, Ohio, was ecstatic at around the halfway mark. "I think she's doing phenomenal," Guzzo said.

"She's taken control of the stage. She's very authentic, very sincere. She's speaking from true convictions. That's what I love about her."

Holding her own

Marilu Sochor of Powell, Ohio, was similarly enraptured. "As a Democrat, I'm amazed. I think she's holding her own. I think Biden is flabbergasted. I think Palin's put him on the defensive."

Tasha Allison-Holmes of Worthington, Ohio, also is a former supporter of Democrat Hillary Clinton now supporting McCain. "She's doing a tremendous job," Allison-Holmes said of Palin. "Her performance is exceeding our expectations. She sounds smart and sassy. I like it. She's representing our gender well."

Yet in Democratic-dominated Los Angeles, a group of debate-watchers crowded around a television screen in the heart of Hollywood frequently cringed and shook their heads as Palin went about her work.

"Frankly, I'm terrified," said production assistant Robin Dicker, 35. "When you boil it down her message is essentially fear-based. And I worry that that is what people in middle America will respond to.

"I'm concerned that a lot of women voters will see the public image, the good looks, the hair, the children, the wholesome family, and then the message of fear, and they won't look too far past that."

Julie Cabe, a 24-year-old teacher, added: "I don't like the way that she is so negative. And I get irritated when she talks about being a maverick. We're not voting for a maverick, we're voting for a president."

In a trendy restaurant in Adams Morgan, Washington DC, Ambiya Pinnix, 26, was scathing. "She is an idiot, she is flirting," Pinnix told AFP.

'God appointed her'

"She over-emphasises her camera presence to make up her lack of policy understanding. She should not be considered as a fair candidate as VP just because she can conduct a debate. Biden understands what he says."

Janelle Zara, 20, added: "I am surprised, she is getting better than I thought. She is like a normal person but she is a candidate to VP, she should have a higher level."

In Palin's home state of Alaska meanwhile, patrons of the Big I pub in the town of Fairbanks offered mixed views.

"She's a good person, and she means good, but she doesn't have the experience," said Neil Connelly, a construction worker.

Most said they thought Palin had done a good job as governor in the last two years. But they disagreed on her ability to serve as vice president or president, should something happen to McCain.

Wayne Miller, a union worker, said Palin would do fine as vice president.

"That's what she's there for, because God appointed her," he said.

"Palin, I guess, for her lack of experience, did OK," said Bob Murphy, a construction worker who said he didn't think Palin had a deep enough understanding of the issues. "Biden is actually capable of being president."

- AFP