Attending the VP debate in St. Louis provides an up-close perspective

"And you were there!" were the words Walter Cronkite exclaimed at the end of the CBS educational series I watched back in grade school in Cape Girardeau.

I happened to recall that phrase as I sat in the 11th row at the vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis. But this time was there to witness firsthand the debate between U.S. Sen. Joe Biden and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. This truly was miraculous, since less than 24 hours earlier I was planning on watching the debate with my husband from my home in North Carolina. So how did this happen and what did I learn?

Ever since I had heard Governor Palin speak at the Republican National Convention I had become a big fan. She was a fresh face with a great story who exhibited passion, spunk and leadership skills that showcased reform and ethical accountability, even within her own party.

Her quick rise to rock-star status made her one of the most interesting political figures in the country. Her presence on the ticket energized the Republican base. Opposition to her came in full force. And everyone wanted to know more about her whether you were from the right or the left,

After a poor performance in a widely broadcast CBS interview with Katie Couric, Palin found herself in a pressure-cooker situation leading up to the debate. Questions were swirling about her competence, and some people were wondering if she was capable of being John McCain's running mate and possibly our country's president. The debate truly was going to be a defining moment in more ways than one.

One of my brothers called to say he had an extra ticket for the debate. Would I want to go? Of course!

While driving to Raleigh around 4:30 a.m. to fly to St. Louis, I felt both excited and nervous. How would my candidate do? She seemed like the type who met challenges head on and would step up to the occasion. Although her record was strong and her likability off the charts, the fact was that the stakes were high. The future of McCain's campaign could possibly hinge on her performance. I was curious to see how she would do. Evidently, so were the roughly 70 million people who watched the debate on TV. For the first time in political history, the vice presidential debate was playing a crucial role in the election.

My brother, his wife and I arrived early to watch the people and the media circus that surrounded this momentous event at Washington University, the site of presidential debates in 1992, 2000 and 2004. We were not disappointed. We witnessed rows and rows of media trucks, satellite dishes, lots of cables and tall towers parked in the parking lot. On our right all the major networks were positioned on the grass in front of the Athletic Complex for their live TV coverage shots. Political figures and TV's media "Who's Who" were spotted all around. The air was crackling with excitement. Activity crescendoed as 7:15 p.m. rolled around and we were to take our seats. The hall was tastefully festooned with beautiful red, white and blue banners. The two wood lecterns stood bare.

We heard that approximately 500 to 750 people were allowed inside the debate room. Of that number, 200 to 300 Washington University students were selected by lottery. In other rooms, 3,100 members of the press were interspersed between the "spin room" and other media outlets. After I learned all of that, I was humbled that this homemaker from North Carolina had one of these prized tickets. I was honored to be there and was pleasantly surprised to find my seat just behind Geraldine Ferraro, Sen. John Danforth, Sen. Alan Simpson, Sen. Joe Lieberman, Sen. Claire McCaskill and Howard Dean. About seven rows behind me were Katie Couric from CBS and Shepherd Smith with Fox News.

Gwen Ifill, the moderator of the debate, was carried out by two football players because she had broken her ankle the day before. She humorously acknowledged to the audience that "To put to rest any assumptions, I wasn't pushed. I fell." This was in reference to the recent controversy about her not disclosing to the debate committee that she was writing a book called "The Rise of Obama," due out Inauguration Day, a potential conflict of interest. Imagine the reactions if the roles were reversed and the moderator was writing a book titled "The Rise of Palin"?

You probably saw the debate on TV and have your own opinions. But here are mine, which were formed before I heard any of the talking heads from the media outlets give their perspectives.

First, my seat was directly facing Governor Palin. She chose to primarily speak directly to the American people through the camera. I mostly only saw Senator Biden's profile, because he spoke primarily looking at Gwen Ifill.

I thought Senator Biden was more humble and restrained than when I saw him during the Clinton impeachment trial. He did a good job delivering his message. His debate practice with Hillary Clinton and other women elected officials helped him in his preparation in debating a woman. In that respect, I thought he did a good job.

Concerning the chemistry between Biden and Palin, they both had a good connection and strong respect, and I felt he was somewhat captivated by her. You could see how effective she would be in crossing the aisle to discuss bipartisan issues.

I thought that Palin sparkled and exuded steely confidence that grew as the debate progressed. It was quickly evident that she was bright and capable to be on the national/world scene. Forty minutes into the debate she looked as if she was enjoying herself, interjecting humor and folksy phrases that were quite memorable. Although she had a little bite, I would have welcomed more. Toward the end, her comments on communicating what is good about America and her vision of what we can become was Reaganesque. It was obvious to all in the room that she exceeded everyone's expectations.

At the conclusion of the debate, both of the candidates' families mingled on the stage in a warm and affectionate way. I remember Senator Biden tenderly put his arm on the shoulder of Governor Palin's second youngest child, Piper, in an endearing way. Respect exuded from both sides.

I tried to go up to the stage but was stopped by the Secret Service at the steps. I did, however, speak to Gwen Ifill and told her I thought she was fair. Overall, I thought the debate was positive for both, the moderator fair and balanced and the audience pleased with a good performance.

Following the debate, we went to the observation window above the media room to watch the spin from the major TV networks. The room was huge, buzzing with people holding vertical placard signs with names of individuals available for interviews. A mob encircled Rudy Guiliani, while Sen. Joe Lieberman was dwarfed by another group.

We left the debate, happy, energized and excited to discuss our own perspectives before we perused the TV channels.

I went to bed thankful that I was there and that Governor Palin showed the world what I thought she had in her: guts, wit, great communication skills and competence.

Penny Terry of Pinehurst, N.C., grew up in Cape Girardeau. She is the daughter of Gary and Wendy Rust.