After Republican Gov. Sarah Palin stumbled badly in television interviews, many Americans assumed that she would flop in her vice presidential debate with Democrat Joe Biden. Expectations were low. But she was quick and glib Thursday night, repeating well-rehearsed "talking points" and looking vigorous. Republicans who had been worried breathed a sigh of relief after the confrontation.

However, performances in this and other national debates are partly show biz, and don't really change the profound importance of the Nov. 4 election. What's at stake next month is America's future. All the talking in coming days really won't alter the basics.

The Bush-Cheney administration has been a calamity for America. The ruinous Iraq war was started on bogus grounds. Trillion-dollar tax giveaways to the rich caused terrible deficits, sending the national debt into the stratosphere. Failure to police Wall Street money-changers led to the financial collapse now menacing the economy. Extreme reliance on foreign oil hindered development of new energy sources. Pandering to fundamentalists obstructed lifesaving stem cell research. Etc., etc.

GOP nominee John McCain and running-mate Palin offer just a continuation of the Bush-Cheney damage.

McCain backed the needless Iraq invasion - while Democratic nominee Barack Obama warned in advance that it would be a tragic blunder.

McCain repeatedly sought deregulation of the Wall Street money-changers - while Obama called for tighter policing.

McCain wants to extend Bush's tax giveaways to the wealthy - while Obama would continue them only for the middle class, but not for high-bracket earners above $250,000.

McCain constantly voted against alternative energy plans - while Obama supported them.

These topics form the bottom line in the Nov. 4 election. Oratory in debates and stump speeches won't change the basics.

Early voting in West Virginia begins Oct. 15, culminating on Election Day. If you are happy with America's course under President Bush and Vice President Cheney, vote for the Republican ticket. If you are dissatisfied, choose Democrats Obama and Biden.

This choice, not debate performances, constitutes the heart of the coming election.

However, performances in this and other national debates are partly show biz, and don't really change the profound importance of the Nov. 4 election. What's at stake next month is America's future. All the talking in coming days really won't alter the basics.

The Bush-Cheney administration has been a calamity for America. The ruinous Iraq war was started on bogus grounds. Trillion-dollar tax giveaways to the rich caused terrible deficits, sending the national debt into the stratosphere. Failure to police Wall Street money-changers led to the financial collapse now menacing the economy. Extreme reliance on foreign oil hindered development of new energy sources. Pandering to fundamentalists obstructed lifesaving stem cell research. Etc., etc.

GOP nominee John McCain and running-mate Palin offer just a continuation of the Bush-Cheney damage.

McCain backed the needless Iraq invasion - while Democratic nominee Barack Obama warned in advance that it would be a tragic blunder.

McCain repeatedly sought deregulation of the Wall Street money-changers - while Obama called for tighter policing.

McCain wants to extend Bush's tax giveaways to the wealthy - while Obama would continue them only for the middle class, but not for high-bracket earners above $250,000.

McCain constantly voted against alternative energy plans - while Obama supported them.

These topics form the bottom line in the Nov. 4 election. Oratory in debates and stump speeches won't change the basics.

Early voting in West Virginia begins Oct. 15, culminating on Election Day. If you are happy with America's course under President Bush and Vice President Cheney, vote for the Republican ticket. If you are dissatisfied, choose Democrats Obama and Biden.

This choice, not debate performances, constitutes the heart of the coming election.