Despite her promise to “talk straight to the American people,” Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gained little ground locally in her quest for the vice presidency following Thursday night’s debate against Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del.

Anticipation was high in the run-up to the debate, with many pundits and comedians predicting a show of gaffes and blunders from both candidates.

Early poll results from CNN, Politico, CBS and Time dubbed Biden the winner, but also gave Palin a nod for her ability to capture the attention of the populace with her “folksy” charm.

Dr. David Scott, professor of speech communication and former debate coach for Northeastern State University, believes it’s important for all voters to assess the qualities of the candidates for the vice presidency.

“Historically, about 35 percent of vice presidents have become president,” he said. “Plus, in recent years, the VP slot has been seen as a springboard for running for president in the future.”

Scott said it should be noted that 14 vice presidents have become president. Five were eventually elected, but eight took office when a president died of natural causes or after an assassination.

“I believe the evaluation of Gov. Palin is particularly important,” said Scott. “If elected, McCain would be the oldest president to begin a first term in office. It is interesting to note that a life insurance company recently reported that McCain would have a 24.44 percent chance of dying in the next eight years, as compared with 5.76 percent for Obama. However, their estimates are somewhat shaky due to the fact that McCain has refused to fully release his medical records. In that context, I have some serious concerns about a potential ‘President Palin.’”

Like many interviewed for this report, Scott believes Palin’s debate answers seemed “canned.”

“Her ability to think on her feet seemed limited,” said Scott. “She came across as if she’d been stuffed full of ‘one-liners’ and ‘set-piece’ generic answers before the debate even started. Biden, on the other hand, seemed much more thoughtful and spontaneous in his comments. As [for who make a better] a decision-maker, I am much more comfortable with Biden.”

Former District Attorney Dianne Barker-Harrold is no stranger to debate, and found gaps in Palin’s delivery.

“Palin was poised, but well-rehearsed and when the moderator got on a subject where she was not comfortable, she just didn’t answer it,” said Barker-Harrold. “She kept going back to the practiced points and overly tried to be folksy, right down to those winks, for cryin’ out loud. She wasn’t presidential at all, in my opinion. So long as Palin is within her comfort zone and she can just discuss the points she wants, she looks good, but once she gets off track, she stumbles.”

Dr. Robert McQuitty, professor emeritus from NSU, said Palin showed she could be what actors refer to as a “quick study.”

“That is, she had learned a lot in the weeks immediately before the debate,” said McQuitty. “Actors who are quick studies are also quick forgetters. So I have my doubts about Palin’s ability to add much to McCain’s presidency in a substantive way.”

McQuitty said Palin’s “straight talk” may have played well to the Republican base, but came across a little too “average Joe” for some.

“Her folksy approach and colloquial language is surely unprecedented for a national political candidate,” said McQuitty. “And with good reason. I really doubt that American voters want a president or vice president who is like them in knowing no more about the important and complicated issues facing the country than they do. I certainly don’t. I, for one, will be inordinately relieved when we have a president and vice president who are smarter and more knowledgeable than I am.”