US - Setting the stage for the big debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden: The impostors... The impersonators... And of course, the You-Tube jokesters ---

With nearly all the attention focused squarely on Palin.

Jeanne Moos has a preview of tonight's most unusual debate.

Do not expect to hear this question at the vice presidential debate... Soda or pop and why they're just stand-ins for the candidates so technicians can check camera angles and lighting... Without a doubt soda no debate. I disagree Sarah Palin's stand-in at least looks the part.

The debate has become a television event... A pop culture phenomenon... As potato heads... We must come together not as red potatoes or yukon potatoes but as American potatoes.

And the ever-present impersonators.... I feel bad he's an old man, he doesn't know I'm gonna debate him into the ground. I don't know if he's familiar with your debate history. Most people aren't.

Laugh if you will but that is my answer. Palin was an effective debater when she ran for Governor Of Alaska. Sure, she's had her problems with the national media... To the point of being mocked alongside Miss Teen South Carolina....

Do you believe in the Bush Doctrine? I personally believe you'll find version after version juxtaposing the two on Youtube. Alaska has a very narrow maritime border with Russia. And I believe our education such as South Africa.

But those expecting Palin to fall apart haven't seen her smooth debate performances from 2006.... just glad I'm sitting in between em to make sure it doesn't get out of hand.

For now, it's just the stand-ins... I'm Gwen Ifill happy to introduce Sarah Palin and Joe Biden.

Washington University students waving to an empty auditorium. Now the actual debate moderator, Gwen Ifill, fell down some steps monday while carrying research material for the debate and broke her ankle.

Her stand in reports debate organizers have a pillow for her ankle under the desk. There's also a stool she can put the pillow on top of. And it's really cute forget Iran or Pakistan... Sugary cereal or should we all eat granola? I'm a huge proponent of sugary cereal. Love lucky charms. Marshmallowy goodness is amazing. Me and Tony The Tiger go way back.

I will raise you up. Should I sing in middle of debate? Nah, stick to what she did in the talent competition for Miss Alaska... Debate Surprise