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WASILLA — At two debate viewing parties in Wasilla Thursday, the difference in support for the politicians on the television screen was night and day.

A crowd comprised of Gov. Sarah Palin supporters assembled at Tailgaters to watch what has been billed the most crucial test of both vice presidential candidates leading up to the Nov. 4 general election. Across town, at Hacienda restaurant, a large group of Barack Obama supporters cheered on the Democratic ticket’s VP pick, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, even as a small group of Palin supporters situated themselves in the front of the room, avoiding eye contact with the Obama supporters behind them.

Palin went into the debate following a series of interviews with national television media that have been panned by much of the national media. Many political pundits, Democrats and Republicans alike, said Palin’s interview with Katie Couric revealed a lack of preparation to assume the second-highest office in the United States.

That’s why Thursday’s debate between Palin and Biden was so crucial, experts said, because it gave a chance for Palin to show the American public she is ready. For those here in her home town and many political critics in the national media, Palin more than held her ground.

Topics ranged from gay marriage to the threat of a nuclear Iran, to energy independence and the cause of global warming, among others. Both candidates called out each other on policy choices while maintaining what appeared to be a civil demeanor.

The city of Wasilla earned a shout out during the debate when Palin said she’s looking to “Wasilla Main Street” for guidance for tackling some national issues.

It was unclear immediately following the debate Thursday how Palin fared nationally with independent voters still undecided on which ticket to support. On undecided group in St. Louis reported positively about Palin’s performance against Biden.

Before the debate began, however, Wasilla resident Dave Stull, who was watching at Tailgaters, said what seems to have been on the minds of many locals for weeks.

“I’m hoping they will let her be the Sarah we know,” Stull said.

Many Mat-Su Valley locals have complained recently that the campaign has shielded Palin and coached her to act differently than Alaskans know her to be. Many have blamed the McCain camp for blunders during Palin’s interviews.

“They have hurt themselves recently by not letting her be herself,” Stull said.

As the debate began Thursday, Palin did not hesitate to answer questions and defend McCain. Palin also brought out what appeared to be a strategy from her 2006 gubernatorial campaign by telling stories from her own life in Wasilla and relating them to the struggles of other Americans.

At one point, Palin responded in part to a question by moderator Gwen Ifill of PBS by saying she may not answer questions put to her the way Ifill or Biden wanted to hear them, but she would talk to the American people.

The response drew raucous applause from the crowd at Tailgaters, which also laughed every time Biden had a speech stumble as he spoke.

Tailgaters is where Larry Slone was watching the debate. An Alaskan who travels around the state living in various towns, Slone said Palin was doing “incredibly well” midway through the debate.

Slone said he knows Palin does not have as much political experience as Biden, but thought her presentation would win the debate.

“Even if she doesn’t have the same substance on issues, her presentation is superb,” Slone said.

Down the road at Hacienda, a decidedly different atmosphere was felt.

Debate viewers there snickered as Palin answered questions, and cheered just as loud as those at Tailgaters — only for Biden.

Jay Cross, a Big Lake resident, said although he supports Obama, he thought Palin held up to the pressure.

“They made expectations so low,” Cross said. “I think she’s surviving.”

However, Cross also said Palin’s answers lacked substance.

“There’s a lot of babble speak here as opposed to answers,” Cross said.

As the debate wound to an end, Palin reminded voters she is a Washington outsider and would bring a new perspective to the White House.

Whether one felt Palin won or lost Thursday’s pivotal debate, in Wasilla, all eyes seemed trained to the television.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.