followup at the daily dish - andrew sullivan (he's so fast w blog posts):

CNN's Poll: It gives the debate decisively to Biden, 51 to 36 percent. Palin did better than expected but Biden crushed her in the polling. And the question of whether the debate changed people's views of her ability to be president: basically no change. yay!

Two Moments - A reader writes:
Biden won the debate, pretty easily. You will see this is exactly like the first Obama/McCain debate, the overall effect willl settle in hours and days later when you realize that the steady, calm, authoritative showing by Biden actually crushed Palin. Actually, Biden did the same as Obama, but even more so. yes I think this is likely (and, I hope so.)
Two things immediately jump out as memorable. Biden ruled on the VP question, absolutely ruled, and she was clueless. And his breakdown in talking about his son almost dying was even more poignant because of her immediate, insensitive, complete disregard for what had been a genuine moment.
Those are the two moments that will live on after the debate. not sure about that.

Debate Reax