There are three presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate, important (if flawed) events in this pivotal presidential election. You've set aside the 90 minutes needed to watch Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin, but now what? Learn what each candidate is trying to accomplish and put together your own scorecard to determine the winner.

The Vice Presidential Debate: Domestic and International Issues

The vice president debate may trump the first presidential debate in TV eyeballs simply because people want to see if Gov. Sarah Palin falls on her face: it's the equivalent to gawking at the car wreck on the side of the road. Regardless of why people tune in, the topics will be wider-ranging than the first presidential debate. Americans at home will want to hear more about the economy and Wall Street; policy wonks will want to hear more about foreign policy.

The 1984 vice presidential debate featured the first woman vice presidential candidate, Geraldine Ferraro and set a record for TV viewership of vice presidential debates. The first made-for-TV vice presidential debate was in 1976, between Walter Mondale and Bob Dole.

About Washington University

Washington University in St. Louis has hosted more debates than any other debate site. Since 1992, the Commission on Presidential Debates has selected the university to host debates in five consecutive elections.

Hosting institutions pay $1.35 million to the Commission on Presidential Debates for the privilege of hosting. The three firms recognized as sponsors are Emerson, A&AT, and Wachovia Securities.

Learn more about Washington University in St. Louis