Avoiding gaffes should not be the performance standard for a vice presidential debate. That applies equally to Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden.

The American people deserve better. They deserve Democratic and Republican candidates who can display depth on the issues, an ability to explain complex proposals and a self-confidence that says they are up to job.

By that more demanding criterion, Mr. Biden outperformed his opponent Thursday night.

Whether explaining the nation's challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan, the contrast between the Obama and McCain tax plans or his personal views on U.S. intervention abroad, Mr. Biden's considerable experience with national and international affairs reminded viewers of his substance and knowledge. Ms. Palin, while trying to appeal earnestly to her viewers, failed to deliver the same assurance.

Her chief asset to the McCain campaign continues to be charm and folksiness, a superficial skill set that was worn threadbare in her recent televised interviews. The fact that she ripped no new holes in her public persona during the debate is no cause for joy. The pertinent question is, did she convince Americans that she deserves to hold the job that is the proverbial heartbeat away? The answer, unfortunately, is obvious.

No number of appeals to hockey moms or "shout-outs to all those third-graders at Gladys Wood Elementary School" can mask Ms. Palin's lack of readiness for the vice presidency -- no sirree. The common touch certainly has its appeal and Americans may like to feel their officeholders are "just like me," but in perilous times they need leaders who are well above average, you betcha.

We've seen the hazards of dumbing down the presidency. Thursday's vice presidential debate was a warning not to go there again.