News Buzz: Palin Looks to Debate to Reverse Sinking Polls, House Bailout Vote Tomorrow

Palin Facing Voters Who Doubt Her Readiness: Sarah Palin enters tonight's vice presidential debate with a major challenge ahead of her: Convince American voters, just 25 percent of whom now believe she has the experience to be president, that she is the right choice. The debate will be Palin's first substantive give-and-take session since her nomination, giving her 90 minutes to reverse the sinking popularity rating that was highlighted by yesterday's AP poll. She is also experiencing a breakdown in her own party's approval. Less than half of Republicans said they had confidence in her, down from 3 in 4. The same poll also showed Barack Obama taking a 7-point lead over John McCain, a reversal of the slight Republican lead that polls showed only three weeks ago. Along with Palin, the financial crisis and first debate appear to be factors for voters' changing minds.

House Girds for Second Try on Financial Rescue: House members will be canvassing each other today over the bailout bill that has been a focal point of debate in the midst of a credit crisis. The deal has been sweetened this time around with additions including tax breaks, disaster aid, and help with rural schools, measures particularly aimed to sway some of the 133 House Republicans who rejected the bill on Monday. The Senate passed the bill 74 to 25 last night, but that vote was never in danger. The real test comes on Friday when the House is expected to hold its next vote.