VP Debate - Change: How do you change the political tone ...

MS. IFILL: Let's come full circle. You both want to bring both

sides together and you both talk about bipartisanship --

bipartisanship. Once again, we saw what happened this week in

Washington.

How do you change the tone, as vice president, as number two?

SEN. BIDEN: Well, again, I believe John McCain, were he here --

and this is a dangerous thing to say in the middle of an election, but

he would acknowledge what I'm about to say. I have been able to work

across the aisle on some of the most controversial issues and changed

my party's mind as well as Republicans', because I learned a lesson

from Mike Mansfield. Mike Mansfield, the former leader of the Senate,

said to me one day -- he -- I made a criticism of Jesse Helms. He

said, "What would you do if I told you Jesse Helms and Dot Helms had

adopted a child who had braces and was in real need?" I said I'd feel

like a jerk. He said, "Joe, understand one thing: Everyone's sent

here for a reason, because there's something in them that folks like.

Don't question their motive."

I have never since that moment in my first year questioned the

motive of another member of the Congress or Senate with whom I've

disagreed. I've questioned their judgment. I think that's why I have

the respect I have and been able to work as well as I've been able to

have worked in the United States Senate. That's the fundamental

change Barack Obama and I will bring to this party -- not questioning

other people's motives.

MS. IFILL: Governor?

GOV. PALIN: You do what I did as governor and you appoint people

regardless of party affiliation -- Democr