The political world will be turning its eyes to St. Louis for the vice presidential debate being held at Washington University in St. Louis. Set for Oct. 2 at 8 p.m., the debate will pit Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden against Republican nominee Gov. Sarah Palin.

Palin became something of a media Goliath after being added to the McCain ticket, almost completely overshadowing her rival Biden.

Now her honeymoon with the press seems to be over, and people will be scrutinizing her performance on this major stage.

“People, the media especially, are going to look to see what she does wrong and not what she does right,” said Matt Carlson, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Communication at Saint Louis University who specializes in media and journalism. “Biden can make mistakes, Palin can’t.”

According to Carlson, the level of excitement surrounding this debate is unprecedented because the vice presidential debate has never been a cause for commotion.

“Nobody cared,” Carlson said. “Dick Cheney really changed the way we see the vice president especially in terms of policy-making decisions. This debate will be all about proving that they can be presidential.”

Experts predict that the ratings for this debate will be among the highest ever, possibly even attracting more viewers than the presidential debates.

“Of course I’m going to watch,” said Cody Bertolino, a senior. “This is a momentous occasion, and I want be able to tell my grandkids that I was a part of the moment.”

Senior Laura McGrath shared Bertolino’s sentiments.

“Yes, I’ll be watching,” she said. “I’m not associated with any party, but I think it’s important for people to know what’s going on.”

Nonpartisan voters like McGrath will likely play a vital role in this election.

“People who watch the debates generally already know who they’re voting for,” said Carlson. “Maybe only 5 percent will be undecided, but that 5 percent is crucial in such a close election.”

Having the debate in Missouri adds to its importance. Missouri, also known as the bellwether state, has successfully chosen the president in almost every election since 1904. The only miss was in 1956.

Other than major press, only high donors have access to the event, and there was also a lottery for 500 Wash. U. students.