I don’t think he’ll make mincemeat of Ryan, but anyone who thinks it’ll be a replay of Obamugabe’s disastrous performance is in for a disappointment. Biden’s an idiot but he generally holds his own in a debate, and he has a viscious sarcasm that the moderator is sure to let him put to use often.
I think the best we can hope for is a tie. Biden is a highly successful liar. Pretty hard to win a debate with an arrogant jerk like Biden who simply makes it up as he goes along.
Not to mention the press will be on its toes. Unlike lst time, the media will be ready to get spinning before the blogosphere sets anything in stone.