Former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney may be the sister running for the Presidency under the Green Party banner but all eyes are on Gwen Ifill this week. Ifill, is the moderator and managing editor of “Washington Week”, a news and public affairs program on PBS, and senior correspondent for “The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer”. She will moderate Thursday’s debate between Vice Presidential nominees Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden. And I suspect more people may tune in to watch this debate than last week’s match-up between Presidential nominees Obama and McCain.

Since Palin entered the race, she has been the center of attention (for good or for bad). From her rousing speech at the Republican National Convention to her countless gaffes, the hockey mom and Governor of Alaska has been part of everyone’s daily conversation. People like me are frightened that her Vice Presidency is even a possibility while others admire her for reasons beyond my comprehension.

Anyway, moderating the Vice Presidential debate is usually a thankless job. Most people don’t consider it must-see TV. Ifill had this gig back in 2004 without much fanfare. When it was announced that she would moderate this debate again many, including myself,  saw it as a way to give a nod to two minorities at once without giving up one of the three coveted Presidential debate spots (reserved for white men). But Ifill may have the last laugh. This debate matters more than it ever has in the past and people are talking about it. 

I don’t think that Jim Lehrer wasn’t much of a force in last week’s debate. To me it looked like the candidates became runaway trains at times. But I expect Ifill to have more control of the situation (even with her recently broken ankle). While Biden has to concern himself with being labeled a sexist if he comes on too strong, Ifill should have no such restrictions. Sure the candidates received questions ahead of time (so Palin could be better prepared), but it is Ifill who will decide which questions will be put to the candidates and in what order. I am also sure that Ifill will be prepared for either Palin, whether she’s a “pit-bull” or “clueless”.

Plus, I love that she answered questions and took topic suggestions last week on washingtonpost.com. And I have to say, although she is a ’serious’ journalist she does have a sense of humor. With Ifill running the discussion I doubt that this debate will have any runaway train moments. Why? She says that her favorite type of debate is one when she’s in charge. So do your thing Ms. Ifill, we’ll be watching.