September 5, 2008 With conventions finished, both campaigns hit the trail Play video

(Scot Yount, NECN) - On Friday John McCain and Sarah Palin were energized after this week's Republican National Convention. The pair traveled to Wisconsin, as Democrat Barack Obama and Joe Biden tackled Pennsylvania.

After all of the confetti and fireworks of the conventions, what do the campaigns need to do going forward?

The end of the Republican National Convention marks the beginning of the real campaign for the White House...with both tickets finally set...the campaigns head out to the battlefield to attack each other.

The conventions gave each party lots of largely unedited time in the lens. They could say almost anything about each other and they did. Now, out on the trail with reporters in tow and voters asking questions, almost every issue that comes up will require a response from the other side...and a counter response...a very different arena.

They did the most important thing which was to unite their base.

Boston College professor of political science Marc Landy is convinced the upcoming debates will be all important.

The great thing about the debates for all their limitations is these two very able candidates...on questions of the greatest import.

And for that, the republicans are clearly energized.

Well the advantage that the both McCain and Palin have is core centered principles....for their constituents...and Obama hasn't.

The democrats will point to principles too....convinced the voters will

“I think the democrats have to clarify the race. These are two candidates and two parties that disagree on virtually every issue.”

And how will the surprise Palin factor change both campaigns?

Palin was an inspired pick she a remarkable speaker and a rare talent. The good news is the democrats grossly underestimate her.

This is the most lightly vetted candidate in the country.... things about her extremist views...more extreme as the days go by.

Perhaps for a change the American voters will really make up their mind based on what they think the country is all about.