Paul Ryan Prepares to Take on Skilled Debater Joe Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) - Paul Ryan is preparing for his debate against Vice President Joe Biden, a seasoned lawmaker who has been sparring over public policy since the Wisconsin congressman was learning how to talk.

The Republican vice presidential nominee is confident he can handle questions about federal spending and taxes when he faces Biden in Kentucky on Thursday. On international affairs, though, Ryan is a bit more nervous.

Ryan typically is called on to explain his party's domestic policy; Biden is a foreign policy heavyweight for Democrats.

Ryan's biggest worry is looking unprepared to face Biden. He's been practicing intensely with a handful of trusted advisers and studying from a pair of thick briefing books he's been hauling around.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.