I don't think there is such a thing as an all-round best programming language, but there are definetely languages that are nicer to use than others and purposes where specific languages are the best.

Some examples: With VB when trying to make large complex programs you soon end up running into various limitations, but it's excellent for quick hacks and virtually impossible to shoot yourself in the foot with. On the other hand, C/C++ are incredibly powerful but have no end of ways to trip up even experienced programmers.

On python: I've only used it a few times so I've not really explored it yet. I think my main gripes with it were the too-free coding style (I prefer languages where interfaces are solidly defined) and the quality of the API/library. On the whole, it's a nice scripting language but I'd hesitate before using it for a large project and I'm more likely to brew up something in VB if it's a small one-off or similar.