VP Debate
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
October 2, 2008 11:15pm CST
I listened to the debate instead of watching it on TV. I think it gives me a better understanding of what they are saying since it takes the body language of the candidates out.
As far as debating skills, I think both of them did a great job. They were clear with their answers and did well in explaining their views. Both of them accomplished what they needed to. Biden let us all know that he backs Obama's plans, but also is ready and willing to make up for any of Obama's weaknesses (such as the experience question). Palin proved that she can go toe to toe with a seasoned debater and hold her own.
On the other hand, both rambled a bit and were bordering nausea inspiring levels with hitting the buzzwords... but I guess that is part of modern day campaign debates.
I doubt the debate changed anyone who already made up their mind. The people who back Palin will come out praising her, the people who back Obama will swear Biden left Palin in the dust. But then again these debates aren't for the diehards, they are for the ones whose vote could go either way.
I think the biggest thing that happened tonight is both sides got plenty of ammunition against the other, which is going to be the fuel driving the campaigns up to election day.
In the end, I think that Palin won overall. Not because of any points or shots, bu because she had the biggest goal of the two, and she accomplished it famously.
Side Note: Maybe I wasn't observant enough, but I thought Gwen Ifill did a pretty balanced job of moderator. I still think she shouldn't have been given the job, but I can't come up with any specific examples of bias. Others might be able to enlighten me on that either way.
4 people like this
8 responses
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I gotta say that I agree with you.. I think it went very well.. and I rather liked it that they were even very nice and polite to each other at the end.. saying they enjoyed meeting and debating each other.. And yes, I thought the moderator did an ok job, I could find no fault with it..
2 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
3 Oct 08
I did think Biden responded too quickly in response to a few questions. It can't be proven, but I think Biden knew some of the questions in advance.
Palin missed a fantastic opportunity when Biden bragged on 0bama warning about the Fannie & Freddie crises. That Palin did not come back with 0bama's role in causing that mess, made my (uh-oh) antenna go up.
1 person likes this
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
3 Oct 08
Was there any question asked that the two participants shouldn't have known in advance? There weren't any curve balls thrown at all.
2 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Perhaps, you are right. Like I said there is no way to prove it. Maybe Biden has been in politics so long he knows what to expect.
@IsisGreen (554)
•
3 Oct 08
What was Obama's role in causing the mess redyellowblackdog?
1 person likes this
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
3 Oct 08
There was certainly no bloodletting and I think you're right, every even semi committed voter probably supported the same person after it was over. These debates seem pretty useless when it comes to swaying voters.
I like the idea of listening rather than viewing. Maybe I'll try that. I'd like to see if Sarah from the Frozen North's folksiness bothers me less (or more) if I'm just listening.
@IsisGreen (554)
•
3 Oct 08
You know the stats about the JFK V Nixon debate.
To summarise:
Radio listeners said Nixon won it.
TV viewers said JFK won.
Nixon looked like a crook. So, perhaps a counterexample to never judging a book by its cover?
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
4 Oct 08
I'm sure it would give you a different impression listening to the debate instead of watching. That's what many say killed Nixon's chances against JFK - Kennedy seemed "made" for TV while Nixon didn't come off nearly as well.
I won't go into a lot of detail since it's very late and I've already posted quite a bit about my views on the debate but I will agree that Gwen Ifil did a good job and I'm actually very relieved about that given all the controversy. I found Palin to be very evasive and felt she seemed to be scripted and very well-rehearsed in the talking points without giving many details about any of their plans. She sure didn't like to be asked what she and McCain would do differently from the current Administration, which I believe was a very legitimate question.
From some things I've heard and read I must say since you're a man you probably really missed seeing her cutesy little winks...lol! (You know I'm kidding, Ted, I'm not picking on you!)
Annie
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
4 Oct 08
Pick on me all you want Annie. We've been butting heads long enough to know how to take such things from each other. ;~D
It's funny, I think one of the things Palin did best was distance herself and McCain from Bush in the things they disagree. Palin had no problem talking about ways she felt Bush was wrong.
I agree though, she often did turn answers to her talking points more than I liked. Biden did too, and it was a trademark move for Hillary, but if I don't like it when those I oppose do it, I sure don't approve when those I support do.
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Sadly, I missed the debates as I had to work so I can't wait to catch up tomorrow on them. I am one of those on the fence people so yes, It may have been helpful if I could have actually watched. I'm sure it'll be all over the news and in the papers tomorrow. I hate this indecision. Usually I am very clear on who I would like to see in office and not. That is not the case with this election.
1 person likes this
@IsisGreen (554)
•
3 Oct 08
A square draw. No losers from this one. But no real winner either.
Biden did his job appearing the older man of gravity to balance Obama's youth and vibrance, and be the contrast to Palin's inexperience.
Palin did her job keeping Conservative republicans happy with a lot of stuff McCain can't say in the same way.
Bottom line is this is a sideshow to the main event. And there's a very real danger that if Palin starts looking better than McCain it just makes him look worse.
The contest now is unavoidably about the economy. Obama has it to lose. Biden has done him no harm in this debate, Palin inflicted no hits.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
3 Oct 08
It's not a bad strategy for McCain to let Palin look better, there are a lot of us who are voting for him mostly because of her. As himself, he really doesn't give us much to be excited about.
@IsisGreen (554)
•
3 Oct 08
But she's not the one you'd be putting in the White House. You're electing a President, not the deputy.
It's not even like she'd be a Cheney type VP who actually had some influence over the President.
The choice is stark: Obama or McCain for President. Don't fall for McCain's sideshow Palin, put in simply to placate his conservative voters.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
3 Oct 08
But while McCain doesn't give us anything to be excited about, Obama is a criminal, an extortionist and a racist, so there's no reason to vote for him at all.
@clrumfelt (5597)
• Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee
3 Oct 08
I thought Palin did a great job with the debate. She was focused and relaxed unlike some of the interviews she has done. It's great the American people got to see Palin at her best without some reporter in her face pressing her against the wall trying to trip her up with stupid questions. It probably helped everyone get a better feel for who she is and what she can do for the country. It showed them she is no pansy and can hold her own even against a season Congressional veteran like Biden.
I thought Biden did a fine job too, no gaffes, no powerful confrontation that would make him seem a bully. He did what he set out to do in my opinion.
I was pleasantly surprised Gwen moderated in an impartial and balanced way, given
her outspoken support of Obama.
@olivebranch56 (910)
• United States
3 Oct 08
Gwen stuck to the questions, and was more than fair in delivering them equally. As for the body language, at times it was more like a mutual admiration party, but on some of the issues you could see Sarah biting her tongue, her body would stiffen, and you could see it was all she could do to keep from yelling, "you are a liar", especially on question about the war in Iraq, and about the issue of drilling. I was proud of the way she handled herself she was both knowledgable, and diplomatic. I think she will make a great VP, and yes I think she would be ready, willing and able to step into the shoes of President, should something happen to McCain. Blessings Marilyn
