Thursday, October 2, 2008

VP Debate PART II


I must say that I was very pleased with the vice presidential debate this evening. It was even better than last week's presidential debate. I was actually able to watch the entire debate without turning the channel. Overall, both candidates were able to hold their own in the debate and argue in favor of their running mate. But I feel that Biden won the debate hands down!

BIDEN: I was amazed at how composed Biden was throughout the entire debate. His face read,"Don't trip...I got this!" (seriously...lol) He appeared so at home at the podium. One of the things that I noticed was that he didn't come across as overbearing as many critics were anticipating. I know a major concern was whether Biden should hold back on his tone because Palin is a woman. But I noticed that Biden didn't raise his voice or talk down to her. He didn't have to...it was all in his facial expressions. He was very polite and often laughed off her comments that he didn't agree with. He would just give a smile and continue with his counterattack. I thought that was a great strategy and a great way to steer away from appearing sexist or condescending. I also think that he did a great job of reminding people of McCain's record. He was stating those facts left and right. In fact, Biden knew McCain's record better than Palin, which might I add is very sad. He also destroyed Palin on foreign policy. He's obviously more experienced in that area. Some may say that Biden started off slow, but he clearly built up his momentum (which is another great strategy) and got fired up towards the end. I love how he took the spotlight away from her when she was talking about being a mother. That's supposed to be Palin's strong point with women, but he was able to note that he was a single father and could relate to raising children too. Boom! There goes that relatable factor for Palin. But my favorite moment was when Biden told (with a little irritation) Palin to stop referring to McCain as a maverick, stating "He's no maverick" and then went on to explain how he has gone with the status quo for the past 8 years. That was the best! Overall, he did an excellent job of defending Obama. He was able to really paint a picture as to how Obama and himself were going to turn this country around. A-

PALIN: I'm sorry, but at the beginning Palin looked very overwhelmed and scripted. It was if she was reading off some secret teleprompter in the back somewhere. As she became more comfortable, she started to look more at ease. I'm sure that the McCain camp is glad that she remembered all of her talking points ;) However, I will applaud her on her ability to frame the issues in terms that the average person could relate to and understand and how she called out Biden on the issues that he was previously going back and forth on. (Everyone knows that he hasn't always agreed with Obama in the past.) I'm not going to lie, that was a good tactic on her part. At the same time, I didn't like how she didn't answer some of the questions and instead often reverted back to the issues she was more comfortable with. (i.e. energy) She even had the nerve to say that she was going to answer the questions the way that she wanted. I diffently didn't agree with that! If there is one thing that Palin proved tonight it is that she would make a great commissioner on the board of some energy committee...lol. Vice President? Uhh...I'm not quite sure. She just doesn't seem to have a good understanding of the issues. Palin made a comment about removing the toxic mess on main street that has been affecting wall street. I'm confused (scratching my head) isn't it the other way around. I need her to get that right and know where our economic problems originated! Then Gwen Ifill basically asked if there was a program that you would cut from your running mate's platform due to the current state of the economy. She said no and that McCain hasn't made any promises that he can't keep. Okay...politically that was a great response. We know that you're loyal to McCain, but REALISTICALLY McCain (if elected) isn't going to be able to financially implement all of his programs. Let's be real Palin! Are you not aware of the $700 billion bailout? I know that your little town of Wasilla, Alaska may live in this tiny bubble, but the rest of us on the mainland are going through the greatest economic downfall since the Great Depression. Oh and I can't forget that she gave a "shout out" to her brother's 3rd grade class. LOL...hilarious! Umm...last time I checked she was at a vice presidential debate not 106 & Park. (Let's be professional) Overall, Palin held her own, but didn't change my opinion about her lack of ability to run this country. B- (a minus for the shout out...lol)


WRAP-UP: After tonight, I have so much respect for Biden. He really proved why he is an excellent addition to the Democratic ticket. He clearly understands his role of vice president and I am confident that he will be there to support and offer counsel to Obama when needed. I'm ready! Vote Obama-Biden 08

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