Another Take on VP Debate

Straight to the point: Sarah Palin set the pace last night. I'm no expert on debates or debating, but my sense is that the person who can establish a pace and tone usually comes out ahead, whether it's perception, reality, or both. While Biden was giving long-winded and oft-faulty answers, Palin was concise, engaging and upbeat. She did exactly what John McCain didn't do last week: she looked straight at the camera and "talked to us". In this respect, Biden also did reasonably well, I might add.

As far as Palin not going far enough in attacking the Dems on their positions, that argument can be made. But, and this is important, on the economy, healthcare and energy Palin DID challenge Biden, more so than McCain vs. Obama. Palin's merging of the two issues in stating that trusting the government to take care of healthcare is just as crazy as trusting the government with your money and investments these days was excellent. She explained her experience and success in the energy sector in dealing with Big Oil in Alaska. "Say it ain't so, Joe", was quicky followed by some unsolicited and very solid comments on education, which Joe Biden was forced to follow. Those who think Palin lacked substance probably weren't listening too closely.

However, the best shot of the night by far was Palin's excellent read on the Dems' Iraq policy. "A white flag of surrender" is EXACTLY what their policy consists of. "A responsible end" to the war is nothing more than code for, "let's get the hell out, no matter if we don't win." Coming from a mother of a soldier, you're darn tootin' her comments carry weight.

You couldn't help but think that Joe Biden, with his knowledge of defense and foreign affairs, knew he was defending the indefensible when, after Palin attacked Obama's desire to talk unconditionally to hostile foreign leaders, he deceivingly stated that Obama would not meet nutcases such as Ahmadinejad without precondition when in fact he stood mere feet away from Obama when Barack said the exact opposite in the primary debates. Score another one for Palin.

Despite what some pro-Palin supporters are thinking and saying this morning, last night's debate wasn't a game changer. It may not even produce much of a change in the polls. It DOES stop Obama's momentum, at least temporarily, and re-establishes the fact the Palin is a very competent, if rather inexperienced, politician and debater with a good overall knowledge of the issues. At this late stage, that's good enough for McCain. Let's see what he does with this.

Posted by Robert M at October 3, 2008 01:35 PM