Vice Presidential Debate - What Happened
Posted: Friday, October 03, 2008
by Judge Dred
Well Ladies and Gentlemen, it's over.
The Vice Presidential deb
ate has come and gone.
Darn it, you betcha and gosh, it could have ended a lot sooner than it did. Each candidate had their platform to promote, and presidential running mate to bolster. However, I believe Gwen Ifill did not do a great job last night, she had little control over holding the candidates to answering the questions that were asked.
When all else failed, Biden went back to talking about tax breaks, and Palin talked about energy. Whatever. What struck me most was when Palin stated that she"May not answer the questions the way the moderator or you (Biden) want, but I'm going to talk directly to the American People". Uh, what? Was that included in the rules that were agreed to by both sides before the debate? I believe that Palin, simply by making that statement, gave us a glimpse as to what would happen in a McCain - Palin Administration. If the rules don't suit either one of them, the "heck" with it, ignore them, and they will do what they want. Combined with that amazing statement about expanding the Vice President's powers in the Senate, does anyone else detect a familiar tone? Is that not what we have in the White House as we speak? Pretty scary stuff folks, if you really think about it. There would be a serious weakening of the check and balance aspect of the three major branches of our government. Under Palin's request, the Executive Branch would then exert control over the Legislative Branch. Not what our founding fathers had in mind, was it?
I hear that many people are saying that Palin's family should not be an issue. I agree. Saying that, Palin should stop injecting her family into her campaign speeches and her debates. She can't have it both ways.
I did not hear one original thought come out of her mouth. She did not fall on her face, as many expected. However, she did come of as programmed. She was short on details, long on speaking points, and attempts at inflammatory statements. Raising a "white flag of surrender?" Are you kidding? Here we go again, let's try to put Iraq front and center. I keep watching the news and reading newspapers, and the economy still looks to me like it is the most important issue today, 16 month exit strategy or staying in Iraq indefinitely notwithstanding. Sorry Sarah, the McCain adviser talking point program didn't go over as well as you hoped.
In summary, neither candidate scored a knockout. Biden didn't step on his tongue, and Palin did not have deer in the headlights syndrome. Biden did stick more to the rules of the debate, Palin dismissed the rules, and let us know that she would want more power as Vice President that than the Constitution allows. What do you think of that, America? Until next time.
JD
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Hi JD, I'm afraid that I missed the debate. My plamsa t.v. gave up the ghost. Thanks for keeping me posted on this important event.Hi Mark,That was a abbreviated version of the events. I know that I have heard Palin's shrill voice enough to last a lifetime. Time is ticking on McCain - Palin, and Michigan won't be the only state they pull out of, there will be others. Thanks.JD
Dear Judge,The most telling thing that was missed is how well Biden did in this debate. He effectively linked McCain to George W. Bush and quelled any notion that McCain is a maverick. For Palin, she showed no substance and got her facts wrong about all issues, including foreign policy and economic facts. She is a puppet being exploited by the Republican party and what a sad commentary. Yes, it was incredible that she would actually think that she could change the constitution to fit her concept of Vice Presidential powers. This tells alot about her ambitions! She wants to change constitutional powers at a time when she has stonewalled a subpoena issued by her own legislative investigation. This is the first time in history that a candidate has ever ignored a binding subpoena compelling one to testify in an investigation. She will be held accountable for this breach of ethics - I betcha! LOL Now McCain must turn to dirty tricks to try to change the momentum. Won't work. Thanks for a great article. Keep them coming.Thanks James,If anyone out there likes a candidate that licks her lips, winks into the camera, and refuses to answer questions that are asked by the moderator, then Palin was the clear winner. However, that's not what I'm looking for in a person that is a heartbeat away from the presidency. I think the only ambition Palin has is what McCain's staff drills into her. One thing Biden should have asked her was "What is the definition of a maverick, and tell us what makes McCain such a maverick?"(Stonewalling investigations into Troopergate, possibly?). She couldn't answer that question with Couric, and by golly, I darn sure think she wouldn't be able to answer it today. Dirty tricks have already started, and will only get worse. Thanks again.JD
Hi JD!Like Mark said, our tv went out, but I had no problem going online and picking up the newspaper. I didn't have to hear Palin's shrill tone that way. Hehe. I don't think either one had a knockout win, but I agree when you said that Palin did not follow the guidelines.For me, I couldn't stand it if we have another four years of the Bush's policy. I never voted for him to begin with.God bless,MichelleHi Michelle,I didn't vote for Alfred E. Newman, oops, I mean President Bush, either. At times, I wish my TV had gone out, seeing what was going on in front of me. Another four years of Bush/McCain/Palin? Lock your doors and be afraid, because the era of negative tactics and ruling by fear will remain in effect. Thanks again, and bless you.JD
Nice recap of the debate. The author was objective and pointed out faults, or perceived faults, for both candidates. Maybe I am wrong, but hen again I am a "maverick". :-)Hi Jim,"Maverick" has a different definition for different people. Thanks for the comment.JD
I also thought she was unnecessarily manipulative.Hi Dianne,Thanks for commenting. There are many adjectives that can be used, but I was looking for a lot more substance from that debate. We certainly didn't get that from Palin.JD
hi jd,i'm still in shock that any of the candidates are even our choices.i came away from that debate with absolutely nothing. it would be nice, however, if we were gifted by one candidate who really had our best interests at heart. maybe we will, thanks for sharing a good article,best regards,sue thomHi Sue,As the saying goes, nobody saw these two candidates coming. Now that we have them, I would rather have everyone focus on issues. Doesn't look like that's going to happen. Thanks for commenting.JD
I am at a loss about this presidential campaign and I don't think a hundred debates will make a difference. Just let me read exactly what all four candidates believe and I can check off what I agree with and don't. The trouble is, finding out exactly where each one stands.Hi JL,Thanks for your comments. You will find that neither one of the presidential candidates will tell you everything. One side does not want to give the other any material to ridicule or attack, especially so close to Election Day. We have to take what they give.JD
Great article, JD, and I think you got their number! I don't see much hope for our future in this election. I'm beginning to slide off the fence as D-Day gets closer."Rots-a-Ruck"! I think we're gonna need it.SandraHi Sandra,It's nice to hear from you. We have to make due with these two (actually four) candidates, and the economy will continue to go into the tank, regardless of who is elected. Luck is only the beginning of what we will need. Thanks.JD
Hi JD,I had some of the very same thoughts. I turned of the TV before the debate was over, knowing who I will not vote for. The presidental debate tonight only confirmed my previous decision.KathyHi Kathy,I don't think voters were swayed to change their vote last night. As I have said before, our economy will get worse before it gets better, no matter who is elected. Thanks for reading and commenting.JD
JD, this whole experience is one lo-o-o-ong disappointment with no incentives... the second presidential debate was just as predictable... oh, well, it's up to the people but what a choice we have. Thanks for your article!Hi Judi,November 4th can't get here soon enough. Politics of desperation are here. That will get old fast. I don't have a crystal ball, but not much will change between now and November, except the dirty politics. Thanks for reading and commenting.JD
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