Palin Wins Over Biden in Close VP Debate
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Palin’s genuine charm overcomes Biden’s sincerity. Governor avoids stiffness, while Senator articulates foreign policy awareness.
Governor Sarah Palin’s fresh energy and personal approach gave her the victory in the vice-presidential debate Thursday night. Governor Palin’s winning comments included:
- on energy – “people are so hungry for domestic sources of energy”
- on Iraq – “your plan is a white flag of surrender”
- on supporting troops in Iraq – “I respected you when you called out Senator Obama”
- on Senator Biden bringing up President Bush policy – “now doggone it lets look ahead”
- in general – “a good team is a good ticket”
Palin’s Strong Points
Governor Palin did a great job in speaking to the American people, addressing Senator Biden, and appropriately responding to Gwen Ifill. She attacked gracefully, walked the tightrope of the gay rights issue, and used humor well.
Sarah Palin would not let anyone forget Biden’s attacks against Obama during the Democratic debates. EFFECTIVE. Her shoutout to the elementary school, saying that those students will receive “extra credit” for watching the debate, capitalized on her femininity.
Biden’s Strong Points
Joe Biden’s sincerity and friendly approach towards Governor Palin won a lot of points. He generated a good laugh by using the “ultimate bridge to nowhere” remark. Biden pulled Palin over to his side suggesting that their positions on the windfall profits tax were similar.
Senator Biden displayed genuine emotion when he shared about his family. He exhibited foreign policy knowledge and credibility by equating six and one half years of military expenditures in Afghanistan with three weeks of bills in Iraq.
Biden’s Weak Points
The Senator struck out when he barked “McCain has been dead wrong about the issues in Iraq.” Bad choice of words, Mr. Senator. He came off a bit too callous in regards to foreign policy. Senator Biden’s robust foreign policy experience failed him when he misspoke about the Islamic madrassa, emphasizing the popular but incorrect American stereotype that a madrassa is merely a school for raising children in terrorism (madrassa is the general Arabic term for school).
Senator Biden should be hitting home runs with foreign policy but is settling for triples.
Palin’s Weak Points
The Governor once again came off a bit cliché-ish, using comments such as “main-streeters like me.” She is a governor. I cannot relate to being a governor and I have lost respect for politicians who suggest that they understand my context.
The tired talk that Senator McCain and Palin are mavericks is wearing me out. Her “Joe six pack” comment may offend tens of millions of men and I wonder if it was a backdoor stab at JOE Biden, proposing that he is an average man and not presidential quality.
The Bottom Line
Palin = fresh energy + respectful + personal charm
Biden = sincerity + knowledgeable
Both candidates uncharacteristically answered the questions asked of them. This upgrade creates a clean tone for the rest of the campaign. Gwen Ifill asked superb questions and remained objective. Kudos to Ms. Ifill. Governor Palin’s slight victory demonstrated admirable preparation satisfying doubters who said she was too stiff. Biden gave a critically significant effort that will most likely strengthen Senator Obama’s standing.
11 Comments
It was the best ever I haven’t heard something that great in a very long time!!!!!
I could not agree with you more! Very well stated – Palin goes to Washington! The 21 century Jimmy Stewart classic. Let’s take back America one vote at a time!
Seth and Jeff, thanks for your comments and for reading the article.
Exceptionaly well written. The only exceptions I would have are: (1)Palin may have overused the term “Joe Six-Pack” but I agree with Greta Van Sustrin in her analysis that Palin connected with her(Greta)as a midwesterner and the common folk with her down to earth talk, while Biden used too much Senate and Washington Speak to connect.
(2) Biden’s performance was weakened by at least 10 actual mis-statements of facts (according to Karl Rove); including a statement that Hezbollah was kicked out of Lebanon and; that McCain voted against supporting the troops. He was talking about a funding bill that included a deadline for pulling the troops out of Iraq. Only 15 senators voted for that bill including Obama and Clinton. In fact; Biden himself voted against that bill along with McCain.
Very good article. I can relate to Sarah Palen. She recognized a problem and fixed it. She has a wonderful sense of people. She listens without trying to plan her response. She really listens and then answers. I like her down to earth quality and open honesty.
Now Biden is another story. He is very Washingtony and one could see his dislike or anger in his facial expression around the mouth. He has a hard time with those who disagree with him even though during the debate he controlled himself.
John, thanks for helping us with the facts of the debate. You articulated Governor Palin’s charm more accurately, and there is a sense that she connects much better with the general public than the other three big names.
Dianne, great point on Governor Palin being a listener! I observed that as well. It seems that she has in mind what she wants to say, based on her prepatory notes, but then listens to Senator Biden and adjusts her message to address his point.
One of the basic skills in interpersonal skills [check out http://www.relationshipskills.com is active listening, the ability to set your mind aside and give your attention fully to the other person. This is what we people need: leaders who will actually listen (hear) to what we have to say!
Thanks for writing and making a great point, Dianne!
Good article, interesting observations.
I feel more at ease with statements of Gov. Palin, than with Biden, Obama, or McCain.
My truth meter doesn’t flicker around as much as it does when Biden, or Obama’s lips are moving.
McCain is more into the Liberal side of the political spectrum than I am comfortable with, but his VP choice gives me hope. With Islamic terrorists wanting to eliminate us and Israel, I believe McCain – Palin are our best hope.
MSgt Barrie,
Thank you for your post and thank you for serving our country. Let’s hope we make a choice that will serve America’s and other foreign interests well.
Interesting perspective on the debate. Looking at your summation of the strengths I would choose Biden’s for a nation leader over Palin’s every day. Hers sound perfectly suitable for the President (or Vice President) of my chidlren’s PTSA.
Here are my thoughts on her:
http://www.newsflavor.com/Opinions/A-Soccer-Moms-Take-on-Palin.288169
Thanks, Snuffy. It sure is a fascinating question: Senator Biden vs. Governor Palin. It has become a bit more interesting to me than their higher profile running mates. I’ll check out your article. The amazing question that my 12 year old asked me the other day was “Dad, who would you rather have as president: Biden or Palin?” Experience vs. pizzaz.