Much like last week neither candidate scored a knockout blow despite what the spinmasters will try to emphasize.
Palin’s homespun “gee golly gosh” approach worked best in the first half of the debate which focused manly on domestic isues. Though I disagreed with most of her ideological arguments she touched on the important bullet points in a very affable, easygoing manner. Meanwhile, Biden was too verbose, flustered, and was not as receptive to the average American compared to Palin. (Several times he tripped over his own words like when he said “$400 million” rather than “billion.”)
As the second half of the forum focused on foreign policy, however, Biden came across as more of a statesman than Palin. Her folksy nature was absolutely out of place in discussions over areas like Iran’s nuclear plans and the military presence in Iraq. (Her lowest point had to be her “shout out” to third-grade school students during what I believe was a discussion on Pakistan and terrorism).
Even more pathetically than last week, Latin America was mentioned only once. Palin included “the Castro brothers” during a disjointed ramble on the world’s dictators. (Biden touched on Spain regarding John McCain’s recent comments against Spanish PM Zapatero). Neither candidate touched on critical regional topics like immigration, counternarcotics, or any of the Hemisphere’s leaders. In that regard (and the fact that foreign policy was limited to the Middle East), the debate was a downer. To be more exact, the lack of talk in the debates on regions like Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian peninsula has been annoying and upsetting.
The next two debates will be on October 7th and 13th and will involve only the presidential candidates.
Original post: Vice presidential candidates Sarah Palin and Joe Biden will square off tonight (9pm EST) in a debate from St. Louis. With two gaffe-prone candidates taking the stage the forum may not be as dull as last week’s presidential debate.
Political satire blog Wonkette provided their version of a debate drinking game. Pay attention to the following items tonight whether your drink of choice is non-alcoholic or a Chilean wine not named “Palin Syrah”:
PALIN evades a question by mentioning state rights.Fellow contributor Maegan la Mala will be liveblogging the debate via twitter. Unless the forum is a snoozefest my quasi-expert reaction will be coming up later. In the meantime, Reuters preview the discussion:
BIDEN says he takes the train home every day…
PALIN blames Iraq for 9/11.
BIDEN blames McCain for 9/11…
BIDEN makes a sarcastic joke that goes right over Palin’s head, along with about half the viewers.
PALIN says anything comically retarded about Russia or Canada.
Sources- The Latin Americanist, BBC News, decanter, Wonkette, MSNBC, Vivirlatino, Reuters
1 comment:
I watched the debate on CNN Español. I was most concerned about a hispanic woman giving her two cents on the debate. The woman simply loved Palin's performance and saw her as approachable and someone with whom she could identify. Biden, in turn, was closed and stuffy (más o menos). I worry about this because the folksy attitude seems to work with a disturbing number of voters (see: 2000 and 2004 elections).
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