Sarah Palin, Joe Biden debate a letdown..
October 3rd 2008 03:41
Sarah Palin showed that indeed she can stand on a stage and not be a complete idiot. She made it through her debate sticking to her game plan and focusing on issues she was briefed on, not answering the questions asked. She showed she could memorize her lines and not be too foolish. She met her low expectations. What was I looking for?
I'll be honest, I was watching as much for entertainment value as much as for political information. I know exactly how I will vote, nothing I could imagine would change my mind. I was looking for the pratfall, the veritable face-plant. Yes, I admit it - I was like a NASCAR fan, looking for the spectacular crash in turn four.
Sure, she thinks the office of vice president has extra and undefined powers. She completely ignored questions like what the policy should be for the use of nuclear weapons. She said "Maverick" more than a James Garner retrospective. She got the name of the man in charge in Afghanistan wrong. But no train wreck. Nothing to completely seal the fate of the Palin-McCain ticket.
The debate will do little to change the polls. What it will do is satiate the base. As Kieth Olbermann said, "She didn't spontaneously combust and she didn't say she would get back to us." No substance, but that's no surprise. She lied about records, threw out folksy platitudes, and even winked a few times. It would have been nice if she was honest about conservative positions, but hey.
You know, it would have been great to ask her some questions. Like do you really believe Dinosaurs and people roamed the earth together? Do you think the earth is only 6,000 years old? Do you think you are ordained by God? Do you think women should have choice? Conservatives have taken the position that it's not really how she answers questions, but her "world view." Perhaps she should have answered more about that.
"World view" is theocratic code-talk for those who share their very narrow and simplistic view of the world and everything in it. The kind of mind that doesn't seek answers because, after all, God has all the answers. Just pray, and everything will be taken care of. Distrust and even hate those who are different. Not the kind of "world view" a leader of a major world country should have.
As a debate goes, it wasn't that bad. Joe Biden proved he knows alot about alot. And he has an understanding of the world that lends itself to good governance. Sarah Palin showed hours and hours and days of preparation can get you through something that's over your head. Still, it would have been so much fun to see a spiraling debacle.
I'll be honest, I was watching as much for entertainment value as much as for political information. I know exactly how I will vote, nothing I could imagine would change my mind. I was looking for the pratfall, the veritable face-plant. Yes, I admit it - I was like a NASCAR fan, looking for the spectacular crash in turn four.
Sure, she thinks the office of vice president has extra and undefined powers. She completely ignored questions like what the policy should be for the use of nuclear weapons. She said "Maverick" more than a James Garner retrospective. She got the name of the man in charge in Afghanistan wrong. But no train wreck. Nothing to completely seal the fate of the Palin-McCain ticket.
The debate will do little to change the polls. What it will do is satiate the base. As Kieth Olbermann said, "She didn't spontaneously combust and she didn't say she would get back to us." No substance, but that's no surprise. She lied about records, threw out folksy platitudes, and even winked a few times. It would have been nice if she was honest about conservative positions, but hey.
You know, it would have been great to ask her some questions. Like do you really believe Dinosaurs and people roamed the earth together? Do you think the earth is only 6,000 years old? Do you think you are ordained by God? Do you think women should have choice? Conservatives have taken the position that it's not really how she answers questions, but her "world view." Perhaps she should have answered more about that.
"World view" is theocratic code-talk for those who share their very narrow and simplistic view of the world and everything in it. The kind of mind that doesn't seek answers because, after all, God has all the answers. Just pray, and everything will be taken care of. Distrust and even hate those who are different. Not the kind of "world view" a leader of a major world country should have.
As a debate goes, it wasn't that bad. Joe Biden proved he knows alot about alot. And he has an understanding of the world that lends itself to good governance. Sarah Palin showed hours and hours and days of preparation can get you through something that's over your head. Still, it would have been so much fun to see a spiraling debacle.
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Comment by DeAnne
Public Journalist
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Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
I agree she did must better than expected. But i guess that's what happens when expectation is rock bottom. We were all waiting for the car crash and when it didn't come it made her seem almost professional.
But is it just me or did she call the Senator "Obiden" at one point? I could have sworn she did.
I think Biden was in a tough position. He couldn't really attack or else be perceived as a bully. That's how sexism works. Cuts both ways.
I think he was the winner but I don't think the media will agree. Unfortunately because she didn't fall flat on her face the media will see this as a victory.
Comment by Jeff Musall
Secular Humanity
Ruby, I didn't hear much talk of women's rights...and yes, I heard her say "Obiden" too..
I don't think much will change in the big picture, the left will still see her as a dogmatic conservobot, and the right will herald her as an everyday hero...
Comment by Morgan Bell
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ok now im gunna have to go look for it on YouTube just to see that!
Comment by Morgan Bell
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i think its unacceptable that the moderator did not make Palin answer the questions appropriately, she totally dodged on Wall St deregulation which McCain supports . . . she ducks again when asked directly why she doesnt support lowering the principle on mortgages that will potentially default
also is that a serious argument saying we dont want universal healthcare because the government is too incompetant to run it . . . ummm if you are campaigning to BE the government and claiming you dont have the leadership to oversea a government program it doesnt instill much confidence does it?
did it sound like she was given a selection of cutesy soundbytes to say over and over in place of knowing the details on anything?
oh and living in Alaska makes her an expert on climate change because she can SEE the arctic from her state! (didnt she learn from the dumb Russia comments!)
Comment by Morgan Bell
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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ooooo the irony . . .
oh hang on, that could be a genious plan: remove womens rights so the terrorists arent jealous of us anymore!
Comment by Jeff Musall
Secular Humanity
Comment by Postmodern Critic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
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Padsoc
Great post, I was hoping Biden would totally rip into her, but he was, as one CNN commentator continued to say, 'uncharacteristically restrained.'
I am with you and Morgan on the health care issue - wtf?
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Janet Collins
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I missed your post earlier so I am a bit late arriving. I did hear the debate and must have had pretty low expectations of Sarah Palin because I too thought she did a lot better than I had expected.
PC - I think Biden would have been asked to be restrained at all times. If he would have ripped into her it probably would have only boosted her popularity - don't you think?
Janet
Comment by Postmodern Critic
Postmodern Critic
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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funny stuff!
Barbra Steisand has even made a public written statement saying her selection of a nominee is insulting to women