Debates aren’t so interesting to me typically. Honestly, I love to read the 5 minute article that simply writes down what they
actually say. A lot of debates is trying to wiggle out of a true answer. Last night, I opted out of watching the debate live, but I watched t
he VP debate is on hulu.com. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a great website to stream it. I’m sure this debate had a much wider audience than the 2 Presidential debates will. I thought I’d add my thoughts. I’m not a politically motivated person… and though my conservative values keep me on one side of the fence, I otherwise attempt objectification. Since most people do cover the issues, I thought I’d just share a few thoughts on the candidates and how they handled themselves.
First of all, it seemed the set was from 90′s… and the moderators outfit kept me questioning what decade we were actually in. Stage design is probably the ‘last’ in concerns for the debate – but still.
Palin
Sarah Palin had several moments of confidence that really shined through. I think she won a few voters over last night. However, I think she will battle her ultimate connection to the Bush administration. Admittedly, her canadian accent is a far cry from Bush’s connecticut-raised texas/southern one. Of course, the fact that she can’t properly pronounce nuclear (it’s NUKE-LEE-AR folks, not NUKE-U-LAR) may also open a few more doors of similarities. I think she is obviously a very smart person, but she has experienced several moments that appear otherwise. (Some in this debate and others in her series of interviews with Katie Couric)
More about Palin… her overwhelming talking points where reminding us that she was a mayor of a small town. I’ve met mayors of small towns before, and anyone else that has understands that this is not exactly preparation for the White House. Most of them were bi-vocational, since the mayor position was not a full-time gig. I can respect this fact, but Mrs. Palin let it go… when we’re looking at your experience compared to a guy who has spent 20 years in the Senate it doesn’t look good. (more on Biden below) Also, one thing that kept bothering me was Palin’s winks and hair bouncing around. I’m in NO way sexist, but it just didn’t seem to be a wink of confidence, but like she was trying too hard to pick us up. It was just awkward. Palin also seemed very tied to her talking points from McCain’s campaign managers. She’s got the ability, I’d like to see her out on her own two feet.
Biden
Joe Biden was completely altogether different. He still had the smiles (which by the way, when the other candidate was speaking, each of these candidates would smile and shake their head… it was creepy) with his bleached teeth – but his approach was that of a practiced politician. While I don’t think he ‘dominated’ the debate, by his mannerisms he did seem to
own it a bit more. I think that one thing that Biden will struggle with is his different political views than Obama. Obama is easily the most liberal Senator we have… and Biden obviously bit his tongue several times on this issue.
Of course, I’m sure after 20 years of waiting to run again, he’s just happy to be a part of the ticket.
One thing I noticed from Biden was that he referred to McCain as “John”, and referred to his running mate as Senator Obama. I did hear a Barack here and there, but Biden was VERY informal in his referring to other candidates. I am as casual as you come (nobody calls me Pastor or Brother Pat… just Pat) but this seemed a little off-putting. I couldn’t tell if he was attempting to identify with the ‘little’ man as Palin most obviously did, or if he was trying to subconsciously have us look at McCain as less than a senator, purple heart hero, etc. One thing Biden did well was stay on the offensive, often causing Palin to take the defensive on several questions. He kept on top of the debate.
Overall
I think overall I agree with something Rush said the other day… ’out of everyone, these are the best candidates we could come up with?’ I am not excited about either candidate, and frankly no matter who gets the office – I’m not convinced it will be the most important election since 1932, as Biden put it. In fact, I wish there was an independantly wealthy write-in candidate who had a decent shot… just to be honest. Neither candidate sold me on a ‘vision’ for their campaigns. They spent the whole time trying to appeal to swing voters, without spending enough time on the actual issues. It’s more of the same, and it’s getting old. Both say they are a part of a campaign of change and we’re tired of the politics as usual… so why do they seem as usual?
Ultimately what this election seems to come down to for me is a
minority election. What I mean is, part of Obama’s momentum is the fact that he would be the first (
or possibly the second) African American president. On the Republican side, Palin obviously has much more influence and momentum than McCain has. The two old guys (Biden and McCain) are a wash as far as I’m concerned. Supporters of Obama realize that Biden’s on board just to bring experience… something that Obama seriously lacks. On the right, there are few people excited about McCain. When he ran in 2000, I think there were 20 people at his campaign rally. The people who are ‘pumped’ about him are simply party people… and they’re pumping up their party guy. They also realize that Palin has a very real shot at the presidency… seriously, McCain is like 102 years old or something. I think this election will come down to Palin vs. Obama for all intensive purposes… and neither has convinced me through their leadership that they deserve my vote. I will, of course,
vote my values, but to say I’m less than excited is an understatement.
I don’t get political that often on my blog, for many reasons – but if you’ve made it this far I applaud you!
Picture from ABC News.com
It’s just for fun.
