Biden/Palin Debate Live Blog

Palin seems forced.  Didn’t like her answer that greedy lenders were responsible for the economic woes. 

Biden’s response about Obama voting to raise taxes on those earning $42k was weak. 

Palin very strong talking about her own record in cutting taxes.

Biden says they will give tax cuts to 95% making less than $350k and calls them “super wealthy.”

Palin, good response bringing up small business.

Gwen asking Palin to “defend” McCain’s healthcare plan… bias anyone?  Palin responded very well. 

Biden is getting rattled…

Biden ducked the question about what he would scale back in light of the $700 billion bailout.  He named one item - foreign aid - but then just talked about spending plans and tax increased.

Palin really taking control of this debate.  Emphasizing energy and own record on the issue.  Ducked the question too. 

GREAT answer to Gwen’s followup.  She hasn’t promised anything because she’s the VP. 

Palin hitting corruption on Wall Street again.  I hate that.  It’s true, to an extent, but she fails to put the blame on Congress, the Bush Administration, and the American people.  There’s plenty of blame to go around. 

Palin is weak in transitioning, but good once she gets into the topic.  It shows a lack of experience in high level debates, but I think that actually reinforces her persona. 

They [1] keep going on .. and on and on .. about taxes and tax breaks for the middle-classes.

Phhbtt.

If I cared about high taxes I would not have moved to Wisconsin, would I?

Hat tip Brian.

hehe… “the chant is ‘drill baby drill’.”  Thanks Steele. 

Good for Palin for hitting Biden on record for clean coal.

The constitution calls for same sex benefits?  I must have missed that article. 

They both have too much makeup on. 

Biden, “We will end this war.”

Palin, “Your plan is a white flag of surrender.”

Good for Palin for pointing out Biden’s previous support for McCain.

WOW.  Palin hit Obama as Naiive.  Gutsy.  Risky but gutsy. 

Good response by Palin about Kissenger. 

“The theocracy controls the security apparatus in Iran…”  by Biden.  True, but he didn’t name who Obama would sit down with other than Imanutjob. 

Biden should dye his hair red. 

Palin seems very rehearsed when she recites the names of foreign leaders when she mentions other nations. 

Biden was incoherrent on the nuclear test ban topic. 

Biden, “I gave the president the power.”  Ego much? 

Palin hits Biden hard on “voted for the war but now oppose it.”  Plays ‘outsider’ card.  Nice shot. 

Palin doing well continually bringing up Biden’s record and emphasizing McCain’s record. 

What’s the difference between “prevention” and “preemption?”

Role of VP… Palin rocked on this question.  Biden took up the attack and then seemed pretty weak. 

Biden: good answer about people’s motives.

Closing statements…

Palin ROCKED.  Straight talk right to the average American.

Biden did OK.  He had some great comments but also some cheap political shots. 

OVERALL:

Both candidates did well.  Compared to expectations, Palin did much better.  In balance, I thing it was somewhere between a a tie and a slight Palin win.

Posted by Owen at 2020 hrs
Politics + Politics - General