Palin-Biden debate chat and commentary!
posted at 8:00 pm on October 2, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Tonight, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden square off at 9 pm ET for the only Vice Presidential debate for this election. Palin needs to convince American voters that she is up to the task of the second-highest position in the executive branch, while Biden has to avoid making any major gaffes that will force the national media to report them.
Can she do it? The Examiner’s Mark Tapscott predicts that Palin will prevail:
Call me a cockeyed optimist or a fool or whatever, but I predict Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will be the clear winner over Sen. Joe Biden in tonight’s debate between the vice-presidential nominees. Not because I think she’s a master debater – though she clearly has been underestimated in this department before – but because she possesses the one qualification nobody else on either ticket has – She’s not part of the Washington crowd.
I’m somewhat less sanguine than Mark, but willing to be proven wrong. I think both candidates will do well tonight. Biden’s already been through more than a dozen of these in this cycle alone, and he hasn’t made a serious mistake in any of them. His gaffes come in less-guarded moments. Don’t expect anything but a competent and sharp performance from Biden.
Palin will do very well indeed, and again the low expectations from recent media coverage will make it look even better. I don’t expect her to top Biden, but she really doesn’t need to do that anyway. If she comes across as confident, assertive, honest, and engaged, she will do fine — and in this debate the tie would be seen as a huge win for Palin.
I’ll be at Trocadero’s tonight, at the party for AM 1280 The Patriot, and won’t be live-blogging. We will have a panel discussion before and after the debate, and I may try to broadcast through Ustream for the event. Let’s see how that works, but don’t miss the live chat room! Jazz Shaw of The Moderate Voice moderates the chat, and he does a great job riding herd on the conversation. Be sure to register at Ustream to participate in our raucous live-chat sessions. (And if the log-in prompt doesn’t come up in the chat box below, use this link instead.)
See you at the debate!
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dang
CinnamongirlUF on October 2, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Our team’s unwillingness to name names leaves space for the liberal lies and puts us on the defense. Depressing.
phineas on October 2, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Gwen Ifill is like a rock…..only dumber.
Carry on.
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:16 PM
CSPAN has a split screen and Biden is smirking at every Palin answer.
ejbentz on October 2, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Why did she not discuss the CRA and the Dems voting down McCain trying to reform. This is not the old Sarah – this is the McCainized Sarah
bill30097 on October 2, 2008 at 9:16 PM
He brought up gas prices and she totally fumbled the opportunity to bring up drilling.
thecountofincognito on October 2, 2008 at 9:16 PM
She needs to get McCain off the “deregulation” meme. McCain tried to regulate Fannie and Freddie!
Steve Z on October 2, 2008 at 9:16 PM
SARAH: Tell them that Obama tax increases will cost jobs and cause prices to rise… thus any tax cut for the middle class will be WORTHLESS!
electric-rascal on October 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
And here Biden goes talking about “fairness.”
Can he get his nose out of the DNC play book for a second?
Ryan Gandy on October 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
I see a lot of new faces here…. (as he looks around his feet for plastic grass)
CC
CapedConservative on October 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
She just lets Biden make up history as he goes along.
thecountofincognito on October 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
She just got cut off. Check and see if Biden gets the same.
But I love the “I may not answer the questions you the way you want me to…” answer. That was good.
Pcoop on October 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Ooops, Biden just lowered Barry’s “rich” cutoff, now $150,000, down from $250,000. Which is it?
13Girl on October 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Whoever was in charge of that “debate camp” is a F*&#ING idiot. They totally blew the most important issue in the whole election, and then she starts talking about when she was mayor? WTF!!! HORRIBLE! MCCAIN YOU RUINED HER!
WisCon on October 2, 2008 at 9:18 PM
FInally – redistribution of wealth mentioned!
Finally – small businesses being impacted!
Finally – hitting Biden on his patriotic to pay taxes comment!
FINALLY!!!!
electric-rascal on October 2, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Her gesturing at Biden when talking about the Dems voting it down – hee!
And I love that she’s refusing to accept the premise of wealth distribution – and calling him on the patriotism of higher taxes!
Mynuet on October 2, 2008 at 9:18 PM
It is obvious that McCain is not simply a Rino, he is actually a Dem in sheeps clothing. I would not be surprised if he has some agreement with the Dems to run and throw this election in return for some position in an Obama cabinet.
ClassicCon on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Those of you expecting Biden to say something quasi-racist/sexist in the biggest political event of his life are probably hoping for too much.
Speedwagon82 on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
OMG she is kickin’ ass!!!!!!!!!!
kareyk on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Sara is “Smokin’”! Smokin Sarah!!!!
SunSword on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
YES SARAH – Healthcare run by Feds will SUCK! YEEEESSSS!!!
electric-rascal on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
CROSS STATES LINES IN HEALTH INSURANCE IS HUGE!!!
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Score!
CCRWM on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Yep… definite astroturfing taking place.
CC
CapedConservative on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
She did well on the health-care question.
Steve Z on October 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
So, democracy is 95% wolves and 5% sheep deciding what’s for dinner?
At least I don’t work for a corporation; so tax them. And I don’t work for myself, or I’d get punished too.
Nope, I work for unicorns and bunnies, those who will prosper under Obama’s plan. The rest of you are screwed.
gekkobear on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Scranton! Drink!
ejbentz on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Please Sarah… rebut the Biden tax “fairness” assertion.
electric-rascal on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Good Sarah! She is on-point and confident.
NightmareOnKStreet on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
They don’t do WHAT in Scranton?
Yeah, just like they don’t talk about voters like garbage in Scranton either, right?
Ryan Gandy on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Is anybody else SICK TO DEATH of Biden bringing Scranton into every freakin conversation?
13Girl on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
joe’s getting pissed……here we go!
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Lurking for 1 1/2 yrs. Finally upped in the last open.
phineas on October 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
3.6 TRILLION” What the hell is he talking about?
Nelsa on October 2, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Has that man had his eyes lifted…God, he’s weird looking.
tickleddragon on October 2, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Biden — 12,000 — 20,000,000 — 94% — some more boring numbers here….oh let me interrupt you sweetie…
SunSword on October 2, 2008 at 9:21 PM
I have been ridiculing Palin all week but she’s doing the best of any of the four candidates. She is excellent so far. She must have been drinking during those interviews. It’s cold in Alaska, it’s allowed.
LevStrauss on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
What did he say to make the audience laugh?
Blake on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Maybe she is not as much a Conservative as we thought. Could she be a RINO like McCain? Or, is she being pressured to fall in line with McCain’s RINOism?
bill30097 on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
He called it the “Ultimate bridge to nowhere”. She should ask him if he is then going to vote for it… twice.
CC
CapedConservative on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Words are coming out of Joe…..but he’s not saying anything.
zzzz
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
This sucks. Palin’s political career is fading before our eyes. I hate to say it, but Biden is killing her right now.
holygoat on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
“…bridge to nowhere”? Joe, you remind me of some furry scum I found when I cleaned under my dead grandmother’s sink.
NightmareOnKStreet on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
HE FUMBLED THERE LOL
jaboba on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Biden: care-char-caric-characterized.
electric-rascal on October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Talk about eliminating wasteful spending coming from a DEMOCRAT?!
ROFL.
Ryan Gandy on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
tickleddragon
I think the same thing. Skin looks stretched to the breaking point under his eyes.
congratulations_universe on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Hooray, and energy policy will “Create new jobs”. Tens of thousands of them.
And we’ll find workers for these jobs by the millions put out of work by higher prices on energy, transportation, and anything that is affected by these…
Oh, he didn’t say that last part? My bad.
Net jobs from Obama’s energy policy? Very very big negative number.
gekkobear on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Unpatriotic. Drink!
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
that was dirty….. Bridge to nowhere. Nice ad hominem attack.
leetpriest on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Look at Biden getting p!ssed. He was going to come in all nice and somber and now he has a fight on his hands.
LevStrauss on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
All the cheering there would have taken place five minutes ago if Gwen didn’t cut Sarah off mid-sentence just as she was hitting her stride.
Well played Gwen! That move was worth about $100K in extra book sales.
econavenger on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Palin is at a disadvantage as she has to carry McCain’s water.
MB4 on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Do you think anyone at home will be able to keep up with and follow what Biden is saying?
Mark1971 on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
What the hell are YOU watching?
tickleddragon on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Biden doesn’t look quite so smirky anymore.
ejbentz on October 2, 2008 at 9:23 PM
IN HD HE DOES LOOK DISTURBING
jaboba on October 2, 2008 at 9:24 PM
Joe is trying to stare her down to intimidate her but it’s not working
econavenger on October 2, 2008 at 9:24 PM
I don’t like Ifill’s followups.
Blake on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
No no no… change your TV to the debate and away from Green Acres…
CC
CapedConservative on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Hit Biden again about Obama’s votes. He voted to give all sorts of energy companies and oil tax breaks.
Kat_Mo on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Game over — McCain is toast because he didn’t unleash Palin to attack Obama on Fannie/Freddie and the CRA. His campaign had an AMAZING opportunity to sink Obama…and he’s got her blathering about Wall St. greed, blah, blah. Dang. You cannot out-punitive the Democrats and out-populist them on evil Wall St. But you COULD have tied them to firmly to the supbrime mess.
EasyEight on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Listening to Biden is like when I was in college and trying to take notes from a professor who talked too fast.
Mark1971 on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Joe is getting hot….he’s getting hot….oh look, Gwen covering for Joe….trying to give him some time to cool off….hehehehe
Hey wait….is that a broom circling in St. Louis?
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
That’s the money shot. “How long have I been at this, LIKE 5 weeks.” That is all you will see tomorrow.
Nelsa on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Sarah just leaned back. I’m thinking she just RELAXED. Sweeeeet.
13Girl on October 2, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Ok she’s finally getting a feel for this thing.
thecountofincognito on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
I have no clue what in the f*** some posters are watching. She’s rollin this bastard like dough
blatantblue on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
I want to wipe that condescending smile over his face so bad. But I gotta feeling Sarah’s about to do that for
meus.NightmareOnKStreet on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Oh god…. kill me. They don’t know what to do with the bailout.
AbaddonsReign on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
He is watching the same trainwreck I am watching…name one zinger that Sarah has nailed Biden on?
ClassicCon on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Like she’s been able to give money back to her folks?!
I wonder if Sarah is gonna bring up Biden’s son – who’s been getting HUGE sums of money.
Ryan Gandy on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
I have to look down everytime he talks
jaboba on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
I’m watching Biden keep his cool while still being passionate, and Palin spouting McCain-approved talking points. It’s ugly.
holygoat on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
She should have been prepared for that question about what promises might not be able to be kept. That was a gimme.
Mark1971 on October 2, 2008 at 9:27 PM
They were both wrong on the bailout. It was GOVERNMENT’s fault, not Wall Street.
Dammit they need to shut up about the private sector.
tickleddragon on October 2, 2008 at 9:27 PM
Plugs is not doing that well, goat.
tickleddragon on October 2, 2008 at 9:27 PM
did she really say “massive oversight”??? wow, mccain has decided to kick conservatives to the curb for good now.
chasdal on October 2, 2008 at 9:28 PM
holygoat on October 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Keep his cool??? Every expression he’s made, every time he’s opened up his mouth he’s been losing it.
Ryan Gandy on October 2, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Is this non-mention of CRA and the Dems part of some kind of non-partisan meme focus group???
wtf?? I don’t get it.
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:28 PM
“It’s complicated”.. you morons wouldn’t understand. Ugh Senator bugger.
tickleddragon on October 2, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Why did she not mention ACORN, Dodd, Chris, Frank or Waters?
AAAAHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!
mindhacker on October 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Palin has to call foul on the Democrats on Fannie!!!
Steve Z on October 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Palin cannot win in this constrained “Jeopardy” style factoid “debate.” Biden is winning, he can pull numbers out of his butt, make them up out of whole cloth, if he needs to. Now Biden is trying to spin it that OBAMA is the one who sounded the warning on the subprime issue! DAMNIT — UNLEASH!!!!!
EasyEight on October 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Joe the Mount— “Barack Obama saw the glass as half empty, I saw it as half full”.
Go Joe!
SunSword on October 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
holygoat = troll
Please Do Not Feed the Troll……/zookeeper
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Joe the Mouth— “Barack Obama saw the glass as half empty, I saw it as half full”.
Go Joe!
SunSword on October 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
[sigh]
Too much speak of greed and corruption from wall st. Not one mention of greed and corruption from Capitol Hill.
anuts on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Palin doesn’t look good changing topic from bankruptcy/mortgage back to energy.
electric-rascal on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Energy? Can she talk about anything else or does she feel she has to tic to where she agrees with McCain?
bill30097 on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Game over? Really? Game over? Please…
SHE’S DOING GREAT!
CCRWM on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
That sh*t will hit the fan after this debate and after the BS bailout is done…. lots of ammo everywhere when “bipartisanship” isn’t needed towards the end.
CC
CapedConservative on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
I disagree…..nobody is listening to the buffoon and his numbers. Why bother? Everyone knows there’s a good chance he’s lying anyway.
ex-Democrat on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
I love it. Do everything. It’s common sense. East coast elites stop us. Yes. East coast elites. If you think I am referring to you, I am.
Blake on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
This will be remembered as the election of missed opportunities all around.
thecountofincognito on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
As Biden understands it . . . nice.
Maybe he should look at this.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s109-190
Ryan Gandy on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Wow, some of you have no ability to see how this is playing to those voters that don’t follow politics. Just because you know Biden’s answers are full of sheet, does not mean the average voter will. Sarah will be made to look like an utter fool post debate via MSM.
ClassicCon on October 2, 2008 at 9:31 PM
There you go.
Dr B on October 2, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Cleanup the planet = pander to leftists
electric-rascal on October 2, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Good job on energy.
WisCon on October 2, 2008 at 9:32 PM
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