Who Won the Debate?

Friday, October 3, 2008

Momlogic asked a Red State Mom and Blue State Mom to give it to us straight.

It was the moment we'd all been waiting for ... Biden and Palin squared off at last. But who did better? Two moms -- one Republican, one Democrat -- weigh in.

Blue State Mom Gina, mom of 1, says:

Remember pulling an all-nighter before a big final? Memorizing all those facts and figures, so you can regurgitate it on the test ... but forgetting it all the next day? That's exactly how Governor Sarah Palin came across tonight. She crammed for American Policy 101 and passed with a C. Sorry, no extra credit for being "straight up with Joe 6-pack and hockey moms." But when you cut through all the slogans and folksy lingo ("say it ain't so, Joe, dog gone it!"), Palin seemed shaky at best.

Instead of answering direct questions, Palin rehashed her canned responses at least a half a dozen times, repeating again and again: "John McCain is a maverick who has ruffled feathers, taken on his own party." But she couldn't come up with one specific example. Senator Joe Biden ran circles around his opponent when it came to foreign policy, the economy and McCain's own record. He called Palin on the carpet for replaying that broken record by blasting that "John McCain has not been a maverick when it comes to health care, education, or on the war."

Joe Biden had much less to prove tonight. He just needed to keep his cool and not make any major gaffes. Sarah Palin had everything to lose. Her supporters are probably breathing a sigh of relief that she remembered her lines. Biden looked like the professor, Palin sounded like the student trying to make the grade.

Red State Mom Martha, mom of 1 with another on the way, says:

Like many in this country, I was very unfamiliar with Sarah Palin when John McCain chose her a little over a month ago as his VP running mate. What I know now, especially at the conclusion of tonight's debate, is that Sarah Palin shares the conservative principles that are needed to propel this country toward sound economic oversight, victory in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a government that puts Americans first.

Governor Palin articulated the ticket's positions in a way that resonates with most Americans. Most of us don't understand the ins and outs of Washington D.C., but we do share the same fears when it comes to paying bills and investing toward the future. Governor Palin understands these issues in a way that old Washington insiders do not. She was able to express that tonight, and at the same time demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of national security and energy independence.

The only disappointment is that as an American I do not get to hear more under the same conditions. Mainstream media gets the spotlight undeservedly during national elections, and that is truly when we should be afforded the opportunity to hear primarily from the candidates themselves.

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30 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

I think that the “Blue State” mom is correct. She only recited what she remembered, nothing more, nothing less. She did not debate Biden when he challenged her to, she was like a robot with some “cute and funny” one liners. However, she shown no substance.

- Marquita

Posted 10/03/08 12:15 AM

Palin won the debate hands down , had over 50 frieds call after it saying the same thing , I dont understand how the the general press can not just report the news rather then trying to MAKE news , I would really like to know who they polled to say biden won it ???

- Bob Rossell

Posted 10/03/08 12:21 AM

I don’t know that there was a “winner” in this debate, I do know that I have a new respect for Biden. He obviously is a man who is deeply thoughtful and able to reflect on his mistakes and others’ mistakes and learn from them. He was able to cite specific examples of how he has grown over his years of service to our country. He demonstrated wisdom and restraint and great depth of character. Sarah Palin showed more of the same, limited, one-dimensional “folksy” caricature, it was more of the same, but I did like her shoes! To be fair, she did hold her own and she did demonstrate a great confidence, but sadly, the only “victory” for Sarah Palin is that she didn’t “crash and burn” as expected…which really isn’t much of a victory in anyone’s eyes.

- Kit

Posted 10/03/08 12:25 AM

Joe Biden looked right at me and lied, then he lied again and lied some more. Thanks Joe you really have mastered that skill.

- Big Denali

Posted 10/03/08 12:37 AM

As an undecided, I too came away more impressed with Biden. I was expecting more gaffes and cheesy statesmanship from him but what I came away from that debate is that one of the two VP candidates really knew the gravity of the issues and their innerworkings. Palin stood her ground and did have that “folksy charm” (I guess that is what you call it?), but that’s simply not going to get it done when you are in office. Her responses at some times did appear scripted and there were a bit too many vague comments rather than specific, knowledgable answers. I don’t want one-liners from my VP, I need someone who knows the mechanics behind the issues. For that, Biden clearly has the edge and especially when you consider the VP could become the President if something dreadful were to happen.

- Seattle's Best

Posted 10/03/08 12:38 AM

I really can’t believe some of these comments. Biden has had 35 years in Congress - just look what all that experience has done for us! And, what exactly is wrong with being folksy?

- McCain/Palin

Posted 10/03/08 12:56 AM

Palin did a great job answering the questions she wanted to answer and avoiding those that she didn’t. The reality, though, is that the Vice President of the United States needs to be able to answer ALL of the questions, not after the inauguration, today. The VP must “know the ins and outs of Washington,” not to mention the ins and outs of foreign policy, the economy, healthcare reform, and the numerous other issues facing our country. Certainly the VP has skilled (even “elite”) advisors in each of these fields, but he or she must come into the position with at least a solid grasp of the fundamentals. It’s not an entry-level position.

- Rita

Posted 10/03/08 01:30 AM

Palin’s “folksy” came off like a used car salesman to me. That handshake and “can I call ya Joe?”… before, I felt sorry (well, embarrased) for her… now she comes across as a WV version of slimey. Now I can understand why people say she’s a good politician… she’s just as slimey as the rest. And as for six-pack-Joe, I’m sure she’d chew him up and spit him out if he got in her way.

- Kay

Posted 10/03/08 01:44 AM

Palin can’t even pronounce nuclear. I think that says enough. Nuculear is not a word.

- Sally

Posted 10/03/08 05:47 AM

The winking has got to stop, Palin! This isn’t a joke—we are in an economic crisis, at war, and the laughing-stock of the world. Are you going to wink at the people in bread lines, too?!?

- LH

Posted 10/03/08 08:25 AM

Biden lied at least 10x regarding how he or Obama voted. I can look those things up and disprove him right there. Also, Biden is your typical politician that only cares about lining his pockets and his special interests. Palin is a regular person that got sick of politicians like him ruining her state and she did something about it. Check her record and check her approval rating against Biden’s, she won before she even started.

- Keely O'Connor

Posted 10/03/08 08:59 AM

Palin had the wost test that I can never grate,if a student does not answer the questions,I give ‘F’.Biden not only pass a test,but I can tell that he is ready for the next 4 years as VP.

- conni

Posted 10/03/08 09:42 AM

Palin was brilliant. The subtle—and not so subtle—reminders of Biden’s issues with Obama was genius. The genuine smiles she elicited from Biden were priceless. Besides that, even the dems are talking about all the lies Biden was spewing.

- Middle of the Road Straddler

Posted 10/03/08 10:29 AM

C’mon… Obama turns on the “charm” and the Dems praise his orations, Palin works a little of her Alaskan charm and the Dems blast her for winking. Give me a break! Biden may have more political experience than Palin which may make him seem a little more refined but he’s a certified liar! I think it’s pretty pathetic when you can match Obama as a presidential candidate against Palin as a VP candidate and Palin would clearly have more substance and be supremely more qualified to lead our country as a political leader. Let the back of Barry’s ears dry out and he can come back to us in 8 years. I’m sure the man has merit but he’s got a lot of growing up to do before that “community organizer” is ready to govern our great nation!

- Heather

Posted 10/03/08 11:15 AM

I think both Biden and Palin did their fair share of dancing around the questions, let’s just get that straight - it’s what politicians do. The most prominent impression that walked away with after watching the debate is that Biden is just another Washington insider who finally has his chance to go farther; and Palin is a fresh mind straight from middle class America who sees what needs to be changed. She may not be able to recite perfect American history, but she knows where the problems are and is actually DOING something about changing them.

- V

Posted 10/03/08 11:20 AM

Amen, V! I totally agree with your comment “….Palin is a fresh mind straight from middle class America who sees what needs to be changed.” We do need change, not more same old Washington as usual.

- McCain/Palin

Posted 10/03/08 12:28 PM

The woman evaded answers by regurgitating the same memorized one liners over and over without displaying an indepth understanding of the subject matter. She didn’t seem to understand the words “Achilles Heel” when asked about hers and went off topic again. If she was asked to clarify a statement, she wouldn’t be able to because she only knew the talking points and not necessarily what they mean. It seems that my peers with academic success all seem to be leaning towards Obama/Biden and my friends with “C” averages in high school or college seem to relate better to McCain/Palin. People naturally gravitate and relate to others that are like minded and many average intellect people just “don’t get” Obama. Oh well, America is an average intellect country and Palin is an average intellect gal.

- does intellect count?

Posted 10/03/08 12:55 PM

Listen - we don’t have to like the policies of both candidate. But, one of the things that makes our country great is that in America citizens can expresses their opinions even if it’s not what anoter person belives. Palin appears to love her family, be in a good marraige and has done some good things for people in Alaska. That does not however make her ready to be the second most powerful person in our country. So let’s just all agree to disagree. It’s doutful anything that happened last night will change any of our opinions.

- foxymama

Posted 10/03/08 01:39 PM

Governor Sarah Palin stood up and showed Senator Biden what she was made of last night. It was exhilarating to say the least. She talked to the people and I liked that. BIDEN went on and on about the Bush Administration…get over it BIDEN, YOU are serving in the Bush Aministration, along with, Barack Obama. If you want to blame McCain on the whole Bush Administration then you are an idiot Senator Biden. Especially, since John McCain stood against President Bush MANY times. Apparently, what’s good for this goose isn’t good for the gander. Anyway, back to Governor Palin, who debated among one of the best and showed she could pull a home run in for the Republican team! I don’t know what some people were watching but I saw a strong woman standing up for the people. Unlike, Biden who was too busy trying to bash McCain. Of course, what more could you expect from a Democrat. I laughed when Governor Palin called him out on his comment the he had made about Barack Obama, “Barack Obama lacks the experience to become President!” You said it baby! Don’t go changing your mind now that your running for VICE PRESIDENT. THUMBS UP TO GOVERNOR PALIN!

- Lori M

Posted 10/03/08 01:44 PM

These are Palin’s own words from the debate. Her grammar is atrocious. Is this really who we want to represent us in a public speaking arena? And the American workforce is the greatest in this world, with the ingenuity and the work ethic that is just entrenched in our workforce. Again, John McCain and I, that commitment that we have made, and we’re going to follow through on that, getting rid of that corruption. One thing that Americans do at this time, also, though, is let’s commit ourselves just every day American people, Joe Six Pack, hockey moms across the nation, I think we need to band together and say never again. We can speak in agreement here that darn right we need tax relief for Americans so that jobs can be created here. And I may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear, but I’m going to talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record also. I do take issue with some of the principle there with that redistribution of wealth principle that seems to be espoused by you. We have got to encourage other nations also to come along with us with the impacts of climate change, what we can do about that. I was surprised to hear you mention that because you had said that there isn’t anything — such a thing as clean coal. We can start putting more troops in Afghanistan as we also work with our NATO allies who are there strengthening us and we need to grow our military And Maliki and Talabani also in working with us are knowing again that we are getting closer and closer to that point, that victory that’s within sight. And as for who coined that central war on terror being in Iraq, it was the Gen. Petraeus and al Qaeda, both leaders there and it’s probably the only thing that they’re ever going to agree on, but that it was a central war on terror is in Iraq. And Secretary Rice, having recently met with leaders on one side or the other there, also, still in these waning days of the Bush administration, trying to forge that peace, and that needs to be done, and that will be top of an agenda item, also, under a McCain-Palin administration. Certainly, accounting for different conditions in that

- Palin Babble Grammar from the Debate... what would her English teacher say? Hard to decipher it all

Posted 10/03/08 01:55 PM