What I Saw Inside The Debate Hall

I was seated on the floor for the debate. It was very interesting to watch Palin when the camera was on Biden. On topics where it was clear she knew the talking points, she kept looking into the camera with a big smile. On foreign policy and other points where she gave light answers, she was intently reviewing her notes on the podium.

I'm not sure how much things came across on camera, but each time that Palin made a cute move -- twice winking at the camera, giving a 'shout out', claiming to be a maverick or painting herself as outside the beltway -- there was a visceral reaction from the people in the room. Even from the Republicans seated next to me. The Republicans I spoke with immediately afterwards felt very somber about her performance. The first hour she came across strong, but the last half hour did her in.

The imagery was very interesting when we walked out of the Field House. There were these massive McCain/Palin signs that were deployed everywhere around any media. These along with homemade signs declaring Palin the winner were all a part of the spin -- and surprising to see because we were told not to bring in signs.

Biden gave direct answers to nearly all of the questions (except the first one, if I recall correctly). Palin was charming but stuck to talking points or patented responses if she was in deep waters. Clearly Biden won.

Read more reactions to the Biden-Palin Vice Presidential debate from HuffPost bloggers

Comments

[darker]

Palin bullshits really well!
Americans like bullshit. Americans voted for Bush-sh*t TWICE.

Now, Americans will vote for Palin who'll win the election for McCain
and the corrupt Republican liars.
Ain't media wonderful? ?

[luzmejor]

I've been watching elections since I was 16. I am one year older than McCain now, and have seen many presidents come and go. Here's what I have learned:

This nation is being run by, and for, corporations and the wealthy. The manufacturers of weapons are the true movers and shakers. Every bit of the gross national product is devoted to their care and feeding. The business of reproduction, that is, gestating more serviceable people to use, is a very large part of our economy. Hence, the all-but-worship of pregnancy.

Unless you are wealthy, nobody cares what you need, or do, or think. Getting more money into the old bank account is all that matters to our so-called leaders. Unless you can be useful in getting them more power, you are a non-entity.

[missedith]

I watched Rachel Maddow last night with a friend who had never seen her or even heard of her before. As some of you know, she was talking about last night's debate and interviewed Photenhauer among others. (Her first MC representative guest!)

My friend was quite taken with the authenticity of Rachel...if SP wanted to capture the down home "real" people, she should have modeled her performance on Rachel's reality. In Rachel Maddow you can not only see but visceraly feel her passion and her honesty. You may not agree with her politics or lifestyle, but she's refreshing because she's so true. Unlike SP.

But more to the point...my friend did not watch the debate but in seeing the snippets and watching the commentators he was stupefied. He hadn't paid much attention to any of this and could not believe that SP was really as ridiculous as she is portrayed.

[krocklin]

Good point. The next generation of political leaders and the policies that will shape the direction the country will take will be determined by the answer to this:

Who is more genuine, Rachel or Sarah?

[flatus]

It aint about genuine. It's about getting the less sophisticated among us to vote against their own best inerest.

[ettore]

I find Palin's lack of oratorical polish refreshing. HOWEVER, it's wasted in support of values that I cannot share and which, in some cases, downright scare me. I wish Obama would get off his rhetorical high horse. In fact, I wish they would all stop the oratory and just discuss. I don't want to hear 4th of July speechifying. I remember, when Mario Cuomo was governor of New York, he was on the radio every Saturday just talking, with humor, about what it was like to do his job. I felt he was teaching me things. That's what I want from my political leaders. I don't want to hear promises. I do want to hear philosophy. I do want to hear humility. I don't want to feel conned by rhetoric.

[streetkid5]

AJ,
Here's something that some conservatives have brought up today: Joe Biden's remarks about the U.S.
and France having chased Hezbollah out of Lebanon, only to have it come back as an integral part of the Lebanese government. Joe will need to answer that, before the Ponderous Pachyderm gets hold of it and bloviates all over AM radio about Know Nothing Joe(The pot again will call the kettle black, if he's so allowed).
Some so-called Democrats have offered this up as a reason to keep the White House for the Whites.
What's needed is for Joe to have a State department minder along for the rest of the campaign, at least.

[hangdogit]

This debate showed:

Palin able only to rattle off talking points by rote -- whether or not they were related to the question -- like an earnest spelling-bee contestant asked to spell too hard a word. She seems completely scripted with a phony aw-shucks persona.

Biden by contrast was confident, authoritative, fact-based -- like a law school professor compared to an unprepared student. He seems completely natural and authentic.

[The Lorax]

It was all very obvious to me viewing from home. He constant attention to her cards, the sarcasm, winking, unprofessional lingo and attitude (un-presidential). Her charm and "caring" only stopped for a moment, and that moment was when Joe chocked up about his loss of first wife and first daughter. To me that was over the line. She could have at least pretended to care at that point. I already held Joe in high regards, but with his performance last night (with knowing today he'd be sending his son off too) and keeping his cool he somehow made me even more proud to be supporting him. He was so on the ball and performed amazingly.

I want this man, this man who was a single dad, who understands my life, who talks fromt he heart, who has so much caring and soul... I want him to be my vice president. And Obama has been on my radar for quite a while as well and I was always pleased with him. This past month has brought us all back into the game, made so many people care, again or for the first time, and i am so glad that these two respectable men are here to represent us to the world. I hope we do what's right and elect them. I have a good feeling about this. I think they're keeping a lot of people going through these hard times, the hope they're bringing. love it!

We can do it.

[Ironfox]

I saw some footage on the BBC of Biden, his son and a grandchild emerging from a restaurant. It was shot from some distance and unguarded. In farewell, Biden's son hugged his father and kissed him on the cheek. To me, this spoke volumes about the man, his family, and his authenticity. One can not script or fake a moment like that.

[UrbanRube]

Agree, Ironfox. I thought the way Beau Biden spoke of his father at the DNC was also very moving and clearly heartfelt. I found that unusual and inspiring.

[SilverFoxUna]

Yes. That kind of caring and expressed affection can only come from a nurturing environment in those very formative years when boys look at Dad as greater than life. He's done a great job as a father.

[zoetrope]

I witnessed on the "tube," the "talking points'" consultations on the podium.
But, "winking" and "blinking" with a few "bet'chas" saved the day for the ex beauty queen/hockey mom.
Not that those achievements are to be overlooked, it's just that I require more for someone to lead my society/nation.On the other hand, if one thinks about it, Mr. Biden not only has years of professional legislative experience, he also has endured personal tragedy that Mrs. Palen cannot even begin to understand.

[larry278]

Did the frat boy hired demonstraors show up or did the ex-GIs scare them away?

[The Lorax]

Good point. Did they? Anyone know?

[rdlmorgan]

I think Palin did a great job. As far as I'm concerned, we don't need another career politian in Washington, we someone there who is looking out for us as a fellow citizen and both McCain and Palin are citizens that have stepped up to make a difference in Washington.

[Jaradan]

Is that you, Sarah? Specifically, what type of "differences" will you and McCain make in Washington? Will you be voting "differently" from the way McCain and Bush voted over the last 8 years? Please elaborate...but no reading your cheat sheet.

[rightthinking]

Two points: 1)McCain is a career politician who has been in DC for 20-something years 2)In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I assume that all four of the candidates are citizens who stepped up to make a difference in Washington (at least when they first ran for office).

[zeitgeists]

Palin was more interested in expanding the powers of the VP. A perfect example of the malleable "Useful Idiot" ready to be molded by the entrenched bureaucracy. Remember McCain's remark? I can't wait to introduce her to Washington. I bet! And the buzzing sound that you hear in your head is George Washington spinning in is grave!

Peace, Best Wishes and Hope

[JNagarya]

McSame is a career politician -- DUH!

As for Palin: if she survives the Alaska legislative investigation, based as it is on HARD EVIDENCE of CRIMINAL violations, she'll be extremely lucky, though she does not deserve to be the latter.

Perhaps there'll be compromise: she'll be allowed to serve out the rest of her term as governor from a prison cell.

[Martha12]

I agree, no career politician. Lets look at their resumes, since voting is hiring them for the job of POTUS;

McCain; 26 years in the senate, that IS a career.

Joe Biden; Career senator.

Now since this article is about Palin;

Palin; Education ....5 different collages in 6 years, for a degree in "sports journalism" Job history; a few months as a broadcast journalist, Mayor, Governor, VP, hmm...seems like a career to me

Obama; Education; Harvard law degree , first black president of Harvard law review.
Job history; community organizer, civil rights lawyer, teacher of constitutional law, state senator, senator.

Since the president swears an oath to uphold, and defend the "constitution of the USA"
Obamas' job experience and education would come in handy.

His job experience proves he cares about "the people"

Which one will you "hire"?

[Ironfox]

The predominant strain of anti-itellectualism in the US has brought us to this sorry place.

Many Americans feel that dredging for the lowest common denominator in their leaders is a civic virtue.

This Share-A-Beer Politics cheapens political discourse and is an insult to voters.

I demand the brightest, the most competent, whether he/she drinks beer or not.

[Gingersp]

You are right. I want someone who is an "elitist".

[BeltwayBette]

Please be patient with me for posting this again but it seems that no one I know heard this exchange between Palin and Biden and I believe it's all we need to know about her mind set.

This is what I heard from my living room and yes, I took notes.
----------­----------­----------­----------­-
Palin’s only seeingly spontaneous statement :

Palin: "I'm glad the Constitution would allow the Vice President to have more [Power over the Senate] if the vice president chooses to extend it when working with the Senate."

Biden: "The Vice President has power over the Senate only in the case of a tie vote."

Palin: She says she agrees "with Vice President Cheney" that "they (vice presidents) have a lot of flexibility as vice president because the Constitution is flexible about that."

Wasn't her attitude the same Cheney/Bush/Rove attitudes about the presidency that gave us the Iraqi war, the Patriiot act, the loss of habeus corpus, torture, special renditions (kidnappng and sending folks to foreign lands for secret torture and worse, the hiring of ideologues in the DOJ. the firing of DOJ lawyers who would not help Bush do his dirty work, Abu Ghraib, Gitmo concentration camp, and all those other neat extensions of power Cheney and Folks say the Constitution gave them?

If Palin/McCain (as she calls the ticket) doesn't give you chills down your back, check your pulse. You may not be alive.
A Miltiary vet for Obama/Biden 2008

[Over50WhiteWoman]

You are so right--that part is the scariest part of this election.

Where do these candidates stand on the secret prisons of the CIA, the kidnappings, the torture? We know Obama opposes all that because ONE person asked him from an audience at a campaign stop.

McCain stood up to torture by the MILITARY, but opposed the vote in the Senate to stop torture by the CIA. That's when he lost my vote. That and his 'unfunding' for Vets.

The MSM just never ask these questions--why not? What would Palin say if she got a question on one of these topics? Gwen Ifil tried, but the woman won't 'answer questions, because she wants to 'speak directly to the American people'. Well, you know, we aren't all just crying for bread out here--some of us want some meat. Where's the beef?

[Honour]

Over50White Woman: No, McCain did not stand up to torture - the ENTIRE story of McCain's so-called torture experience is still not out there in the mainstream . . . from the accounts of a number of his prison mates in Vietnam (including a man who currently serves as a police officer), Old Mac was known as "Songbird McCain" because he spilled his guts about everyone of them. Google that nickname, it's on the Internet.

I personally know of a woman whose husband (who never returned) wrote her from the jail, describing the experience and giving details about who, what, etc., McCain ratted on to his jailers. I am trying to convince her to publish these letters so we can hopefully expose this serial liar and self-described "hero/maverick" for what he TRULY is. We need to let his adoring public see the truth and save ourselves, our children, our country from more bloodshed and wars at the hands of an insane McCain/Palin Administration. HELP!

[Artos]

BeltwayBette,

She and McCain are already proving what kind of Politicians they are. Look at how they are trying to obstruct her investigation in Alaska. They would do just as Bush has done. Misuse of their so called power to protect their corrupt actions. Their would continue to be no transparency in government, only secrecy. Also her recent slander of OBama shows that she is not beyond using the vilest tactics to subvert her "enemies".If America wants to continue down the road to Dictatorship and Empire then by all means we should reelect Republicans. As to the idea that the Constitution is "Flexible about that". It's interesting to me that she should say that since Republicans are always arguing that Liberals attribute far too much flexibility to the Constitution and that they believe the Constitution should be strictly observed. So now it's flexible according to her. Imagine that. Selectively deciding what should be strictly and narrowly adhered to and being flexible when it is self serving. That's just like a Republican.

[lagumbo]

Sarah Palin bombed out. But John McCain is not any better. Moderators and media heads allow him to do the same thing. He was on Morning Joe the day of the debate and he did the same thing and they let him get away with it. He was so bad on morning Joe I thought he was about to flip flop over and out of his chair. The media and moderators of these debates are cheating the american people. They all cave in for McCain. So we know what to expect from the next debate, since Brokaw is the liason TO Mcains camp and a close friend. But we won't hear OBAMA complaining about that, like Mccain's talking heads did about Gwen IFILLS. OBAMA is the man to lead us to greatness

[DeloresT]

I am tired of the media taking up for this woman. She is totally unqualified and showed it last nite. She has no business running for vice president.

[Jaradan]

She looked like a beauty queen answering "tough" beauty pageant questions on stage in her swimsuit.

[bowserbois]

I haven't seen anyone mention this, but what kind of mother would haul her infant around at 11pm at night under all those lights and noise when the kid should have been in bed for hours?

[AnneOlivia]

You know, I was thinking the same thing!!! Poor kid is just a prop for her, I guess.

[UrbanRube]

Absolutely agree. That sweet-looking little boy is a prop right now.

[justobserve]

The kids must be exhausted or their bedtime is abnormal, just like there life: do they go to school?

[sushi27]

More frightening - is Palin's husband homeschooling them?? They don't appear to be going to school.

[Artos]

sushi27,

I wouldn't be surprised if they were homeschooled. It seems to be part and parcel of their personality types.

[MBMatthews]

I've often wondered about this too, especially since the poor thing is, as Palin calls him, "a special needs kid." He should be home in bed.

[Jaradan]

How come Sarah never seems to bring out the kids who can talk? Only the baby?

[Artos]

Jaradan,
She's obviously trying to use the sympathy factor. Just another tactical ploy to advance their chances at the Presidency. You can't believe anything that they do is done out of sincerity. If she were as good a mother as she claims to be then she wouldn't even have brought that child to the debate.