If ever there was a time to be completely up front and honest about the issues it would be now at this debate between the Vice Presidential candidates. Too much has been said by both parties and people are tired of the same old, same old. The American public wants to hear the candidates talk about the issues, but they want them to be clear, decisive and truthful. What the candidates need to grasp is the importance of being earnest and being themselves.
The only time Senator Biden didn't seem as though he was repeating himself was on the subject of Foreign Policy. On Domestic Policy, Health Care and Taxes Governor Palin was the stand out and appeared to be more in touch with the American people than Senator Biden.
Governor Palin surprised even the strongest of critics with her knowledge and ability to go toe to toe with Senator Biden, which became quite evident, throughout the 90 minutes of this debate.
Senator Biden with all his experience and years and years of being in Washington D. C. was not up to the task of putting Governor Palin on the defensive and he did not succeed in making Governor Palin look incompetent and ill-equipped to be Vice President of the United States. As a matter of fact it was quite the opposite. She looked competent and quite prepared to be Vice President, and ready to take on the "good ole boys" in Washington.
This reporter was watching the debate with a number of friends and neighbors. The make up of this grouping consisted of a variety of ages and ethnic races. Every member of this grouping had a different perception of the Vice Presidential debate between Palin and Biden.
Zoe, age 29: "It was pleasant and refreshing to listen to Governor Palin be herself. There were times when she, of course, had to stick with her party agenda, but for the most part she was good, well spoken and held more than her own with Senator Biden."
Michael, age 44: "I thought Palin connected with the American people more than Biden did," he said. "She oozed confidence while Senator Biden appeared subdued," he said. "I like how Governor Palin answered a lot of the questions," he continued.
Constance, age 42: "Senator Biden was very good on foreign policy, but he sure sucked when it came to domestic policy," she said. "I was undecided about who I would vote for," she continued, "But not now ," she said. "And I have to say," she continued, "Governor Palin was very good," she said. "And, yes, I will be voting for McCain and Palin."
Stanley, age 30: "Senator Biden looked like an animated cartoon at times when he was answering some of the questions," he said. "He was talking down to Governor Palin at times too, even though he was smiling," he continued. "I thought he was filling in the blanks," he said. "I'll be voting for McCain and Palin."
Juan, age 35: "I thought Senator Biden did very well all around," he said. "I liked some of Governor Palin's answers, but I will be voting for Obama and Biden." "I just don't think I am ready for a woman in the White House either," he continued.
Carol, age 67: "I believe Governor Palin did good," she said. "Senator Biden did well on foreign policy as he was expected to, but did not come across as being in touch with the American people like me," she continued.
Loretta, age 60: "I have not been impressed with any of the debates," she said. "My decision will be based on the person I think will do the best job as President of the United States." "And," she continued, "Senator Biden should have stayed home." "I do like Governor Palin," she said.
As this reporter talked with each member of the grouping who watched this debate between Vice Presidential candidates, it became quite clear that every one most definitely had his or her own opinion about what they had viewed and heard during the debate. Expectations had been high in anticipation of this highly publicized Vice Presidential debate. However, by the end of the debate there were mixed opinions about whether or not the debate meant their individual expectations. Only four of the group members said they would watch the next Presidential debate. Every one in the group did say that they would be relieved when November 4th rolls around. And everyone did agree that Governor Palin won the debate quite handily.
It was Governor Palin who brought her persona and honesty to the debate, while Senator Biden was in his "good ole boys" mode of the typical Washington politician. Both candidates went adrift on the taxes and deregulation issues, and both candidates defended their running mates position on the issues as expected.
The Commission on Presidential Debates needs to screen their candidates for moderator much better. Although she did try to be objective, and was for the most part, Gwen Ifill was clearly pro Senator Biden in her body language and voice.