Note to Biden: Watch the 'Maturity Gap'

On Friday, Barack Obama went to debate on John McCain's home turf -- foreign policy (with a healthy dose of economic crisis) -- and every independent poll and focus group scored him as the winner. Why?

Each candidate got his points across. Policies were sketched out, neither with great detail. No one scored a decisive sound bite or became a befuddled mess. It was a draw on substance; style is another story.

McCain came off as antagonistic when sparring with Obama, making him look mean and angry. He seemed to refuse to look at his opponent much of the time, grew a smug smile and contorted his face when Obama said something he didn't like or agree with.

In contrast, Obama kept his chin up and fixed his stare on McCain when his opponent spoke. He didn't shift from foot-to-foot. His stance was steady -- almost like he was clenching, bracing himself. He was tough when returning McCain's lobs, but did it without the mockery McCain employed.

Obama seemed to listen to the things he didn't like to hear; McCain made faces and derided his opponent for not understanding. By the end, it was McCain who looked like the one who doesn't get it: Americans are tired of the taunter-in-chief model of George W. Bush. They want a president with some maturity -- not one who scoffs at those who disagree with him.

This is an important lesson for Joe Biden to take into his debate with Sarah Palin. This time Biden is in McCain's shoes -- times twenty. If some Americans are unsure of Obama, you better believe they doubt whether Palin is ready.

It's likely that Palin will come into the debate armed with one-liners and hope of scoring a killer blow. And -- as she has in her three solo television interviews -- chances are she will fail to effectively employ them. So, a debate with Palin filibustering her answers with stilted rhetoric and Biden talking about specifics and objectives is probably what most expect to see when they tune in on Thursday night.

If these expectations are met, how they carry themselves could be the deciding factor. Luckily for Biden, Palin will easily slip into sarcasm and condescension, as that's the nature of her most popular lines on the stump. Biden can look even more like the mature statesmen if he takes his cue from Obama on this one.

Maybe McCain feared that if he treated Obama as an equal, he would validate his standing? Maybe McCain is just angry by nature? Either way, his condescending debate performance only made himself look smaller. Biden should treat his disagreements with Palin with the collegiality he would give Senators Byrd or Kennedy. Listen closely. State your position forcefully. Win.

Follow John R. Bohrer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JRBwrites

Comments

[lippy33]

Well, considering that on Keith Oberlmann's show, while doing the post-debate interviews, Biden said he wasn't going to be "condscending like McCain," I think he's already got the right idea. He said yes, he's been to a lot of places and met a ton of leaders, but that doesn't make him "right." He said he will posit why his policies and positions make him "right." He also said it's not really about him and Palin, but him and the viewers.

He has the right game plan. Give her the rope to hang herself in sarcasm and snide jokes (she told one today saying she read about him growing up (does she know McCain is older than Biden?)

[lippy33]

Well, considering that on Keith Oberlmann's show, while doing the post-debate interviews, Biden said he wasn't going to be "condscending like McCain," I think he's already got the right idea. He said yes, he's been to a lot of places and met a ton of leaders, but that doesn't make him "right." He said he will posit why his policies and positions make him "right." He also said it's not really about him and Palin, but him and the viewers.

He has the right game plan. Give her the rope to hang herself in sarcasm and snide jokes (she told one today saying she read about him growing up (does she know McCain is older than Biden?)

[bakingmom]

Do exactly what Katie did: ask the questions, listen thoughtfully, don't let your face betray what you're thinking ~ just let Sarah be Sarah.

Even the old tapes (before the McSame machine got in her brain) show what is just so painfully obvious ~ she is a Cliffs Note reader at best. Depth of understanding takes some diligence and some work. She has moxy but that won't carry her through not having done her homework along the way. (I still cannot get past the 6 colleges in 5 years . . . That alone says something about diligence . . . or lack thereof . . .)

[JodyMcg]

Biden needs to address his dilemma by speaking to the audience something like..."I have a choice. I can be forgiving of her answer or I can answer the question how it should be answered." I hope the American voters know that I am not attacking Mrs. Palin personally but it is important that this question be answered fully....." Also make the debate less about Biden v. Palin but more about Biden, what he brings to the table and he can have a chance to show Americans his own merits and plans for the future. The RNC can only coach Palin so much. They can't get rid of her horrible affect... the rain in spain.... her hand gestures, dropping off endings of words, putting a sentence together without ending in prepositions... "of the state I am executive of". They may give her some talking points and vocubulary but when it comes to specifics and having to speak extemoraneously Palin will sink herself. She will come to the White House trailer-in-tow.

[live-aloha]

Take the high road Joe. Give her some rope....don't need a whole lot. Wince when wincing is appropriate.......nothing wrong with showing you thought she gave a stupid answer. Flash that smile and say nothing, instead of wincing, if you want. That will be FABULOUS. Don't let up on her just because she's sweating......she's tough. She's killed all kinds of creatures bigger than you Joe. Let that big smart brain shine on through and let the chips fall where they may. Yee Haw!

[wearyvoter]

Biden should avoid wincing, too. I have a feeling Gwen I's head might explode, though.

[Steve69]

THIS WOMAN DOES NOT DESERVE TO SHARE A STAGE WITH JOE BIDEN!!!

THIS IS ABSURD!!!!

[123dee]

This women is delusional, she really believes she is VP material and most diffidently
thinks she can be the president someday. But, look who she is surrounded by other
and even more delusional people McCain and his crew.

[NightAdder]

The bar has been set so low for Palin so if Biden doesn't completely anihilate her, she wins. All she needs is a quirky one-liner and the media will be kissing her feet again. People fell for it before, they'll do it again.

[repubsrbad]

I think after the Couric interviews, this is not the case anymore. It's gone too far now. Even today on her stump speech in Ohio, her same tired speech was more transparent than ever. "John McCain won't say he's a maverick or a hero, so I"ll say it for him....." Please. There really is no way she can "win". No way. The best she can do, really, is not embarrass herself or her "runningmate" any further. And that would still not be a win.

[rednecka2z]

I don't believe Byden has anything to worry about during the debate. Neither gender, age, or beauty. After the example our dear House Majority Leader has set. No one watching the political seen would ever vote so that a Women could Ever again be drafted into a Powerful Position.

[hrayovac]

Angry, Thwarted Motherhood and Common Folk Against the Old and In The Way Senator. What Biden must be is more rural, basic and common than Palin..no words longer than two syllables. Stick up for the little guy in every line. Talk about how Republican principles have hurt us. If needs be, talk about that daily train trip to Delaware from D.C.

[SolarPowerGuy]

What, we don't get Dan Aykroyd and Jane Cutrin?

Sigh. I'll take the instant popcorn back out of the microwave, then.

[afrayedknot]

As much as I'd like to see Governor Palin's smug, saracastic face show the sting from a zippy put-down, I have to admit you're right. Sticking to the facts and taking the high road is Biden's best approach.

[kurtlockwood]

You bring up a great point. Win. Obama seemed more interested in not losing rather than winning. And it's not the same thing. I just hope Biden brings up the fact that Palin believes that DINOSAURS COEXISTED WITH MAN. That should shred whatever credibility she has left.

[hyjanks]

Not with their Evangelical base.

[darker]

That won't shred credibility with IGNORANT Americans, sorry.
They don't get it.
[like McCain].

[LiberalDemIda]

Biden should debate Palin with respect due the Governor of one of our States. Save the "malarkey" and "cahm ahn!" for the campaign trail.

He should be charming and polite, but firm.

*Then* he should just CRUSH her with facts where he is strongest. No need for heavy-handedness, the facts are on HIS side.

Self-professed "pitbull with lipstick" or not, she's still the Governor of Alaska and a woman.

Obama/Biden '08/'12!! = for REAL Leadership in the WH.

[MadeinAmericaProud]

Biden has a wife and mother that know women like Sarah Palin.

I am sure their comments will also be considered before going to this debate how to ignore that she is a woman. Palin is a politican who wants a job at the big league level.

How many people work for the state government out of the 600 thousand population in Alaska?Right now,
if a lot of people who fear the lost of their jobs will not rock the boat. They are not that brave to throw her overboard just yet. Palin will need to win this debate for more reasons as for her long term political career.

[LiberalDemIda]

It would be a grave mistake for Biden to 'ignore that she is a woman". It could cost Obama points.

Perception is still 70% how you look, 20% how you say it, and only 10% *what* you say.

The debates are for the voters, not the candidates amongst themselves for ego's sake.

Obama/Biden '08/'12!! = for REAL Leadership in the WH.

[ppace60657]

Biden should tactfully ridicule her and turn her into more of a joke. When he's talking about all the foreign leaders who he has met, and those who call him in times of crisis, he can slip in something like, "Now I know that's not the same as being able to see these countries from my porch..." Palin should leave the debate feeling like the joke she is. He needs to be witty, be smart, and smack her down hard.

[LegalWeed]

He does that and she wins big time...anyone with enough savvy to tune into the VP debate knows about Couric interviews and does not need to reminded that she is what she is...It will be the demeanor back and forth that will decide..if he takes the crap she is going to throw (which will be quite obvious to even those who think that Godzilla was lurking outside the Garden of Eden) and as the author suggested just answer the question, he will in in my opinion
I noticed in an audio clip today, she seems to be baiting him with reference to his tenure in Senate and second grade..then again maybe that is how she is all time...generally cannot listen to her for more than 10 seconds