DENVER - The bar area of the Rialto Café resembled a meeting of amateur political analysts Thursday night.
Normally, people gather at this trendy downtown restaurant to relax over drinks, after work or on weekends. The vice presidential debate changed this typical scenario. Largely touted as the most anticipated VP debate in history, expectations seemed nonexistent because of the unpredictability of how Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) and Governor Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) would perform.
Mark Johnson, an architect, said "Biden seems a little more grounded, more experienced. He appears to be a little more down to earth, honest." When asked about Palin, Johnson said, "She reminds me kind of a deer in headlights. I don't know if the Republicans are orchestrating who she should be."
Johnson, a self-described "hybrid" of Republican and Democratic values, said he identified with Barack Obama. However, he expressed reservations with the Illinois senator's policies in light of the current economic crisis and potential bailout.
"I wish both parties would provide the best of each side's ideas and work together to create a better situation," Johnson said. "Americans need stabilization, not just a bailout. Individuals are asking, 'Where is my break?'"
Angela Powers, a 30-year-old financial analyst with four children, said she could identify with both candidates because of the importance they appear to place on family.
"Biden reminds me a lot of my dad. They share a similar story of struggling while raising their children as a single parent," Powers said.
Just like Palin, Powers also has a special needs child. "I know what she [Palin] is going through with five kids, including one who is disabled. As a full-time, working mom, I can see myself in her too."
Because she could relate to both candidates on a personal level, Powers was still undecided for whom to cast her vote. She hoped the debate and more personal research would enable her to make a well-informed decision by election time.
For 90 minutes, the Rialto Café crowd, mostly made up of white, young professionals, watched the debate intently as they scrutinized Biden and Palin's every word and gesture. People seemed to overwhelmingly agree when Biden called for tax cuts to middle-class with nods of approval. Similarly, Biden's description of a different foreign policy under the Obama Administration resonated with viewers, especially when he criticized the current administration for its unilateral policies. Biden's experience with foreign policy along with his detailed answers for change seemed to be the keys to his appeal.
Palin's coherent responses and more confident demeanor impressed viewers, as well. People were especially in tune with her delivery of patriotic themes of unity and her use of more colloquial language. Her unconventional personal background and style kept the focus of viewers. She also received nods of agreement when talking about America's necessity for energy independence. However, these same people seemed puzzled and disappointed, as displayed by occasional sighs of frustration, that she did not provide specifics in her answers or rebuttals. A few people could be overheard that she was speaking in generalities. Overall, Palin failed to convince viewers she was knowledgeable on key issues besides energy, the issue of her expressed expertise.
The debate not only offered a clearer sense of who the VP candidates are, but it also reenergized a candidate's base of supporters.
Margaret Quines, 25 and a registered Democrat, thought Biden had won the debate on substance and explanation although she acknowledged Palin's improved performance under pressure.
"I think he [Biden] was able to communicate his policy stance clearly in laymen terms," Quines said. "Palin did well, but her expectations were really low to begin with. She did the best she could staying on scripted talking points and referring back to topics of her interest."
"Palin is definitely likeable, and I see how ordinary people feel as though they can relate to her. But I think the debate clearly shows her inexperience," said Quines. "I also can't see how she is pushing her ticket as the ticket of change when McCain has supported 90 percent of Bush's policies."
"You can't give meaning to the term 'maverick' by just repeating it over and over."
National polls conducted immediately following the debate showed an increase in positive opinion of both Biden and Palin because they walked away from the debate unscathed, no major gaffes to tarnish their respective presentations. The audience at the Rialto shared this positive response.
Nevertheless, the VP debate did little to definitively sway undecided voters to a particular presidential campaign. Colorado has slowly but significantly followed the national trend in tilting towards Obama-Biden. Still, with a month left until the election, no lead is too safe. As proven by past presidential elections, anything can happen with an "October Surprise." In the meantime, it appears Obama has a better chance of carrying this crucial battleground state as long as the primary focus is on the economy. McCain has a more difficult path of convincing undecided voters, but it is not beyond the realm of possibility. In fact, McCain held a town hall meeting in the nearby city of Pueblo earlier Friday.
"Outside Denver and a few urban areas, this is still a highly Republican state," said Johnson.