The Last Debate

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The last debate was notable for a few things; Joe The Plumber, Senator Government and John McCain's desperation. McCain came out swinging and didn't pull any punches, going after Obama for his connections with Bill Ayers and Acorn. Obama responded calmly, as anyone with a 14 point lead in the point lead and less than 24 days to go should be.

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What was also notable was that both Candidates failed to address what was really on America's mind..."How the hell are we gonna pay for the mess we're in?"

McCain and Obama wanted to talk about Joe the Plumber and Bill Ayers and Acorn, but most Americans wanted to hear about how they planned to pay for all their proposed fixes of the economy.

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McCain didn't win, he just appeared desperate. Obama didn't lose, he just appeared safe.

Vice Presidential Debate - First Reactions

BIDEN vs. PALIN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 2, 2008

Factcheck.org can sort out who lied and who told the truth, but this is all about first reactions to the debate.

The one and only Vice Presidential debate between Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin took place tonight at Washington University with Gwen Ifill as Moderator. My first impressions are that Palin didn't lose. She didn't win, but she avoided what many expected would be another "Katie Couric" moment and she also managed to get her "folksy" everyday American image across quite well. In that respect, Gov. Palin managed to score many points and those in the Republican Party are likely breathing a huge sigh of relief. Unfortunately, it probably wasn't enough for the McCain campaign and Palin not to lose.

For example, asking a Soccer Mom at a game what she thinks about the economy is perhaps a good way to measure how Soccer Mom's feel about the economy, but I'm not sure many Americans believe its the best way to fix our economy. It'll take more than the wisdom of Joe Six Pack and Hockey Mom's to fix our nations economic woes. It's going to take our best minds and a great deal of honest effort by our elected officials and sacrifice by the American people, sadly something neither Candidate addressed.

Palin's talking style seemed one part "Conservative Talk Radio" and another part "Northern Exposure". She accused the Obama/Biden economic plan of being a redistribution of wealth, a term often used by Right Leaning Radio. She spoke in colloquialisms you'd hear in conversations at the local post office or grocery story. It was real, honest and frankly many Americans can identify with it.

Sen. Biden performed well, looked polished and was significantly better versed on the issues. He appeared executive like, confident and was respectful to his opponent and the issues. I think he responded more substantively to Ifill's questions, such as pointing out McCain's four billion dollar tax cuts to the oil industry, clearing up the "More" taxes assertions and the flaws in the health care plan that McCain has proposed. He also missed some opportunities to differentiate himself and his ticket on the War in Iraq and Foreign Policy.

Biden failed to capitalize when Palin said "we need real change in Washington". Biden could have easily pointed out that Sen. McCain supported President Bush's policies 90% of the time and has committed to continuing many of the Administrations policies.

Biden and Palin traded barbs on such things as "bridge to nowhere" and "Say it ain't so Joe", but moving beyond the media sound bites, this came down to substance and Biden simply had more of it. The McCain campaign and Palin perhaps relied too heavily on the hopes that "regular" Americans would identify with her. Unfortunately for Palin and McCain, I think most Americans see real and serious challenges ahead for our country, challenges that in large part were created by their Party.

This debate was lively, full of energy and enjoyable. It's difficult to criticize either Candidate on their appeal as they both seemed likable and genuine. In the end, Joe Biden just seemed like a Leader. Sarah Palin, God Bless her was capable, confident and didn't lose but was perhaps just a bit out of her league.