The Palin-Biden Debate – Palin Scores – Biden and Media as Expected.

The post-debate commentary on the Palin-Biden debate is, at the very least, amusing to anyone who watched the 90 minute tango last evening. Biden was, indeed, all experienced Washington politician. He answered each question articulately, often straying from the truth, which anyone with any basic knowledge of what has taken place in the past 10 years saw clearly. In several instances, specifically points on how McCain and Obama voted, Biden was inaccurate - for example: stating that both McCain and Obama voted the same way on a budget resolution – the truth was that McCain voted the no, and Obama yes a resolution (senate.gov) which called for tax increases on those making $43,000 a year or more. Biden also confused the 1st and Second Articles of the Constitution when asked by Gwen Iffel how each would view the Vice-Presidency (which one defines the office of the Vice Presidency – which, if one is a strict constructionist, does allow for inclusion in the Legislative Branch as regards the tie-breaking vote in the Senate – by strict constructionist – one who does not interpret the Constitution rather takes it as it was written). In all press instances, specifically the New York Times, not one mention of any inaccuracies on the part of Biden were noted, rather, he was portrayed as the “knowledgeable statesman”.

Palin, for her part, has been criticized for being “overly folksy” by the
Washington Post. All media agrees she did better than expected. From an independent point of view, her accent and hominess appear to be genuine, her lack of details as regards specifics is not particularly alarming as most “Washington outsiders” are not lawyers who by rote can recite case law, as well as look the public straight it they eye and lie through their teeth. Palin scores on likability and specifically a connection with those American’s outside of the beltway and yes, those elitists who may have felt her answers were at times evasive, or non-existent. In focus groups by networks: Fox featured pollster Frank Luntz who’s focus group gave the debate to Palin hands down, on the flip-side of cable television, CNN’s focus group gave the debate to Obama. History, does indeed, repeat itself, one only needs to refer back to 2004 focus group and polling results to understand the unusual parallels.

The Seattle Post understands all too well, stating that the performance by Palin does not change anything between Obama and McCain, thereby attempting to lower expectations post debate.
The most interesting post-debate coverage: CSPAN. In taking callers post-debate most Obama supporters who felt that Palin failed miserably, specifically citing the “Tax Increase by Obama”, tended to be too young to vote. The host, very politely told each caller that she was thrilled they were interested in politics at such an early age. Bringing up the question: If a teacher wears blue all day – does that really sink in as a plug for Obama?

Overall, Palin did her job remarkably well due to lowered media expectations (which some wonder if that was a ploy on the part of Palin – in other words, brilliantly out-maneuvering the much despised “mainstream” media) Biden was adequate – neither will sway those committed to one party or the other, however, it is yet to be determined who will win with those “uncommitted” middle-class voters: Biden who so valiantly and emotionally claimed to be “one of us”, or Palin, who has the actual credentials. If there is any sway from this in the polls, it will show in approximately 2 to 3 days.