Archive for October 3rd, 2008

Debate Recap

Jenn October 3rd, 2008

The McCain camp and their strongest supporters breathed a massive sigh of relief as Sarah was Sarah and the American public was charmed again by the mom who does it all.

For 90 minutes, much a like a southern lady, Sarah Palin chided the Obama campaign with a smile on her face and with such charm, that at times I think Joe Biden felt as if he was instead being complimented.  The American public knew better.  She masterfully used Biden’s own words against him as she recounted his famous remarks regarding Obama, McCain, and the war.  The Governor weaved “shout-out’s” to Joe Biden’s wife, quipping that as a teacher, her reward will be in heaven (a McCain campaign favorite line), and assured students of her brother’s third grade class that they would get extra credit for watching the debate.  She even winked at us, without it making us uncomfortable.

Joe Biden, for his part, did a good job not sticking his foot in his mouth, though there were over half-a-dozen factual errors.  Biden seemed close to going on, “classic Joe” tirades, but refrained, though she was clearly creeping under his skin.  If Joe had debated that well in the primaries, he may very well have lasted longer.  I couldn’t help but feel as though Biden would still rather be the presidential candidate than the vice-presidential candidate.

Overall, I think McCain-Palin supporters were bolstered, many who were undecided were impressed, and strong Obama-Biden supporters will likely continue to hate and obsess over her.

Debate Transcript

Noonan on Debate

Jenn October 3rd, 2008

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122300786229301597.html

As usual, Peggy Noonan deftly nails the debate.  Here are a couple of excerpts.

She killed. She had him at “Nice to meet you. Hey, can I call you Joe?” She was the star. He was the second male lead, the good-natured best friend of the leading man. She was not petrified but peppy.

[Declarations] AP

Sarah Palin saved John McCain again Thursday night. She is the political equivalent of cardiac paddles: Clear! Zap! We’ve got a beat! She will re-electrify the base. More than that, an hour and a half of talking to America will take her to a new level of stardom. Watch her crowds this weekend. She’s about to get jumpers, the old political name for people who are so excited to see you they start to jump.