VP Debate: Palin the overcomer

2008 Vice Presidential Debate: Palin Ties Biden in substance , Palin wins in style, Palin overcomes

Again, before listening to the pundits, my view at 10:30pm EST, October 2, 2008:
As almost 100 hundred viewers looked on, both of the candidates were seen as stronger defenders of the top ticket while holding their own. U.S. Sen. Joe Biden was distinctly disciplined while Gov. Sarah Palin sufficiently competent and looked straight into the camera as well as her opponent
Palin v. Biden
Palin said of the Obama/Biden Iraq plan, “Your plan is a white flag of surrender” and used Biden’s previous words against Obama’s Iraq plan before switching his position supporting the plan when he became the vice presidential nominee. Biden posed with a big smile, then attacked U.S. Sen. McCain without answering the accusation.
Palin attack’s Biden
Palin continued to used Biden’s previous words and record against his ticket’s position without stumbling once. Palin quoted former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, General Petraeus and Al-Quaida in relation to the central role of Iraq in the War on Terror.
Biden/Palin: no major blunders
Biden, though not as folksy, was equally firm and confident in his answers and views. He answered like a senior senator, no major blunders and faithfully protected and advanced Obama’s plans and rhetoric. Midway through the debate, Biden switched gears by attacking McCain by tying him to George Bush, mentioning that the McCain plan looks no different than Bush’s (saying Bush’s name five times in a row).
Biden did make minor mistakes by stumbling on the word characterization and calling Bosnians “Bosniacs.” Besides these minor items. Biden was forceful and articulate.
A mistake was also made by Palin. She referred to Gen. McClellan as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan; David McKiernan is the top general. This misstep was inconsequential as Palin went on the offensive.
Palin on the offensive
Palin on the attack: Biden “voted for the [Iraq] war, then voted against it, like other Washington politicians “who voted for it before voting against it.” On the other hand, Palin propelled McCain as one who has fought and knows how to secure victory.
Prevention and cooperation not preemption is the changed that is needed in American foreign policy said Biden. Wry smiles and a wink was Palin’s response claiming to bringing Wasilla main street in the streets of Washington. “There you go again Joe, doggonit, it ain’t so,” saying that Biden going back to attacking George Bush.

Biden as an independent VP
Biden would play his VP role as an independent counselor and experienced advisor as Obama wants. For supporting McCain as president, Palin’s experience as an executive as a former mayor and governor, while being connected to the heartland of American as a mom, wife and middle class consumer would carry the people’s needs to Washington. She agrees with McCain that in terms of worldview, American is an exceptional country and a beacon on a hill as Ronald Reagan has often said.
Last word for Palin
Palin concluded, despite media attacks against her, “We’re going to fight for America. I thank God that I know the pains and joys of the American families. There is really only one person who have fought for you, John McCain.”
Biden’s blessing
Biden concluded with “guaranteed health” for the troops and that “dignity, respect and love for country equal success.” It’s time for American to get up again. May God bless all of you and may God protect our troops.
Palin overcomes
Palin was “forceful and confident” according to centrist Roll Call editor, Morton Kondrache. Although Biden did very well, the pounding against Palin in the media called for a low threshold of victory for her. So I agree with an undecided female from the Midwest Anheuser Busch plant interviewed by pollster Frank Luntz immediately after the Fox News broadcast of the debate, “It was hers to win or lose, and she won.” Palin overcame.