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VP Debate: Were you fooled by Palin? by Haisley Maddox
(Scroll down for readers' responses) Anyone who says that Sarah Palin won the VP debate probably thinks Martin Sheen would make a better president than either Barack Obama, John McCain or any other suitable candidate in the real world of politics. Put another way, Sarah Palin did not debate Joe Biden, nor did she even try to answer moderator Gwen Ifill's questions. Palin stuck to a script -- index card answers -- which had been written for her by John McCain's campaign staff. Palin did not need to think on her feet, did not need in-depth knowledge of any subject. She came into the debate, and did quite well, by spouting a week's worth of crammed notes and talking points. Ifill asked: "Governor Palin, I'd like to ask you about the crisis on Wall Street." Palin's standard answer to that, and every other question, was: "I want to talk about energy". You could see her brain scrolling to the relevant index card, downloading the heading and text, then repeating it as though a politician's only job is to spew nonsense in a confident manner.
Katie Couric did an excellent job of exposing how little Sarah Palin knows. When Palin didn't answer a questin, Couric pressed her. If she couldn't, or wouldn't, answer Couric pressed her again. We could see there was nothing but panic in her eyes. Gwen Ifill, possibly in response to criticism from conservatives, was very soft on Palin, allowing her to meander off in any direction she wanted. Imagine going to your bank to talk about your mortgage. You want serious answers to serious questions. You ask a detailed question about interest rates and the bank manager replies, "I don't want to talk about loans today, I want to talk about the weather". That was Palin's debate tactic. She was like an American Idol contestant who starts to believe she's Celine Dion because she can do a passable imitation of a professional singer.
"Governor Palin, which is the more dangerous state, a nuclear Pakistan or a nuclear Iran?" Gwen, I won't answer that, I want to talk about energy. "Governor Palin, can you give some examples of how you and John McCain would encourage economic growth?" I don't want to answer your questions, Gwen, I want to talk to the American public about energy doggonit. Sarah Palin did better than expected. Darn it, she fooled a lot of people yesterday. She almost looked like a politician. She almost sounded like a politician. But the dust has settled and in the cool, clear light of day we can see that Sarah Palin is nothing but a poster child for John McCain. Governor Palin, your 15 minutes in the spotlight are almost over.
VP Debate: Analysis Biden a clear winner; Palin holds her own but does little to impress - all her answers scripted Did you watch the debate from beginning to end? We did. There were no Couric moments for Palin. Biden didn't ramble. What's more, he answered the questions, which is more than can be said of Palin, who simply repeated her index card talking points again and again. She told us her intentions early on: "And I may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear,” she announced. “But I’m going to talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record also.” In other words, ask me what you like but I'm not going to answer. Asked about tax policy, Palin said "Let me talk about energy", then she'd be off again, repeating the scripted points that have been hammered into her head over the past few days. If details and knowledge of the issues don't matter to you, Palin did well. If you think it's important for a vice president to know what he or she is talking about -- rather than pretend to know -- Palin did very badly. Sure, she was folksy, doggonit, and charmin' for sure, geez, she was real charmin', you betcha, but is that all we require of a VP, the common touch and nothing more? Republicans are claiming victory because Palin did not make a complete fool of herself, helped in large part by a passive moderator. Gwen Ifill, who many feared would be tough, turned out to be a kitten, with virtually no control over the debate. She let Palin repeat her talking points over and over again, never asking her to answer the questions, nor pressing her for clarification. This debate tactic isn't new, but it is tiresome. Talk about old politics, Sarah Palin!
There were moments when it must have been infuriating for Biden. Next to him stood this youngish know-nothing rubbishing his many years of experience, claiming that running a piddling town in Alaska somehow made her superior to him. She had the audacity to claim the six-term senator didn't really amount to much. She and McCain would do so much better because, well darn it, they're a coupla mavericks and they're just rarin' to tackle the job, doggonit. They're gonna put a dash of Wasilla in Washington. Biden almost choked and shed a tear when Palin accused him of not understanding the needs of ordinary families round the kitchen table. Biden has had more than his fair share of personal tragedy. To be accused by Palin, a brash and tactless newcomer, of not knowing family pain was too much for Biden. It was a cheap shot and she's probably ashamed of herself tonight. Perhaps she has even apologized to him. This is what he said to her: "“The notion that, somehow, because I’m a man, I don’t know what it’s like to raise two kids alone, I don’t know what it’s like to have a child you’re not sure is going to make it, I understand as well as, with all due respect, the governor or anybody else, what it’s like for those people sitting around that kitchen table. And guess what? They’re looking for help.” How will all this play out? Palin might have stopped her disastrous slide, but she has not done enough to calm fears about her inexperience and lack of understanding of complex issues. She showed zero depth. At times she was hanging on by the skin of her index cards. Biden was charming, polite, non-aggressive. He focused on McCain and made his points lucidly and succinctly. Whether this matters to possible Palin supporters is not yet known. They might not care two hoots about mastery of detail. Perhaps they like and want more of small town, almost painful folksiness. Biden was a clear winner. Palin didn't self destruct, so she and her supporters can breathe a sigh of relief. The biggest news of the day is McCain's retreat from Michigan, which hands victory in the state to Obama. The writing is on the wall, John. You are not doing well, and the failing economy looks likely to continue hurting you.
READERS RESPOND: The VP debate
Mary writes: "Palin's response was clearly rehearsed and scripted. My 8th grade students could have done better." Jeffrey writes: "Palin is one frightening idiot. Tina Fey would be a better VP choice than this shrill, sarcastic puppet. But, McCain was a dumb creep long before this blunder!" Mykah writes: "How big is the hockey mom electorate. I don't think it's that big. There have to be many more urban, educated and sophisticated voters who are turned off by Sarah Palin's winkin', thumbs up, you betcha honest to goodness cuteness. Personally, I think she's embarrassing. Imagine having a friend like that! You wouldn't be able to take them anyhwere. Obama, on the other hand, is educated, cosmopolitan, and socially aware. Vote Obama/Biden, a ticket for modern, thinking Americans." Lee writes: "I think the overall winner in the debate was Sarah Palin since she is the new kid on the block, made no big mistakes, held her ground, and was up against a seasoned Washington elite insider who is a smooth talker. I think Palin is getting better over time, not worse, in how she is able to deal with the liberal media folks, too." Michelle writes: "How can any woman seriously be proud of Palin. She is nothing more than a token vagina! She is a joke. As a real "independent, strong woman", as McCain's wife described her, she would have told the GOP to take their offer and shove it up their a--." Mike: "I am Canadian. If you Americans vote for the Republican part you are retarded. They only care about the rich and war-profiteers. Vote for Obama for the sake of your country and its reputation around the world." Chris: "Palin did well, as did Biden. I don't think there was a clear winner, but I'll give it to Palin because she did far better than any of us expected." Vanessa: "I think Palin is awful. She is simply not credible. 'We need more Wasilla in Washington'. Oh, pleeeeeeez. You have run a town of 7000 people. Geeez doggone it. Oooooh, there you go again, Joe. It is EMBARRASSING. Does anyone buy this folksy stuff? It's like watching your second grade teacher standing for VP." Simon: "Come on you, guys. She's not THAT bad. Ok, she's bad but she's not awful. She is doing better than anyone said she would. I can't vote for her and McCain, but tonight she will convince some people."
Hannah: "Sarah is doing just fine." Grace: "I have much more confidence in Joe Biden in this debate. Sarah Palin seems to be struggling, just holding her head above water. Biden knows his stuff, Palin does not." Miles: "Got to be fair. Sarah is doing much better than expected. That doesn't mean she is doing well. She is sticking to what McCain has told her to say. No spontaneity. It's all rehearsed. Joe Biden is much more comfortable on the details. He's dazzling Sarah Palin." Dean: "Sarah Palin's answer on same sex rights. had decided it for me. I WILL NOT vote for McCain/Palin" Lashelle: "NOT TO BE MEAN OR ANYTHING BUT WAS MCCAIN ON SOMETHING WHEN HE PICKED SARAH PALIN. SHE IS A INTERNATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT TO ALL WOMEN. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT SHE IS EVEN A GOVERNOR. THE SOCCER MOM THEME AIN'T WORKING FOR ME AND MILLIONS OF OTHER WOMEN. LADY SHOW AMERICANS THAT YOU HAVE A BRAIN PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE." George: "Palin is smiling about everything. But she is doing much better than in the Couric interviews. Biden is much stronger on the subjects. Palin is just trying to be appealing to the tv audience.". Veronica: How can ANYONE be as stupid as that?? No wonder the Alaskans love her! The only laws they probably even have are the constitution with someone like in office. The only job that might qualify her is a grocery store clerk. Rose: "If Sarah just does a bit better than she did on Couric's show, she'll be declared winner. Nothing is expected of her this evening." Jnine: "let's see... the purchase of a sunless tanning bed at the gov's mansion, whimp-of-a husband, whining, stuttering bimbo, never had a passport til this year - oh and Russia is our borderline friend...OMG someone help this nation." Mitch writes: "Palin is the perfect running mate for McCain, both are ignorant, self-absorbed and have that elitest attitude. How does anyone take this ticket seriously? (of course I felt the same about Bush for two terms). The way our economy is in shambles, how can anyone in their right mind vote republican. I know abortion and gun rights are important issues, but damn I have a family to feed." CONTACT US using the Guestbook. Tess writes: "I have developed an intense dislike for Mrs Palin. That small town 'you betcha' style irritates me no end. Is this really the best women that the Republicans could find. The party must be in a terrible state if Palin is their top pitbull." Velvet writes: "Pro Life supporters know rape and incest are less than 1% of abortions and the other 99 are what we are so concerned about." Chuck writes: "I have to repeat the majority sentiment here. Anyone with an education could see that Sarah Palin was bluffing her way through the debate. She knew nothing, just two or three points on each issue. She is an empty shell." Laura writes: I switched my vote tonight, from McCain to Obama. I hated how Sarah Palin took cheap shots at Joe Biden. Senator Biden has a good track record of public service. You don't come out of nowhere and poke fun of that. The woman has no style. She lost my vote today." Louis writes: "McCain and Palin are not mavericks. They are old style traditional values conservatives with not one new idea in their heads. Sarah Palin is a complete airhead." Becky writes: "Jumpin' Jehosephat, what in tarnation we gonna do bout the economy and all those corrupt ol' boys. You betcha we gonna clean up Washington, darn it that's what mavericks do. You betcha ... Sarah Palin, please drag your sorry country a-s back to Alaska. We don't want you anywhere near the White House." Miriam writes: "Joe Biden won the debate no doubt. Palin needs to go back to Alaska. She doesn't have what it takes to be VP. Obama / Biden will take the White House." Carol writes: "Palin is a nutcase. It was clear she had no firsthand knowledge of the topics, and she looked like a fool trying to fake it or ignore it. Should she be one heartbeat from the White House, I'll take my last breath now!" Calchick writes: "Sarah Palin is personable & cheerful. She would be a great Executive Assistant to McCain not VP." Alice writes: "Palin's a disgrace and an embarrassment as a pick for VP. There is a high probability that McCain may die while president or get Alzheimers, etc., and Palin would be president. OMG. She's nothing but a parrot now. Left to her own devices. God save us and America." Ted writes: "Palin Won hands down."
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Packaging Sarah Palin Behavioral psychologist Fay Palmer explains Sarah Palin's performance in the VP debate One of the main intentions of political packaging is to make voters believe that a candidate is simply being him or herself. Campaign teams want to avoid obvious signs that a candidate has been coached, employs psychological tricks, or is manipulating an audience in order to convince them. The simple notion of "being yourself" has long since been discredited. Political campaigners know a lot about behavioral science, they know how to hook into the beliefs, perceptions, and prejudices of each demographic. In other words, candidates can be turned into whatever you want them to be. The voters Sarah Palin appeals to are not policy freaks. When she speaks, these voters don't listen to find out whether she knows the detail of economic and foreign policy. They're looking for confirmation of their own values. Is Sarah Palin a candidate I can trust? Is she someone I can admire? Is she honest? How deeply held are her beliefs? Palin supporters, actual and potential, are watching style and form rather than content. It's enough for such voters that Palin can appear to hold her own against Washington veterans such as Joe Biden. It's not even noticed that Palin's answers are rehearsed, show no depth, and lack complexity. In fact, Palin voters are convinced by her sloganizing and simplicity, and they are turned off by detail. Palin and her team of handlers are much more sophisticated than her critics realize. Here's one example: when Palin asked Joe Biden before the VP debate whether she could call him Joe, she opened the way to use the phrase, "Say it ain't so Joe" later on in the debate. She set a trap, which he conveniently fell into. If Palin hadn't first asked Biden for permission to use his first name, she'd have seemed rude and disrespectful using the "Say it ain't so" line. Palin's refusal to answer questions, and her brash boldness about it, deflected attention from the fact that she does not know the details. If Gwen Ifill had pressed her, asking for detailed and specific answers, Palin would have come unstuck. But Ifill had already been softened up by the conservative media, who accused her of pro-Obama bias because she is writing a book about African American politicians. This made it difficult for Ifill to do her normal moderating job of finding out how much a candidate knows and is able to explain. The VP debate wasn't really a debate at all. Palin showcased her ability to perform on camera. You don't have to watch very carefully to understand that Ifill's presence was not needed. Palin was going to talk about whatever she wanted to talk about. On a first viewing, or if you watched only highlights, you'd think Palin performed well, that she was Biden's equal. The fact of the matter is that Palin was acting, pretending to know what she does not know. It was masterful but also an exercise in deceit. Why I Love Sarah Palin by Patti Cooper
Are the Washington insiders really so dumb that they think a VP Debate is about the issues? Do they honestly think we need dry answers to dry questions? That's where Joe Biden got it wrong, and where Sarah Palin got it oh so right. Most middle class Americans want a candidate who makes them feel good about themselves. I'm voting for Sarah Palin because she doesn't know the answers to all those boring questions about Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, NATO, income tax legislation, and treaties with foreign countries. I'll support the candidate who tells me straight: "I don't know about that stuff and I don't care about that stuff". You see, Governor Palin's role is to represent the nation, make America look good, make America feel good, in other words make us ordinary Americans proud to be who we are, citizens of the world's only superpower. You don't need to go to an Ivy League college to hold your head high. You don't need a law degree or 35 years in Washington. You don't need live in some million dollar neighborhood next to million dollar neighbors. America is so powerful in the world that we don't have to take notice of the United Nations or the French or the British or some stupid terrorist government in the Middle East or Africa. It's like this: "We are the most powerful nation on earth. You do it our way or take a hike." And if they choose to take a hike, there's no more foreign aid for you buddy. Same with the Wall Street crisis. If other countries like China won't help us, we'll just move our industries to a friendlier country. See how China copes if we don't buy the stuff they make. That's the confidence Sarah Palin gives us. She exposes every Washington insider for what really they are: phony elitists who pretend the world is more complicated than it is. You're not telling me the VP has more to do than the mayor of Wasilla. VP is a ceremonial job. You represent the country but you don't run it. You're surrounded by advisers, all of them expertly chosen by John McCain. There is no need to worry about John McCain's health. He's as strong as an ox, his mother is alive and kicking at 96. And even if John McCain dies in office and Sarah Palin has to over, there'll be plenty of generals and reliable experts like Dick Cheney and Condi Rice to tell her what to do in a crisis. All Sarah Palin has to do for the time being is keep wearing her cute outfits, keep smiling, and keep speaking in her genuine, honest way. You betcha!
READERS RESPOND TO THE VP DEBATE
Proud Redneck writes: "You made a lot of enemies. I am one of them." Pat writes: "I think you media people have been very rude to all of the people on the right. There is too much bias from the media -- and just plain meanness." Geraldine writes: "Sixty million people watched the Palin and Biden debate: I guess 60 million record watched the debate to see Joe Biden the liar. Democrats are disgusting! Democrats are far killing innocent babies but sparing the lives of hardened criminals and murderers!" Stephen writes: "I cannot believe that someone could actually write such nonsense ("Why I Love Sarah Palin" by Patti Cooper, above). Palin could be the next president and you like her because she doesn't understand the issues. Its unbelievable that people could be so ignorant." Rhonda writes: "If McCain dies then we just need to change the name of America to Saturday Night Live. It's a joke. America needs to be real and truthful and admit that there is nothing wrong with a black man running the United States. Obama or die!" Joanna writes: "Palin shouldn't even be responsible for Alaska. Please vote smart...not shallow." Wanda writes: "I missed the interview with Ms. Couric but reading the interview was painful enough. If citizens vote for her there can only be two reasons why. The first is they just don't know any better or they are determined not to put an African-American in office (which stems from deep rooted hatred). Wake-up America, you would rather go further down the tubes than elect with your intellect. I give her credit for one thing. Ms. Palin's inability to know the facts have made me investigate more deeply. It has also opened conversations with young people about our country that have never even thought about the political arena before. Thanks Governor Palin your inaptness has proven to be worth something. Come on America, we are better than that." Pamela writes: "I am a black democrat and I personally have no problem with Palin, it's McCain. There are so many other republican women in the congress and senate who he could have chosen instead of Palin. Secondly, I love Hillary Clinton, but I am not going to vote for McCain just because he has a woman VP. It's more scary to me that people who are democrats are actually voting for McCain. I think John McCain is ok, but I his issues suck." Gwen writes: "This is sad, that I understand and can answer Katie's questions clearly, in spite of being an immigrant and learned English 12 years ago. I'm embarrassed for Palin. And even if she admits that she does not know a lot of things, what does she think the VP does? On another note, if she can't control her daughter's teen pregnancy, how can she manage this country?"
In recent works, Katie Couric has become a hero for Democrats and a scourge for supporters of Sarah Palin Steve writes: "I just want to make one thing perfectly clear. The media is looking for a Democratic president period. I heard on O'Reilly that the candidate will be decided by the fricken media and now I know he is right." Barbara writes: "WOW.....This Palin chick was the best they could find?" Donna writes: "I used to have tremendous respect and admiration for Ms. Couric until this interview. Katie has stooped to an all time low. I don't understand what she was trying to prove. I thought the media's job was to report unbiased news. She obviously failed to do her job!" Joy writes: "I thought the point of a debate was to debate, to show whether you can master the pressure and issues. Sarah Palin repeatedly refused to answer questions. She delivered the same rehearsed lines time after time. It was shocking to watch. My vote goes to Obama/Biden, no question about it tonight.
CNN focus group: A confused viewer responds to Sarah Palin's comments on climate change
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