Palin-Biden

When I watched the debate I thought Biden set the tone and controlled the tenor of the debate. Sarah Palin did not fall on her face and break her glasses and I did not expect her too. But I thought Biden had a better command of the issues. I don't agree with him on the issues and thought Palin should have challenged him more where it concerned his characterization of McCain's positions especially Iran and drilling. I was also struck that Biden didn't put his foot in his mouth or appear in any way condescending to Palin. Gwen Ifill also performed reasonably well and avoided showing her pro-Obama biases.

Of course, last week I thought McCain was the clear winner in the debate. But the polls said Obama won the debate and he has been climbing in the polls. With this mind, the folks on FOX seem very happy with Palin as is Frank Luntz's focus group.

Yesterday, I submitted an article on IC on Palin which has appeared elsewhere. I argue that Sarah Palin is of the people. She's your mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister and sister's friend. She can be found in our diners, hardware stores and union shop floors. She's smart and ambitious but knows that doesn't make her better than you. So when the American people see her they want to see her succeed. With this litmus test in mind, Sarah Palin set out to do what she intended to do - a) sell John McCain and b) demonstrated a great knowledge of energy issues and a growing knowledge of others and perhaps most importantly c) speak to America as a flesh and blood human being.

Even if Palin's performance boosts McCain's numbers will a critical mass of Americans who are concerned about the economy be prepared to vote for a Republican ticket even if it has two mavericks? McCain and Palin need to ask Obama and Biden how we will pay for his expensive promises he knows he can't keep. There might still be a month but time is running low.