of course i am speaking of tonight’s vice presidential debate. how much anticipation?
cspan has a debate cam on their web site. (pretty cool, check it out.)The Huffington Post has a great round up of information – commentary, video, comments from the candidates, etc.
The New York Times has a what- to- look- for piece.
And certainly everyone I have spoken to has an opinion on what is at stake. So, let me put in my two cents. It is my blog, after all.
My opinion of Gov. Palin is that she is a supremely confidant woman who certainly has some political chops but is woefully unprepared for the national stage. Additionally, it has become painfully obvious that she is under qualified for the position to which she aspires. Her interviews have been staggeringly horrendous. Her knowledge is either extraordinarily narrow or completely uninformed. McCain’s judgment has been called into question – rightfully so – many times in the past few weeks. His choice of Gov. Palin is a direct reflection of that judgment. Her future political career is on the line tonight and she also holds the fate of John McCain. The pressure is on.
Gov. Palin has to prove that she’s capable (or at least capable enough) and in doing so show that John McCain made the right decision is choosing her as his running mate.
In contrast, Sen. Biden is clearly knowledgeable and certainly qualified to be the democratic nominee for VP. It’s hard to dispute that whether or not you agree with his poitics. But Sen. Biden is under enormous pressure himself to debate Palin on the merits of the republican ticket without coming across as condescending or sexist.
I’m really not sure what to expect tonight. My sense is that Palin will be better than many expect. If she does perform well (and Biden doesn’t have any major gaffes) it could very well be a draw.
The 90-second answer weighs in her favor: plenty of time for style, little enough time to avoid substance. If we’re being honest, Biden doesn’t exactly have a reputation for brevity. To that point, Biden must be succinct and not let his emotions gain control of his mouth.
Unfortunately, I think that the debate is going to come down to style versus substance which is not in the best interest of this country. Given the current state of our union, we need leaders who can lead, who have a vision, who are ready to put that vision into action in a non-partisan way and, most importantly, put the needs of the country and its citizens first.
The task at hand for the next administration is far too important to allow the ‘I’d like to have a beer with him” or “she’s just like me” reason to vote even remotely weigh into the choice at hand. As my grandmother said to me today, “I want my leaders to be smarter than I am.” She’s a pretty smart lady.
Whatever the outcome of tonight’s debate it isn’t going to change my vote for Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden. However, there are many voters who are just beginning to inform themselves. It is to those voters that the candidates must speak. I look forward to hearing what they have to say.
I’ll be live blogging via twitter during tonight’s debate. Please follow or join in if you are so inclined. (fair warning, i might curse.)
Please feel free to leave your comments. I welcome civil conversations no matter your point of view. Passion is fine but be nice. 
Until later…
