A heartbeat away

Tonight's VP debates were great. I think both candidates did a stellar job (in their own ways, of course, because neither actually did a good job if you really think about it). Let's talk with a little bit of psychology... Biden was great with central-route processing. For a good deal of the debate you really had to pay attention to him, and that could hurt him with the average joe. He spouted off facts, numbers and made sure everyone know McCain's history. Palin was great using the peripheral route... by connecting with the people by looking right at the camera, really emphasizing the things she wanted people to remember (ie, Alaska is an "energy producing state") and constantly reminding us of things we already know. Not much thinking had to go on to understand what she was saying, and that's not always a bad thing (especially if you're the in the market she's trying to attract).

I obviously side with Biden, but I was disappointed with a few things he said. I think he got either tired or overwhelmed towards the end, but the debate went in his favor. Following the debate, an analyst said Palin's biggest problem was that Biden knew McCain's records better than she did. That was pretty obvious, but she kept that I'm-going-to-knock-you-with-a-ruler smile going the whole time and good for her.

I didn't appreciate that Palin talked her way around answering questions. We've seen it before (Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric), and I think this was her opportunity to talk to her critics and say, "I am qualified and I can handle this job." Instead, she did what her critics wanted- she spouted out memorized speeches and avoided directly answering questions. Biden called her out once or twice, but I wish he had more. He could have really "drilled" into her (in typical Joe Biden fashion), but as much as I would have loved to have seen that, I'm not sure it would have been the best for his reputation.

Anyways, this debate was so much more interesting than the presidential debate. 

I may not like Palin as a person, but I adore her as an entertainer! (she shouldn't take that as a compliment)

Don'cha'know?

Go Joe!