How and where did you watch the vice presidential debate? (Or did you?)

Old Generation Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 04:55 PM EST

I predict that if Obama wins; he will, use his proposed "World Poverty Tax" to drain our society of most of its wealth and then we will not be able to defend anybody much less ourselves. His friends will profit greatly. We should be ready for the Anti-Christ to come on the scene about then ....promising the Jews promises he won't keep! But he will be handsome, carasmatic and have unnatural affections (manlover or animal lover or the like). I am sure the Obama drones will be pleased with him at least for a while. Until the Islamofacist have control of our country. I am glad I won't be here!

Old Generation Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

What is this with the bias from the news media? They are all over Joe the Plumber for asking a simple question and send their news vans to harrass; yet, did they even send one van to Ayers pad? Don't you people see what is happening? Like a horror movie...and the Obama Zombies keep marching on, as we drift off into socialism. Try seeking the truth for once! It will set you free.

emily Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 09:44 AM EST

oh and by the way. about the poll: the superbowl was DEFINITELY not an exciting event. being an avid and true patriots fan, i found it rather depressing.

emily Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

i'm 13, not totally interested in politics yet. but by the look of all of this fighting and insulting, i'm not so sure i like poiltics. it drives people apart. what happened to a united nation?

averagemom Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

I don't mind her mispronounciations and folky style, but after listening to her for several minutes, I lost my listening comprehension. What was she trying to say? I was going to vote for McCain, but I think I'll just sit this one out and stay home on election day.

ks Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 10:25 PM EST

Hated all the winks and joesixpack!
So Palin- can't figure out a good supreme court decision???? How about the ruling on the Exxon?
Concerns your own state and you do not know?????

demo Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 08:23 PM EST

Biden clearly won. Palin sounded like an idiot.

the problem is... Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 07:28 PM EST

Sarah Palin can't hold her own when she hasn't been coached. When she doesn't have a script, she falls apart. She can't just fall back on talking points if, God forbid, she ended up as president. THIS is my problem with her. Charm and folksy ain't gonna cut it when there's a crisis... if you can't handle pressure without coaching you don't belong in the White House. Did the people that thought Palin won see the same debate I did? Why do you think she kept changing the subject to energy? Because she was comfortable with that because she was COACHED! Biden was comfortable talking from his own knowledge base about all of the topics offered up. Palin was a doll that kept spouting the same set of phrases and the folksy whatever was completely canned. She didn't even react to the one moment of genuine emotion - Biden talking about his own personal tragedy. We'll see if she's allowed to do interviews after this, I doubt it but if so you'll see incompetence rear its head again.

TONY Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 06:35 PM EST

Sarah Palin won the debate clearly. She was bright, tough, smart, funny, articulate, engaging.

Anyone who thinks Biden won is too far left to see what is right. Liberals were hoping for a nationally televised meltdown; they didn't get it and now they are bitterly and angrily disappointed.

That should be the story because it just so happens to be true.

To vw Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 06:22 PM EST

But I entirely take your point that speaking more casually should not negate the validity of the argument. Turns of phrase and speaking style have nothing to do with ideas and opinions, and I agree that should not be the focus of critique. There's more than enough to critique on both sides without resorting to accents and mispronunciations.

To vw Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 06:15 PM EST

I understand your point, but for me the annoying part is playing up the "folksy". She said she hasn't done any traveling because she wasn't handed a passport and a bag of money to go to Europe; that she's had to work all her life. Right there she's trying to excuse her own lack of experience by showing how much she's like the "average" person. Well no one handed me a bag of money, and I've worked my whole life, but I've still traveled extensively because I'm interested in the world. She's clearly not. I get angry when she uses this "I'm just like you!" as a substitute for experience and knowledge. There's a reason the average Joe Six pack doesn't run the country - he's not qualified! And neither is she, however they try to spin it. Although I definitely agree that people hold the opposition to a higher standard than they're own candidates, there is no standards by which Palin is a good choice. McCain is an old man - it's very feasible that she could be president before the term is up.

vw Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

I see once again most people here do not hold their annointed ones to the same standard they choose to put on the other party.To expect every one of our leaders to speak like an english textbook to prove their intellect is stupid.Not agreeing with someone's policies is one thing, to demean them in hateful,unjustified ways is not acceptable.Most of you have probably never read the constitution & you sure as heck haven't taken the time to look up official records.Biden was way out in left field on his 'facts'.I guess if you state them in a distinguished way that makes them true.Plainly speaking,if ya don't mind,your attitude is nothing short of rude, condescending,arrogant and offensive to me and millions of others who can make our arguments, slang & all & still be able to be absolutely right. If you wanted to be truly fair, you could've done what some did here & have critical views of both candidates.I want more originality on both sides instead of tired,repeated talking points & words.

peaches Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

We planned on skimming through it thanks to the wonders of dvr but before we knew it we had watched the whole "darn" thing. Sarah Palin is scary but definitely compelling to watch. I thought Joe has smart, heartfelt, and trustworthy. Palin was more like a local weather girl hopped up on Red Bull.

Sam Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

Palin wasn't as bad as her Couric interviews would have led us to believe, but both VP candidates were still bad. Biden lied right through his teeth, and Palin refused to answer almost half the questions she was asked, instead going back to points that were already covered.

Martin Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

I just do not get that so many people can still support the Republican Party, especially after Bush's debacle. Palin is obviously a gimmick, used to appeal to folks who are turned off by McCain's gruff demeanor. She's way in over her head. With that being said, I think most people are for McCain-Palin because they are more into politics than what will be good for our country. Also, racists and bigots are a big part of the Republican constituency and the GOP actively courts these people... sad.

liberal Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

isn't anyone insulted by being called Joe Six Pack? Do you like being told you cling to your alcohol in order to cope? And YES, I was appalled by the fact that SP thinks she can just take as much power as she wants as VP... obviously she has not read the Constitution. (Luckily she is no Dick Cheney and I don't think she actually has the ability to do what she's saying she would want to) Finally... DO NOT give her ANY credit for "CHOOSING" to have a special needs child. SARAH PALIN DOES NOT BELIEVE IN CHOICE. It is legitimate to give her credit for standing by her own principle by not terminating the pregnancy but IT WAS NOT A CHOICE in her universe so don't give her credit for that. (BTW I find it interesting that she chose to have prenatal screening, what was the point of that?)

This just in..... Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 10:04 AM EST

Katies restaurant- you know the one Joe goes to so he can rub elbows with the common people? Been closed for 20 years......

Truth Hurts Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 08:35 AM EST

I'm going to try this one more time to see if it gets deleted again. I hope that EW wouldn't censor facts.
Joe Biden had many errors and mistruths at the debate- one of them saying that McCain's tax plan leaves out more than 100 million middle-class taxpayers from any relief whatsoever. According to CNN fact check- it's simply not true even though Obama repeated the same mistruth yesterday at a PA rally. Biden is a seasoned politician- he tells you what you want to hear just like Obama and as sheeple, you follow blindly. I am not saying Palin didn't do the same in some instances, but no one seems to be holding Biden accountable for his lack of knowledge.

joesixpack Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 08:06 AM EST

If her winks, her folksy style, and memorized sound bites won you over, then you must be as moronic as she is. Gotcha!

S. Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 05:41 AM EST

By the way, Biden is booooring!

S. Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 05:39 AM EST

How stupid does Palin think we electors are?
Talking about change as if she were from a different party than Bush, that was not honest and a bit over the top.

To :To LT Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 05:25 AM EST

What I meant by saying she just recently found out that she was the mother of a special needs child is that she was already well into her political career by that time, not that she found out after she was picked. I stand by what I said- she can do better by her child by being his advocate for special needs- which is what she said her intentions where- than by giving up her career and being a stay at home mom.

Johnny Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 02:50 AM EST

to katie g, you arent even american, so shut up.

go sarah! u betcha! ;-)

StaleCake Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 12:21 AM EST

Word to Katie G's comment -- Canada's Elizabeth May is a party leader who balanced every "Working mom" anecdote with economic platforms, legal facts, and hard-hitting fact-based critiques of her opponents. Americans are so anti-intellectual, and have set the bar so low, your country is becoming more like the supposed parody movie "Idiocracy" every day -- who's gonna finance Sarah Palin's run for President... "B*ttf*ckers Restaurant"?

** To LT ** Sat, Oct 4, 2008 at 12:12 AM EST

Re: "she just recently found out she was the mother of a special needs child". Not true. She had prenatal screening, probably in the first trimester, that told her her fetus had Down Syndrome. She's been quoted as saying "We knew through early testing he would face special challenges..."

Jen80 Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:25 PM EST

I have avoided all the debates thusfar because they annoy and frustrate me. I much prefer to have the Daily Show and Colbert Report sift through all the b.s. and just give me the good stuff later. What'd I do in the meantime last night? Watched some wonderful repeats of House on USA. And it was a fine, fine night, thankyouverymuch.

katie g Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

I'm Canadian, so I was mostly watching the Leaders debate. However I did catch part of the VP debate and was disgusted to hear Palin say she was 'tolerant' of gay people...she might as well have been talking about the annoying dog next door.
frankly - if you want to be floored by a really intelligent, hard working, strong woman leader check out Canada's Green Party leader Elizabeth May.
Obviously she's never going to be Prime Minister, but she stuck it to the big boys with tough, important questions and didn't let them get away with any bullsh*t.
It was a beautiful thing to watch...
Whereas Palin seemed so uncomfortable and twitchy on tv. Her rehearsed talking points did not impress me, and she didn't come off as relatable to me, AT ALL.
Biden, on the other hand, was smooth and clear.
Come on America, don't take this Republican cr*p anymore

Kate Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 09:01 PM EST

Tina Fey...Sarah Palin...Tina Fey. I can't tell who is who anymore. Sarah was a caricature of herself last night. What was up with all that "folksy" talk and "joe six pack" and those winks and "you betchas"? AH! WHAT A JOKE! She is running for VP OF THE USA, not for leader of her local Girl Scout chapter. For heaven's sake, the American people deserve better!

(Can it also be in the Constitution that our President has to be able to pronounce "nuclear"? I'm sick and tired of being embarrassed by our President!!)

K Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:49 PM EST

To To K, thanks for the website, what an interesting place. I like that both sides get it equally - be an idiot, and it'll be pointed out, whichever side you represent (I really wish there was more of that). But I think that saying Palin did not charge for rape kits is very misleading. It wasn't her directly, but it was the chief of police whom she hired; the practice remained in place until her successor challenged it. Are we really to believe that the mayor of a 5500 person town had too many responsibilities to know what was going on? She at the VERY least implicitly approved of the tactic, and at the worse encouraged it. You're right, at this point, we don't know how involved she was. But she was involved, and that is very alarming to me.

To K Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:36 PM EST

its dot org- sorry, my bad. It really is a good website and has fact checking for both sides.

K Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:34 PM EST

To To K, I did go to the website and it's not assigned. Did you give the wrong address? Also, I'm not sure what you're understanding is, but I've heard the rape kit allegations from numerous reputable sources. Bloggers can get away with slander - news sources cannot without being charged. If it were untrue, there would have to be a slew of retractions, none of which I've seen. I'd hate to be espousing false info, so if you can prove this bit of info false, please let me know. But to my knowledge, all the refuters have to say is that it's false, no one provides any evidence.

GOOGLE "Nucular" Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

According to wikpedia, many leaders and other "smart" people have used the word nucular instead of nuclear, and it is now recognized in dictionaries. One of those leaders? BILL CLINTON- LMAO!

To K Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:24 PM EST

Please go to factcheck.com. Palin DID NOT make victims pay for rape kits. Another lie from the liberals.Don't worry- it's not a conservative site and you won't catch anything by going there- just maybe some FACTS.

And to the person from Texas- I am from PA and I do not say the word YINS, but alot of people I know in Pittsburgh do- you do not speak for a whole state, or two for that matter.

K Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

Also, calling it Koo-aid doesn't make it so. I watched, and Palin had nothing of substance to say. At one point she brought up how many times Obama had voted to increase taxes (84 times I think) and used a specific example. So Biden pops back with the fact that McCain voted the same way on the example, and had voted 400+ times to increase taxes. She had no response. Um to me, that's an ass whupping. I think he schooled her, and could have done much worse to her if he chose to push her on any of the issues she was skirting (i.e. anything she didn't have written in front of her). Talking straight to the American people requires genuineness and honesty Mrs. Palin, not dodging questions you're unable and unqualified to answer.

K Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:09 PM EST

The main complaint people have against Palin is not that she's too "folksy." She's using that as an excuse, but the people against her are opposed because she is woefully inadequately prepared to lead this country in any regard. She doesn't know what the VP does, she can't answer the most basic question, but instead says she's still "learning" (how about you learn before being in a position of power during such an extreme crisis rather than during?), she can't even come up with a single magazine or newspaper title that she reads to keep up on current events. She has absolutely no experience with foreign leaders or policy. She intends on making abortion illegal, but when asked about victims of rape and incest, she dodges the question by saying she'd "counsel" them to choose life (um, if it's illegal, it doesn't matter what you counsel - they have to have the baby). Oh right, she also made sure that victims of sexual assault in Wasilla were charged for their rape kits. No thanks.

John Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 08:07 PM EST

I refuse to drink the liberal kool aid from these comments.

Sarah palin won, period.

que' Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

Am i the only person that got scared when palin said she wanted to be vice president and have MORE POWER?? WTF?? we've already seen Dick Cheney abuse his power and look where we are now...

no thanks...

plus, will people realize that the Mccain/Palin ticket haven't been sharing their policies! Cause they are just like BUSH's

Nina Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

I guess I see your point about Matthews Lisa but it does not seem like a problem to me. I have watched his show on occasion and I have found some of his comments interesting. I am aware of his so-called "bias". I don't turn to the media to do my thinking for me. I enjoy watching news programs that bring competitive views together without a lot of chest-pounding and name-calling but that can be hard to find.

To the people saying nucular is an "accent" thing Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

I am from Texas and have friends from college who are from Alaska, and NONE of us say "nucular"--we are well educated and can say it correctly.

Smoochie Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 06:08 PM EST

I could only watch a 1/2 hour of this. Palin didn't answer questions, talked about what she wanted to, and gave deceptive statisitcs. I don't find Joe 6 pack in the least bit endearing. And the "predatory lenders" did not kidnap folks and force them to live beyond their means. I do not want to bailout theses "evil doers". I wish the "debaters" would have spent sometime talking about their views instead of Obama and McCain since one day they could be pres. And why would Sarah drag the baby out at night again? I guess you can see who I am voting for.

Tom Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

I would really like to know how many of these comments your website has "deleted" because they are not the "views" of this website. Shame, shame. You are only solidifying the true facts, that America's next President will NOT be Obama. Keep it up!

Lisa Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

Nina, the point was that one week, style was important (because Matthews thought Obama won on style instead of issues), the next week issues were important, (since Palin won on style, not issues or substance). So, Chris, which is it?
Also, did you know that Chris Matthews was taken off covering the Conventions because of being overly biased? Everyone knows MSNBC is way out left (as everyone knows Fox is out right). THAT was the point. You show your leaning by mentioning what channel you watched the pre (or post) analysis.

Ia Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

I watched the entire 90 minutes of the vice presidential debate. Sen.Biden was terrific hammering the message that John McCain will just give us more of the same Bush/Cheney kind of governing. Gov.Palin's "folksy" persona was difficult to digest. And when Gov. Palin made her comment "Joe, there you go again...for the party [Democrats] that's talking about bringing change for the future, it sounds like you keep dwelling on the past [administraton]," it was just like the cocky comment Ronald Reagan said to Jimmy Carter at the 1980 debate "There you go again, Mr. President." Cockiness is a turnoff at these debates. Thank goodness Sen. Biden responded to Gov. Palin's comment with "The past is prologue." By the way, my munchies of choice while watching the debate were fresh baked zucchini bread and a cold glass of milk.

LT Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

anon- finally a legitimate argument against a candidate instead of saying they are dumb or too "folksy" ( BTW- can you tell the people spouting off that word today might just watch and listen to too many of the pundits?). I respectfully disagree with you though. First, she just recently found out she was the mother of a special needs child before she was thrust into the spotlight. Secondly- what better way to help that child then to help shape laws to do so? As the mother of a special needs child, what I wouldn't give to be able to be in a position to make my voice heard regarding my child's care including research and health costs. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made. Look at Jenny McCarthy regarding her sons autism. She might not be there physically for him, but she is doing whatever she can to help find a cure for autism, and that is admirable.

anon Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

I thought she did better than expected--but that will never be enough to get me to vote for her. Even if I did agree with anything she believes in (which I do not), my opinion of her was decided when she chose to accept the VP slot with McCain in spite of the fact that she has a special needs infant who needs now and will always need 2 fully committed parents. I would say this if it were any parent, man or woman, who would make this choice--it has nothing to do with her being a working mom as I am one also and fully support working moms. I feel like if they win, she is choosing power rather than a family that needs both parents there, in jobs that will not require large amounts of time away from home. If she would choose power instead of her own family, what other priorities does she have that will negatively affect this country? Best thing to come out of her running--Tina Fey's impersonation.

Lauren Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

I voted Super Bowl on the poll despite enjoying what I saw of the VP debate. But it really would have been difficult to trump the glee from watching my team's former coach trump those snooty Colt. (That being said HD did Tom Coughlin no favors).

I mostly wanted Palin to do well in the debate because the sexist comments in the media are getting a bit much. I've even stopped watching The Daily Show.

Nina Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 04:58 PM EST

I'm sorry Lisa but I don't really understand your point about MS NBC. Are you trying to point out some contradiction in Matthews comments? They both seem to me to be legitimate observations from his point of view. I watched the debate on CNN but frankly since the debate was streamed to all the stations in the same way I don't think the channel you watched it on is overly relevant. The difference between the channels is only shown when their various analysts and talking heads start jawing. Politics and performance do go hand-in-hand. A successful politician has to be media savvy. People do react to a politician's style and obviously that is a large part of Palin's appeal to her supporters. I would hope that people would vote based on substance but we all know a lot of people don't bother to be informed. Too many voters vote the party line without any thought at all or vote on a "gut-reaction" based on the likability of a candidate.

You mean smart like..... Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

( Biden)telling a wheelchair bound man to stand up and give himself a hand? (Obama) Saying you've been to 57 states and had two more to go? Smart like that?

People can say some dumb things sometimes. Doesn't mean they are dumb- just human. Stop nitpicking.

dialect, schmialect Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

Maybe "nucular" is an accent or dialect issue rather than a mispronunciation. But not knowing the definition of "attributed" (or arguably, "diplomacy")? Not being able to string a sentence together that hasn't been memorized? That's not an accent. I want my president and VP, no matter what party, to be smart and articulate.

Lisa Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

You say you watch the pre-debate on MSNBC? I guess you are showing your Blue, now aren't you? You know, the channel that after last week's debate, said style was the most important thing over substance, then totally changed their opinion last night. Wonder why?
On politics as performance:
Last week:
MATTHEWS: Let‘s talk TV values, because, in many ways, subconsciously, when you pick a candidate for president, you only pick him on not just on issues, but who do you want to listen to for four to eight years... I mean it really is part of the way we look at these things...Do you think—let‘s start with John McCain. Do you think—let‘s start with John McCain. Do you think he was too troll-like tonight? You know too much of a troll?"
This week:
MATTHEWS: But did you get the sense that for an hour and a half you were watching a director say, "Cue the energy speech, cue the tax part, cue the...
SIMON: But that's what politics is! It's a performance.

stevemd Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

We were doing shots everytime Biden said "fundamental" it was the only thing that could keep us awake while Biden was speaking. Obama/Biden ticket is clueless and tired.

Nina Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST

Folksy doesn't do it for me. I didn't like the winking, the kiss blowing and the "can I call you Joe?" Palin shtick. She didn't answer debate questions and she does not seem prepared to be VP. We already have a fake "Joe six-pack" type candidate in the white house and he hasn't done a very good job for our country. I don't buy into the Palin performance, how many hockey or soccer Moms do you know that aspire to be a Governor or VP?!, it's ridiculous. I like Biden better after the debate then I did prior. I think he did a good job tying McCain to Bush and I think Biden inspired confidence in his ability to be a successful VP.

bingo! Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:47 PM EST

We were at a debate watching get together where the host had printed out Palin Bingo. My sister was chagrined to discover that the governor managed to get through her response (I wouldn't really call it an answer in this case) to a question about Pakistan and Iran without actually saying the work "Pakistan". I wound up winning when she uttered "special needs". I could point out that I could have won "Palin Bingo" with Biden's words as well...

Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:41 PM EST

Palin held her own, but she's no Joe Biden, that's for sure.

She prepared for this at McCain debate camp. Tell me how she's going to prepare for a surprise terrorist attack. That's right, she can't.

John McCain is 73. In president years, seeing as how they age in four years, that translates to "one foot in the grave, the other on a banana peel."

Joe Biden proved to me just why he's prepared to step in as president if need be.

Sarah Palin, in her own lingo: "I'm a hockey mom, so it's not gonna happen." Really, John McCain hasn't done her any favors.

liberal Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

I've lived in 8 different states and driven across the country 7 times. Been in 42 of the 50 states in my life. Let me attempt one more time: I am not closed-minded just because I hold my leaders to a higher standard. The fact that our leaders have been held to almost NO standard is what has gotten us here today. I do not want an old man who apparently is beginning to suffer from Alzheimers and his grossly incompetent running mate in charge of this country. If you must call me intolerant for that then I guess I'll just be folksy and say Bring it on!

To another liberal for Obama Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:37 PM EST

Well said! Nor do I understand why education, grammar, intellect, and speaking schools no longer matter within our elected officials. Our President and VP should be much smarter than the average American. It's fine to state you share the average american's concerns, but that doesnt mean we want you to be a hick. Palin spoke like a drunken farmer bailing hay in the barn. Is that how she will speak to world leaders? What happens if/when she meets the Queen or other high-ranking officials?
Can I get a Yee-Haw!

Jouni Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

I'd rather have someone who is "folksy" and has a track record of reform and stellar leadership in the White House than someone like Obama who has grown up sheltered and has No leadership accomplishments - Not One! Besides this, we aren't voting for a VP, we are voting for President. Obama is not experienced enough!

rockymtnmama Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:30 PM EST

Hi Michael. Love the arguably/obviously bit re: AI and the debate. I watched at home - for all of 20 minutes, then spent the remaining 70 minutes explaining to my children why presidential debates are so important that they pre-empt other programming.

dear another liberal Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

how sad that you are intolerant of people with different accents and dialect. Maybe you should get out of your backyard and visit different parts of this country. To others- I know most liberals are not this close minded. Talk about scary.

siskel2 Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:22 PM EST

I am in complete support of Sen. Obama, so for me, it was really more of an exercise to see what sort of gaffes Palin was going to make. I will only say that her debate was merely a long speech broken into two minute segments. While well rehearsed, she didn't answer the questions. Plus, her "down home" attitude and venacular may work with her bundt cake at a bake sale, but it won't in the oval office.

another liberal for Obama Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

it's very entertaining (actually, it's not, it's frightening)when "liberals" are berated for noting and picking on things like vocabulary, pronunciation, eloquence etc. Here's why: we've been subjected for 8 years to one of the most ineloquent people on the planet. When GWB speaks I cringe... I really cannot stand listening to him. It MATTERS to me (and to a lot of people) that the people leading this country demonstrate their intelligence by being able to carry on a conversation without saying "yknow, y'all, I'll get back to ya". Nucular? Is this really what we want? I WANT someone at LEAST as intelligent as me, or MORE SO, running this country. (And I have a Ph.D) Proving that you are as dumb as most of the rest of the country by being "folksy" will not increase your appeal... argh. Why are so many people scared of smart people?? Why do we keep electing morons to run things????????

Wonita Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 03:02 PM EST

As a woman, I didnt identify with Palin at all. She was condescending, fake, and defiant. Her being on this ticket is a slap in the face. Shes under qualified (to say the least) and arrogant.
Biden approached each topic with the thoughts of Obama and his party, while Calamity Jane there spewed a variety of inconprehensible slang and idiotic mantras. This woman gives all women a bad name - for she is still being controlled by men and being told what to say. She is very much the defintion of a fembot and I hope when she loses this election, we set her on a dog sled and yell "mush!!".

2Cents Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

Two words - Palin Bingo- made it an awesome night. Check it out http://www.palinbingo.com/

You can also make it a drinking game which will explain why I am just getting into the office now.

Happy Friday.

INDEPENDENT FAMILY Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

Everyone in my family support Biden. We are neither democrats or republicans but we thought Biden did a better job than Palin.

INDEPENDENT FAMILY Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:34 PM EST

Everyone in my family support Biden. We are neither democrats or republicans but we thought Biden did a better job than Palin.

Ariel Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

When she said that she wasn't going to answer the questions asked of her or respond to her opponent, that's when I knew it was done. Everyone does that in debates, but it's beyond stupid to admit it.

Beyond that, however, I found that she did seem to have a decent grasp of the GOP ticket fundamentals. The problem, though, is that she became visably flustered when Biden took the conversation anywhere other than where she was (seemingly) prepared for him to go. The simple fact is that she hasn't been in the Senate with McCain for the last 26 years and Biden has, so Biden has more credibility talking about McCain's record. Furthermore, while she did cut all those taxes in Alaska, the reason she was able to is that Alaskans get the most per capita federal funding of any state in the union. Maverick, indeed.

As for Biden, he handled himself well. He didn't get flustered by her jabs and he very effectively neutralized her "family first" soapbox with his own story. Way to go, Joe.

Stephanie Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

Palin and Biden was both horrible. Yet I havent decided who was the worst.

Mikey M Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

Palin was better than I expected but like someone said, all she did was answer with sound bites. She sounded like a Canadian Robot.
And she wants to be in the White House???
Scary!!!!!

Katel Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 01:47 PM EST

I was also thinking Ned Flanders last night. (she's folksy)

Katel Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

Alright, Sarah Palin did not answer the questions. She had an agenda to endear herself to the american public and speak in sound bites. (drill baby drill, dag nabbit, say it aint so joe) It is not good enough to suceed because you didn't bomb. It is not good enough that the low expectations were exceeded. I find the nomination of Sarah Palin offensive to women. Hilary would have come out knowledgable and fighting- but Biden had to soft shoe it around Palin. Why, because she might break? Really women, is that what you want representing us.

Rape Kit Story: NOT TRUE Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST

Please- before anyone believes all this crapola about the rape test kit and Palin- go to fact check.org.

Stop drinking the liberal media Kool-aid and do some fact checking before you spread the rumors, please.

Nancy in Montreal Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

I was riveted to it, and didn't watch the Canadian leaders debate, cause I can't stand Harper (George Bush Jr), and I know who I'm voting for. Palin sounded rehearsed, went off-topic, fell back on energy a LOT, and was just not believable-and she called McCain a "maverick" too many times-wrong. Plus, she continued to perpetrate some of the lies and misrepresentations about Obama/Biden that the we have already seen McCain be scolded for creating attack ads around. Biden didn't let her get away with a thing, but was truly a gentleman about it. Biden won. Hands-down. But all in all, a good effort by Palin, & my respect for her went up a notch (it didn't exist before). She's still not qualified to be Vice-President OR President. But she can hold her head up again, esp after all those disastrous interviews, and she didn't resort to sarcasm (that I saw). Points for that. America, please vote common sense: McCain=ANGRY! Palin=SCARY!! Vote Obama/Biden--Integrity is Power 4the FUTURE!

kkaydevo Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

Watched at home, certainly not for entertainment. That's part of our nation's problems, judging and then voting based on superficial characteristics. Anyway, Palin proved she can memorize & rattle off talking points, and avoid answering questions very well. All style, no substance. And about that style...the exaggerated folksiness, the "you-betcha's and (unbelievably!) eyewinks, overuse of "like" & "ya know", along with the "there ya go again" condescension she showed to Sen. Biden, are not only grating, but unprofessional and unbecoming of a Vice-President. She turns what should be serious debate into scary, scary theatre.

Skitch Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

I watched it at my college. They played it on an auditorium screen. The group was split half Biden, half Palin supporters.

Uglie Bettie Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

JOE BIDEN DEFINITELY WON! My husband & I (Obama supporters) watched with my dad (leaning towards McCain), he stormed off about 45 minutes in extremely annoyed with Palin yelling 'she is talking to us like we're idiots!' I don't see how anyone couldn't see through her winks & folksy stories, she didn't answer much, she didn't affectively defend her side, yet it's still considerd successful because she didn't fall on her face. Pathetic! Biden was great, loved the bridge to nowhere line about McCain's healthcare plan, loved him calling McCain out on not really being a maverick, loved him proving he is just as relatable to the middle class & women with the story about his sons, I was happy of his defense of same sex relationships and benefits until he said they are against gay marriage =( I HATED when Palin said she is 'tolerant' of same sex relationships, people mean that in a good way but I think to most of us whom 'accept' and 'celebrate' these loving relationships it just sounds bad.

KT Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:49 PM EST

Palin stuck to the script she was given to memorize. She is in way over her head because she does not have the intellect to understand any of the issues. We are doomed if McCain/Palin win. VOTE OBAMA and BIDEN!!

Dee Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

I watched the whole thing at home. It was quite entertaining...nucular!

cpreynolds Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

I think Palin did great damage control and really held her own.

Sharlin Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

I was also scared when she said "i've only been doing this 5 weeks, I don't know much..." I'm paraphrasing, but that was the gist. She's running for the 2nd highest office and McCain is 73!! This is scary people.

Sharlin Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:08 PM EST

After the debate, I was even more happy Obama did good in picking Biden. Really great guy and a breathe of fresh air after 8 years of a Cheney empire. The things that scared me about Palin that everyone glossed over in the cable news networks... maybe except MSNBC... Palin wanting more power as VP and the fact that she never really answered any question, told the moderator she doesnt have to answer her questions... and whoever coached her should become an acting coach full time.

Leslie Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

My husband & I watched playing a Palin Drinking game with some local PA wine (Chaddsford baby!) We each picked 4 words for the other person to drink when she mentioned them (ie: Energy, Joe-Six Pack, "Ya Know", Maverick) - for some reason I don't remember the 2nd 1/2 of the debate too well :-)

TiffintheOK Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:59 AM EST

I had planned to be entertained by the comedy stylings of Sarah Palin, but was left wanting when she suddenly remembered how to speak in coherent sentences. Sure she didn't actually answer most of the questions posed to her, and some answers did wander into weird places (the VP needs more power, has she not seen Cheney?).
Luckily Palin Bingo (www.palinbingo.com) made it all the more fun though.

Rachel Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

Even though EW is not a political mag I am glad you mentioned the debate Slezak. The election is major news and affects us all.
Also played Palin Bingo. Like Joe Biden more after the debate.

Cricket Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

Here's why Palin needs to be stopped:
1. She called the war in the Middle East "God's War". IMO, she's all for continuing a losing battle.
2. She is anti-environment. She passed laws to open natural reserves for mining and drilling. See polar bears.
3. She is anti-abortion / anti-gay marriage. While it's not a perfect world, an official's personal choices SHOULD NOT affect policy. This woman wants to overturn Roe v Wade. In AK, she passed a law forcing rape victims to purchase their own rape kits at hospitals.
These are just a couple of examples of why this woman needs to be kept as far away from Washington as possible. The future of my life and that of my children's is at stake.
For more info, check out this website: http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm

Christine Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

Okay, I'm not going to read all the comments, just answer the question posed in the post. My husband and I flipped the debate on after the Phillies/Brewers game ended (go Phils!). He watched the whole thing with determined focus. I listened with half an ear while catching up with The Office on Hulu. I don't mind the debates themselves, but there really is no point to the post debate coverage - each party is obviously going to say that their candidate won. Honest, unbiased coverage no longer exists in the age of 24 hour news networks.

bex7 Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:43 AM EST

Watching Palin flirt and bluff her way through made me cringe. "I'm not going to answer questions the way you want me to answer them..." -- you mean, with answers to the questions? On the bright side, she gave Tina Fey some great material.

Typical Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:37 AM EST

Typical GOP Mantra: They are against things until it happens to them. First they admonish teen pregnancies but Bristol Palin is a saint for keeping her baby. How do the talking heads from the GOP dont get dizzy from all that spinning.

To B Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

I meant most of the liberals on this board- go back a couple of pages and search- lots of name calling towards Palin. I do not agree with any extremists- left or right. I think one is just as dangerous as the other and I myself am an independent.

Ms. Jones Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

I turned it off and just DVR'd it after about a 1/2 hours because I couldnt deal w/ her contradicting herself every other minute, spouting off false/misleading stats and completely IGNORING the moderator's questions. She agreed to the format, so stick w/ it. If you dont know the answer, then you just proved everyone's point that you are, in fact, not prepared to lead. Thank you, have a nice day.

Claire Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:25 AM EST

I watched the first part until the Cubs game started. With wine, but mostly that was because of the Cubs.
Biden was nicely restrained, but Sarah Palin makes me nervous. I don't like how she stuck to her talking points instead of giving thought-out and nuanced answers to the questions. She may have some policy experience on energy, but is that really sufficient to lead the United States? I can't imagine that the Republicans could not have found a more qualifed woman, or man, in their party. We shouldn't have to be subjected to a woman who lacks experience, holds extreme right views, and doesn't know what newspapers we read simply because they needed a token to counteract Obama.

jj11 Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

My fiance has no interest in politics, but I made him watch it anyway and his final comment was...."it's picking between a d-bag and a sh!t sandwich"
Agreed!!!!

t3hdow Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

To kellyw:
I do have many legitimate reasons to dislike Palin because of her policies; like her extreme views towards Christianity, the fact that she advocates book burning, and her cringe inducing stance towards abortion (i.e., even in cases of rape/incest, the mothers don't have a choice) to name a few. Her cloy presentation doesn't really help matters and only reinforces the notion that John McCain's using Palin as a dressed up ploy to grab Hillary supporters after Obama removed her from the Dem. VP position.

B- Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

I find it comical that people claim "Liberals" like to name call. Like the GOP is so innocent. If you go on a hardcore "Republican" blog (in quotes because the Republican party has veered into some rabid religious fundamentalist sect.) you see people with Obama as a Muslim pics, pics depicting him as the anti-christ, and one blog said he was a latent homosexual with drug problems. ALL OF THESE THINGS are worst that pointing out that A: Sarah can't say Nuclear properly. B: Sarah Palin did not debate anyone last night, she solely recited talking points over and over and IGNORED Gwen Ifill's questions. C: Sarah Palin was dismissive of Biden's story about raising his kids after the tragedy. And finally D: Her "Folksy" vocabulary was off putting since we know it was all a ploy to seem genuine and like an "average" American. I also don't like how she said she wanted more power as a VP. And I also disliked her referring to herself as middle class, when her worth is over a million.

Goober Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

Sarah Palin-MILF
Joe Biden-Cracker
I watched "Supernatural" instead.

Huffybike Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 11:00 AM EST

At home -- rooting for Biden the whole time! http://tinyurl.com/3vtvrx

Tiffany Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 10:59 AM EST

I watched the debate at my house with my husband and five friends. Three of the friends were undecided and they were unconvinced by Sarah Palin. They thought she constantly changed the subject and only had two topics she wanted to talk about. They left my house leaning Obama.

Katie Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

I watched the debate and have been highly disappointed by the coverage related to it in and on the news. Palin is Bush with a dress and glasses. Her o'shucks attitude towards political issues is just not acceptable. Her answer to every question was related to energy independence through drilling that will take years to make an impact and even then will not be a remote solution to the issues we are facing.

Carli Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

I watched at home in between eating and yelling at the dog to quit clawing at the door (and fixing a hole that he had dug outside). I FFed through some parts, though.

Sarah Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

I think Slezack's question speaks directly to the essence of American media today: It's not a public service, it's a business. An *entertainment* buisiness. The media produces what sells, and what sells is drama, controversy, and comedy. Who would've watched Katie Couric's Palin interview if it hadn't been so cringe-inducingly funny? Nobody. And that's the point.

Canadian Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 10:51 AM EST

So, as I watched the Canadian leaders debates, I flipped over to CNN to see what "Sexy Sarah" had to say. I agree that she was prepped well, but I found a lot of her replies really confusing. There were times in which she started our with a decent response but then led us on this loopy, winding response that quickly jumbled what her actual opinion was.
I know most Canadians are hoping for Barack/Biden and are actually quite afraid of McCain/Palin.