I thought both Biden and Palin did fine last night. Palin much more so than I thought she would.
However, I found myself getting really annoyed by her relentless "folksiness" and cutesy-pie moves (winking, "Say it ain't so, Joe."). As a woman, honestly, that kind of stuff annoys me in real life too. The cute girl who makes men melt by tilting her head to the side while looking wide-eyed. I'm hoping the American public is too smart to simply melt, but sometimes I'm not so sure.
I was also annoyed by the fact that I don't think she ever really answered one question that was actually asked. She got close with some of the energy questions. I think one of the reasons she did "well" is because she stuck to her talking points and said the same things over and over again, whether or not those talking points happened to answer the question. Biden also obviously had his own agenda to get through to people, but I thought he did a much better job of framing his points in the context of answers to the questions the moderator asked.
I know people love folksy, and want someone to lead who they can go have a beer with. I don't understand that rationale. When I think of who I want leading the country, I want someone who I think has a brain and knows something about diplomacy and what is going on in the world. Thus, I have never understood the appeal of George W., a complete buffoon on his best days. But, hey, you can go hang out on his ranch and shoot the sh** with him any day. At least that's the perception.
So if we're talking about the person who I want "a heartbeat away" from the presidency, I'm going to have to go with Biden.
Interesting fact-checking article.
4 comments:
And considering McCain's age and past health issues, I really think the odds of him completing his first term are not good. Look at before and after images of past presidents, the ones that are dedicated and serious about the job, and you can see that it ages them and is very stressful (present president excepted, since he's so out of touch with reality he looks as healthy and chipper as the day he was sworn in). In that light, the Republican ticket really represents two presidential candidates - kind of a job-sharing situation. McCain will preside until he becomes incapcitated (I estimate within the first two years) and then it'll be Pres Palin's turn. So, many may feel she'll be adquate as a vice-president, but that is NOT the question in the long run, is it?
I wonder how the job market is in Canada these days...
I completely agree. As someone who likes the kind of details that show that someone knows what he or she is talking about, I appreciated Joe Biden not only answering questions, but coming up with factual data to support his answers. Sarah Palin was too busy enumerating teachers in her family and sending shout-outs to elementary school classes to do more than just talk in generalities. I like the idea of leadership that has done some research. And I also agree about the folksy "doggone it"s - how many intelligent, articulate women do you know who talk like that?
It was weird, but when she mentioned Condi Rice, I actually FELT SORRY for Condi. There are so many amazingly qualified and brilliant women (even some who are liberated enough to use their powers for evil), and it must really burn their bras to watch Palin.
But did you see the CNN application that measured people's response as they were listening? The women trended sharply down whenever Sarah wrinkled her nose or winked or "you betcha'ed," also. I think the patent insult of it all is pretty palpable to most people.
Redwood City Jenn
Oh, Kelly! I say the exact same thing about Obama WORD FOR WORD about how he never actually answers questions- but skirts them. How funny!
I don't like any of the candidates. I suppose I hate McCain the least. That's hardly a reason to vote for him though, so I remain undecided.
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