DRUDGE REPORT 2008®

DEBATE SUMMARIES

Deborah Tannen, Author and professor of linguistics:

It felt like two different shows playing side by side on a split screen. Biden was debating policy, talking specifics: of what was done wrong in the present administration, what an Obama adminstration would do differently. Palin relied on a small number of tactics: folksy speech (heck of a lot, darn right, John said That's where I wanchuh, dropped g's), references to her daily life, and repetition of a few mantras: government is bad (folksily phrased as dialogue: "Sayin' government, yknow you're not the solution"), John can win wars, Democrats will raise taxes, John is a maverick)

James J. Zogby, President, Arab American Institute:

Joe Biden was reassuring, passionate, confident and thoughtful - and clearly ready to serve as Vice-President. His answers were clear, concise and direct. He was clearly a winner. Palin was....silly, but just competent enough to satisfy her supporters (although, a friend of mine insists that "competence is not to be rewarded, it should be expected. What you reward is excellence"). Joe Biden was excellent.

Jeffrey C. Stewart, Professor of Black Studies:

That's the moment--when Biden choked up about being a single man. He showed his humanness. But when he followed that up with McCain has not been a maverick on the issues that matter to people, he sealed his victory.

More from the Arena:

Katheryn Bardo (guest), Home maker, MT:

Palin isn't doing too bad if you like her or are not giving her answers much scrutiny. But if you listen crefully sh edoes not really know the real answers. she scims or tries to change the subject or spits out a rehersed talking point. she does not get into the detailed nuances like Biden is doing to show he has a clear grasp of the subject and the answer

Leonardo Rioja (guest), Medical Imaging Professional, WA:

Gov. Palin proved tonight that she's an intelligent and capable person. The problem is that this debate was about the leadership that is required by our next Vice-President. Sen. Biden certainly showed his superiority in his command of the facts and issues, not to mention sticking to the questions being asked by the moderator. Gov. Palin is an admirable woman that really connects with me as fellow patriotic citizen, but Sen. Biden came through on the issues that matter to most Americans: the economy, health care, and our foreign policy.

David Warren (guest), Independent, VA:

Palin recited a lot of the answers. For the most part, she didn't answer the questions asked. Biden didn't answer some questions, but not nearly as bad as Palin. Palin didn't distinguish their ticket from the Bush Administration. Palin made a MAJOR gaffe by saying she wants extended powers for the VP like Cheney, who tries to say he is part of the legislative branch so that he doesn't have ANY accountability! Biden wins because he answered a lot more questions directly. He had more detailed answers. Unlike Palin, he didn't sound like he memorized talking points. Unlike Palin, he wasn't abrasive (ie. Palin said, "And I may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear..."). And finally, unlike Palin, he had more factual answers.