Saturday, October 04, 2008
Two Days Later
Ok, I finally watched the DVR of the VP debate last night before going to bed. I fully expected this to be biased and unfair because of the moderator but I will admit I was wrong when I am. And on that, I feel I was wrong. I think Gwen Ifill was actually very fair. I can’t believe I’m saying that but I looked for anything and frankly, I really didn’t see anything. She didn’t just go after one side, she went after both sides telling them that they didn’t answer her question, which, really, they didn’t. So, Gwen Ifill, good job.
I also chose again to watch this on C-Span because, again, I do not need a pundit telling me what I just saw, trying to change my mind. I can make up my own mind, thank you very much. You shut up, talking head.
Biden: He did ok in the beginning but he began to unravel towards the end when he started to get caught up in his lies. Some of his comments were confusing because they were just outright lies or something made up on the spot but there were a few things that really caught my eye. The first was when he started to try the “get folksy” routine by informing us what his grandmother would say or how his dad called him, “Champ”. Biden, it works for Palin, not you. Second was when he apparently tried to get choked up about the car accident and deaths and not knowing if his kid would live or die. Look, I’m not being snarky here. I can’t even imagine how horrible that must have been and I’m sure it still hurts to this day to relive that terrible time. He is a human being and if he DIDN’T have emotion about it I would look at him strangely. BUT, the “choking up” part didn’t work. I had to rewind the DVR because at first I thought his mic cut off. Then I realized, he was trying for the sympathy angle. Biden, you don’t need to play that. Anyone with an ounce of compassion will feel for you, stop trying to turn on the waterworks in a debate. It does not work.
But the biggest thing that riled me up was when he said he no longer questions the motivations of those people who try to pass things. Um, excuse me, but that is EXACTLY what you should be doing. You absolutely question their motivations. To do otherwise is to blindly follow and that is a very dangerous thing to do. Are all motives underhanded? No, of course not. Some people have good reason for wanting something brought forth but to assume that you can now just start voting left and right and all over the place withOUT understanding the motive makes you a hack politician. One that can be bought. In an ideal world, Biden would have a case. We do not live in an ideal world. The reality is, you must question the motivation. Once you find the motive, you can then make an informed decision.
So, he won’t be changing and he no longer questions the motive. That person does not belong in the White House. Plain and simple. He did say he would not be VP under any circumstances...let’s just hope he was right.
Palin: Came out a little slow. I understand that she wanted to make some points and I understand that she was talking to the American people but I was a little disappointed that she didn’t answer some of the questions given to her. She could have cleared some things up by answering them. She also seemed rehearsed at times in the beginning.
I understand debating. I’ve done it myself and I know that you have answers that you are fully prepared for and no matter how you try, because you know a subject so well, you are going to sound rehearsed. Hell, I do this at work sometimes. I’m giving my tour and someone will ask me a question. Because I know the subject well or because I’ve answered the question a thousand times, it’s going to sound rehearsed. I try hard not to sound that way but again, that can be difficult. However, that can turn people off so I think she needs to work harder at it.
I wanted her to move away from Alaska. In that I mean, she is damn good at what she does up there and she was letting people know her track record. I understand that but I wished that she would have said, “Alaska” maybe 10 times less than she did. Take it to Washington. That’s what you are running for, bring it there.
Towards the middle to the end, though, I thought she did fantastically. She was calling Biden out on his lies, she was getting more comfortable, she was talking real like we like from her and she was basically slapping Biden around. She admitted where she does NOT agree with her running mate when Biden would not do so. She pointed out the things Biden said about McCain and Obama in the past....damn those were good. And my favorite, when she lambasted the MSM for their bias.
In my opinion, she won simply because so many expected her to fall flat on her face. She didn’t.
Looking at it as unbiased as I was able: I would call it a draw. Biden did lie, right there on stage but he came across as personable. While he was talking, honestly, sometimes it was boring to listen to. Palin had a few times where she paused before answering and I can see how that might come across to those who don’t like her or don’t know her. I also understand that for some, she didn’t seem “professional” enough. That she was “too down to earth” and to be honest, that does bother people when it comes to politicians. We all say we want someone like that but I think a lot of people actually do NOT want that. I think some people will be turned off by her small town upbringing, her “soccer mom” status, her casual speech because to them, it’s not “presidential”. (Although it does seem to have escaped some people that she is not running for POTUS.) I think some who don’t know her too well or aren’t sure about her may take that as she will be ripped apart in Washington. I think they are very wrong but that is how some will view it.
It is because of these things I call it a tie because let’s be honest here, way too many people vote on perception than they do cold, hard facts. I’ve had an epiphany recently. I think the reason people do this is because they can’t handle the cold, hard facts. They don’t understand them and have no clue what to do with them. So let’s just vote on our perception.
To me that’s as stupid as not questioning someone’s motive.
The debate was neither exciting nor too dull. It actually was fair and balanced and Palin did show that she does have a clue as to what is going on in politics; she’s not a dumb doll and Biden showed he doesn’t have always have a stick shoved up his ass. His feet in his mouth, though, that’s another story.
I don’t think this debate will change many minds. I think it will change a few, but not many. And while there has been some nastiness going around during this season, I think some people are playing it TOO NICE and should really start smacking ‘em down with some facts.
So far, there has been no slam dunk in either debate. We’ll see what happens in the next Presidential debate and McCain better bring some better arsenal “to the kitchen table”. (Good GOD get away from that fucking table! That reminds me, a cliche being overused by either side makes me cringe. I hate, “bring to the table” whether it’s in the kitchen or a board room as much as I fucking despise, “the nine yard line” or any other corporate America bullshit cliche. Please stop!)
I still think it’s impossible to tell who will win the election this year so if you know some people who are “sitting on the fence”, (kill me now...no, seriously), help them out by giving them the facts on both parties. If you know someone who isn’t going to vote, try to motivate them to vote.
I’m glad that so many are at least somewhat paying attention. I know that many don’t bother with the facts but AT least they are interested. The people who concern me the most are those who say, “I don’t get in to politics. I don’t like any politician and I’m not going to vote.” That bothers me in ways you cannot imagine. At least with those who show some interest but have no clue what they are talking about, you can still TALK to them and eventually, facts can be discussed. People who have no interest in learning about it or voting are, in my opinion, spitting on the graves of every person who ever fought to give them that right. They insult all of us, no matter which side we’re voting for. I might make fun of liberals and I may be completely disgusted by those on the extreme on either side but the people who choose silence over their RIGHT to voice their opinion are the worst types out there.
Seriously, kids, the death of America will be apathy.
