Saturday, October 13, 2012

Watching the Debate from Three Points of View

Obviously, I’m a Republican, but I wondered about the response to the Vice Presidential debate from Democrats or Independents. Stepping outside of myself temporarily, here’s my take.

Republican Watchers
If I'm a Republican watching the VP debate, I think Ryan made better points that I agree with more. He was run over by both the moderator and Biden. Biden was a dick, although his meds seemed to wear off after about 50 minutes. He lied many times, and the press will not fact check him the way they did Romney.

Verdict: Overall, as a Republican watching, it was probably a draw.

Democrat Watchers
On the other hand, if I'm a Democrat watching the VP debate, I think Ryan had his talking points down but wasn't up to defending against aggressive attacks. Biden may have blurred the truth a few times, but overall I agree with what he said and was happy to watch him dismantle Ryan. Plus, he was a dick, and that's what we need to beat Republicans who will say anything.

Verdict: Overall, as a Democrat watching, Biden won, although not by as big of a margin as Romney last week.

Independent Watchers
As an Independent watching the VP debate, I think Ryan was likable and smart. He didn't sound as evil as Democrats have made him out to be, but he looks a little inexperienced. Ryan didn't give me a reason to vote against him. Some of the things he said made sense to me, although I don’t feel like I heard everything because of Biden’s interruptions.

Biden was a real dick. If I am seriously considering voting for Romney, Biden confirmed it. After seeing Obama fail to defend his record last week or offer a plan for four more years, followed by an asshole who can't be civil, I am just not persuaded to let them stay in the White House for four more years.

Verdict: I want to call it a draw, but in the end Biden probably won, although he won like the Oakland Raiders: dirty. You can’t respect that, and I probably won’t vote for that.

***

Nothing of what low-information voters were told about the Romney/Ryan ticket was reinforced last night. Everything about the Obama/Biden ticket was reinforced with Chicago-style tactics and the incivility.

What everyone can probably agree on is that Biden was a dick. No Republican or Democrat votes were changed, so I’m tempted to say this debate was meaningless. The outcome of the election won’t change. But I think Biden may have damaged the Democrats among Independent voters. If so, that could make a difference on Election Day.

2 comments:

  1. A pretty good summary. Ryan did what was required and showed himself to be steady, reliable. Vice presidential material (though young and inexperienced as you say). I must say I did squirm at the bean story, though.

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  2. Mark said: "Vice presidential material (though young and inexperienced as you say)."

    Well, as the old and experienced guy, Biden, came off as a dishonest buffoon, Ryan comes out away ahead.

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