VP Debate: Joe Biden v. Sarah Palin

My quick take on the debate of Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin:

First of all, Ms. Gwen Ifill was an excellent moderator. She was a model of restraint.

The debate reminded me a bit about secondary school when a student had to answer questions based solely on memorization. Ms. Palin’s response to any question was to say everything and anything as fast as possible lest she forgot her lessons. Her words tumbled on top of one another.

It was telling when Ms. Palin declared at the opening that she would talk only about the things that she wanted and not necessarily answering Ms. Ifell’s questions. Funny, the point of a debate is when the moderator asks questions and the two candidates respond to those questions by offering their opinions, but not for one candidate to come up with new subjects.

At times, I wasn’t sure if Ms. Palin’s first language was English as she did not seem comfortable speaking and understanding the language. There were several Palin’s lost-in-translation moments. For example, many of her answers to Ms. Ifill’s questions were memorized sentences strung together in no particular order, never mind about answering questions. Another example was when Ms. Ifill asked Palin if her lack of experience was her Achilles’ heel. Ms. Palin didn’t seem to understand the words “Achilles’ heel” because she answered as if she only heard the word “experience” as she rattled off her experience, “as an executive…a manager, business owner, oil and gas regulator, and governor …but it wasn’t just that experience tapped into …it was my connection to the heartland of American.” It was obvious that Ms. Palin really liked the word “maverick” as much as she liked saying the word, not unlike young children when they first learn some new words, they would say those words over and over again as they’d smile proudly to themselves. Whereas Ms. Palin who punctuated her favorite word with a wink and a self-congratulatory smile.

Ms. Ifill and Senator Biden let Ms. Palin off when she forgot the name of General David McKiernan, the top commander in Afghanistan, by calling him “McClellen”, and when she avoided discussing the McCain’s health care plan.

It would have been interesting or entertaining to hear Palin’s explanation of the McCain’s health care plan that would lead to levying tax on every American’s health insurance. Currently, health insurance is not a tax item.

Senator Biden wisely avoided addressing critical differences directly at Governor Palin, but chose to direct his point-by-point attacks on Senator McCain’s positions instead. No one could fault Senator Biden for “attacking” a winking Palin.

Overall, Senator Biden has won the debate for speaking English on foreign policies, domestic issues, and responding to Ms. Ifill’s question about his Achilles’ heel.