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Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, and Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin face off during a vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday. Ron Edmonds / The Associated Press

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Biden, Palin spar in lively debate

Thursday, October 2, 2008 9:20 PM PDT

By Jim Kuhnhenn
The Associated Press

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ST. LOUIS — Under intense scrutiny, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin stood her ground Thursday night against a vastly more experienced Joe Biden, debating the economy, energy and global warming, then challenging him on Iraq, "especially with your son in the National Guard."

The Alaska governor also noted that Biden had once said Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama wasn't ready to be commander in chief, "and I know again that you opposed the move that he made to try to cut off funding for the troops and I respect you for that."

Biden responded that John McCain, too, had voted against funding, and said the Republican presidential candidate had been "dead wrong on the fundamental issues relating to the conduct of the war."

The clash over Iraq was the most personal, and pointed, of the 90-minute debate in which Palin repeatedly cast herself as a non-Washington politician, part of a "team of mavericks" that she said was ready to bring change to a country demanding it.

From the opening moments of the debate, Biden sought to make McCain out as a straight-ahead successor to an unpopular President Bush. "He voted four out of five times for George Bush's budget, which put us a half-trillion dollars in debt and over $4 trillion in debt since he got here," he said of McCain.

Palin merely accused Biden of reciting the past rather than looking to the future. "Americans are cravin' that straight talk" that McCain offers, she said.

The two running mates debated for 90 minutes on a stage at Washington University, their only encounter of a campaign with little more than one month to go.

Recent polls show Obama with a small but perceptible lead, and Republican officials said earlier in the day that McCain had decided to pull out of Michigan, conceding the state to the Democrats. At the same time, his own aides said the campaign may soon begin to advertise in Indiana — a state that has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1968.

Palin faced enormous challenges of her own, though. After five weeks as McCain's ticket-mate, her poll ratings had begun dropping and even some conservatives have questioned her readiness for high public office.

Her solo campaign events are few, and she has drawn ridicule for some of her answers in the few interviews she has granted — including her claim that Alaska's proximity to Russia gives her an insight into foreign policy.

After intense preparation — including two days at McCain's home in Sedona, Ariz., there was only one obvious stumble, when she twice referred to the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan as "Gen. McClellan." His name is David McKiernan.

Biden's burden was not nearly as fundamental. Although he has long had a reputation for long-windedness, he is a veteran of more than 35 years in the Senate, with a strong knowledge of foreign policy as well as domestic issues.

For much of the evening, the debate unfolded in traditional vice presidential fashion — the running mates praising their own presidential candidate and denigrating the other.

Palin said Obama had voted to raise taxes 94 times — an allegation that Biden disputed and then countered. By the same reckoning, he said, McCain voted "477 times to raise taxes."

They clashed over energy policy, as well, when Palin said Obama's vote for a Bush administration-backed bill granted breaks to the oil industry. By contrast, she said that as governor, she had stood up to the same industry, and noted that McCain had voted against the bill Obama supported.

Biden said that in the past decade, McCain had voted "20 times against funding alternative energy sources and thinks, I guess, the only answer is drill, drill, drill."

"The chant is, 'drill, baby drill," Palin countered quickly, unwilling to yield to Biden on that issue — or any other.

On the environment, Palin declined to attribute the cause of climate change to man-made activities alone. "There is something to be said also for man's activities, but also for the cyclical temperature changes on our planet," she said, adding that she didn't want to argue about the causes.

Biden said the cause was clearly man-made, and added, "If you don't understand what the cause is, it's virtually impossible to come up with a solution."

Related articles:

Some facts adrift in VP debate

Analysis: Candidates hold their own

Debate quotes

Previous

Old Charlie wrote on Oct 2, 2008 9:50 PM:

" It was like apples and oranges, Sarah a statesman, fresh with executive experience and Biden a self serving politician, his experience..... having had his snout in the public trough some thirty plus years. "

cobra kai wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:30 PM:

" This wasn't even close. Biden was so much better it wasn't even funny. I know there are a lot of right-wingers here, but Biden was so much more informed it was kind of embarassing at parts. I think Sarah Palin seems like a nice woman. I think her folksy charm would definitely make me comfortable getting my local news from her. But come on, we're not going to pretend that she could be the President of the United States are we? "

biasmedia wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:55 PM:

" wow cobra sounds like you are just spewing the party line and everyone must admit she is a lot better and smarter then the media
mad her out to be and did have a lot of good points and you can tell she got under
Biden skin dont know what one would be good for the country because there politicians and they all lie even in there sleep but the media had this set up as a dumb hick going squiring off the best and smartest debater ever and that women hold her own and got in a lot of good licks so dont know if it was all sexist or just media bias but they where wrong "

Gondolapete wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:58 PM:

" Palin delivered..Biden lost..NEXT!!!!!! "

ccd wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:08 PM:

" I think Cobra has valid points, and biasmedia, you are equally trolling the party line here. Where Biden left Palin in the dust is that he kept talking about McCain's record - and that though McCain claims to be a maverick, he caved in many years ago, witnessed by his voting history. Biden kept locking McCain in with Bush and Cheney (who is even more reviled than Bush). Palin held her own very well, was well rehearsed (though she sounded like a country bunkin' several times, almost to the point of silliness). She didn't make any terrible gaffes like she has in recent interviews. I think they both did well, and it wasn't a very exciting debate overall. Palin's problem is that she has to sell McCain as a reformer and maverick, when he has been neither for at least 8 years. No one whose IQ is higher than a tater tot believes McCain is going to reform anything . His healthcare plan will break the backs of middle class American families. It will allow pre-existing condition discrimination - and millions upon millions more Americans will find themselves without health insurance as a result. That policy alone is sinking McCain's ship. And before you go hollering about Obama's `universal socialist plan', do some homework. Go to factcheck.org, or www.terroristplanet.com, which are NONpartisan sites, and learn more about each. "

sleepless wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:10 PM:

" OK..I think anyone that can't see or (will not admit) that Biden won fair and square...you need to get checked for early signs of dementia..
I know you have very low expectation for Sarah Palin, but this is not even close, unless you think she is running for the city counsel of Wasilla. And "Biasmedia" give me a break, would you stop that already...would you say fox news fair or balanced ?ok let's say so..go check their poll on the debate ..so far Biden won 60 to 39% do you need anymore proof? if you're still not convinced check all the polls from cnn, abc, cbs, washington post...etc etc..not a single poll showed that Biden did not win..but again..biased media... "

ccd wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:16 PM:

" Old Charlie, you could very well be discussing the Obama/McCain debate there. This debate was a nonevent. She's a lovely woman, very pretty, bright enough and pleasant enough. But when she doesn't know something (which is quite often, understandably, as she's new), she smiles and winks and flirts and then is apt to ramble off into other unrelated areas (I often did the same thing in college on essay questions, with varying success). She did that so many times during the debate, the moderator repeatedly had to redirect her. Bottom line is - those who follow her party lines will support her, see it a success (at least not a huge flub as her interview with Couric was), and woll think her folksy talk and chatty way is appealing. Those who lean the other way will think of her as a rube, who obviously bullsh*ts too much when she doesn't know the answer, is completely out of her league, and isn't remotely ready to be a VP. Polls are already coming out about it - they indicate that Biden won. Fox News is the ONLY channel that thinks otherwise, oh surprise surprise. "

cobra kai wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:36 PM:

" Tough to argue with "biasmedia" but I don't see how sexism comes into this at all. She seems like she is sweet, I probably would even vote for her for mayor or something, but she clearly didn't have the grasp of the issues. She was able to give the general response, but there wasn't anything there. I predict tomorrow the narrative will go from "Palin did better than expected" to "Palin didn't do anything to help." I won't pile on. She didn't have any mortifying moments like she did in her interviews, but if Biden had wanted to, he could have embarassed her. This ridiculous idea that she did a good job by ignoring the moderators questions, I mean, I know we are in a post-fact world, but even people that like her noticed that she just said what she wanted to and didn't answer questions that she didn't like, right? bias - Would you really feel comfortable if she was the President of the United States? "

hawkster wrote on Oct 2, 2008 11:42 PM:

" she got under Bidens skin because she made some of the most ridiculous remarks a VP or Presidential candidate has ever made. all she ever brought to that debate was her "down to home charm" and "Maverick" comments. every single question asked to her that she couldnt answer was made into a joke. she knows absolutely nothing compared to Biden. i have to admit that she has obviously been taught a lot by the mccain camo in the past couple of days but it wasnt enough. she is no way shape or form qualified to be a VICE PRESIDENT! especially to someone that could very possibly die during his presidency. I am neither democrat nor republican, but it is an ablsolute insult to have such a worthless uneducated person in second command of the most powerful nation in the world. we may never have a perfect president to lead us but if mccain/palin is elected it would be like "Joe six pack" is in office. she is so morally corrupt its absurd... Mccains health program tax is "a bridge to nowhere" was the best line of that debate. "

An observer wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:52 AM:

" One of our highly thought of Presidents had less experience then all of these people, Harry Truman became a VP after serving only a couple of years in Congress, he was a shoe salesman before that. He became President after 4 or 5 months in office, dropped two A-Bombs, ended a War, fired a General and told Congress where "the Buck Stopped". Got re-elected because he could talked to the people and was a straight shooter.
Tonight each side will proclaim a victory, but Palin seems to fit that mold. "

worriedone wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:20 AM:

" Last nights debate was the clencher for me. I have to agree with the comments of "ccd & hawkster". She is unfortunatly NOT ready to be VP. I do have to say her winking reminded me of a bible verse. "He who winks with the eye causes sorrow; the foolish of lips will fall headlong, but he who boldly reproves makes peace". Proverbs 10:10

Truer words were never spoken.

Obama/Biden '08 "

Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Oct 3, 2008 6:00 AM:

" Did Palin even answer a question? I didn't hear one. Her declaration early about answering as she wished, shot her down. If she cannot abide by the rules of a simple debate, how can anyone expect her to abide by political decorums? I was glad when Biden cut loose on the "maverick" comments. I lost count of how many times she used it, and tired of hearing it. She blew it. Mrs. Palin...America is still waiting for any answer to any question you were asked last night. "

Silly Billy wrote on Oct 3, 2008 6:59 AM:

" I believe that was the longest run-on sentence I have ever seen. "

gimpy wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:16 AM:

" Yes, Ms. Palin appealed to "Joe Six-Pack", but so did Bush and look where that got us. I liked how she kept bringing up Obama's voting record on funding the troops, only to have Biden shoot her out of the water when he said that McCain voted exactly the same way on that bill. But if you keep saying the same lie over and over, someone will believe you. There was a lot of room to expound on questions that no one took advantage of, particularly on Biden's vote on the Bankruptcy bill and the Jones act. A decent moderator would have seized on these and we could have had a real debate instead of the "Miss America" interview we saw. "

tazer baby wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:22 AM:

" It's not like the president and vice -president have a lot of juice in Washington anymore so, I think it would be kind of refreshing to have a person who has not been tainted by a quarter century of old school politics in the "Big House" mixing it up a bit. All you guys know that those two positions don't actually make any real decisions during their term, right? "

funnyone wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:31 AM:

" My thoughts, for what they are worth. I walked away much more impressed with Bidens speaking that I ever have been Obamas. I think Sarah Palin is the real deal and I liked how she talked about her own views, Biden didnt discuss much of his own thoughts/feelings he spoke like a fact almanac. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:35 AM:

" I do think it is funny how easily the Liberal males put down an educated woman. I wonder what that Stanford poll that found that 33 percent of the white Liberals are racist toward blacks would have found about that same group's leaning toward educated women in positions of power. It is obvious that Hillary's strength in the party did not come from white Liberal males. I think it is obvious that the Liberal males really have a problem with women who can think about other issues than abortion. That must be very scary to them. "

Pierce Co. Repub. wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:46 AM:

" I thought she held her own against Biden. She kept Biden backed in a corner where all he could do is stick his head in the sand and complain about the outgoing president. His rhetoric sounded like the hundreds of politicians in office now, quagmired in thier own words. Her "Country Bumkin" image was somewhat amusing and genuine. I'm not sure I could call Biden "Genuine". She was very confident and well rehearsed, I thought much better than Biden. "

pangborn wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:27 AM:

" Sara Palin came on to the stage like a high school cheerleader. She crossed the center line and shook Bidens hand.
She got there first.

It is called body language and she used it well. She bobbed and weaved in all the right places.


Her last two weeks in Sedona for grooming was apparent. She is a quick study.

I think she could have debated her position. She chose instead to be the cheerleader.

I thought everything she said was a Rah Rah for Old John.

He needs all the help he can get. "

banana hammock wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:28 AM:

" sleepless, nice list( check all the polls from cnn, abc, cbs, washington post) are any of these liberal based networks or media outlets?

pretty easy to get a fair review. "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:34 AM:

" WOW! Party Blind (most likely)? Ignorant? Uneducated country folks? WOW! I don't think some you watched the same debate I did last night!

Anyone whom truly believes Palin won last night's debate has NO clue in life!

Three criteria commonly used to judge a debate:

1) Quality of Presentation
2) Knowledge of Topic
3) Clear reason for position

On top of this you have time limits, speaking skills & a few other things.

In this debate Joe Biden didn't just win he CRUSHED Sarah Palin. It wasn't close people. If you think any different you're obviously from another planet. Come On! I've seen a few high school debaters with better politcal knowledge & presentation. Palin is a joke! She needs to step and allow a qualified candidate to fill. Paul, Romney or Huckabee would give McCain a chance with Indpedents like myself! Palin - Zero Chance! "

dudester50 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:43 AM:

" The fact that we are even discussing palin seriously boggles my mind. She just spouts insults and hyperbole typical neocon. I never heard one real answer just a bunch of doubletalk. Educated? are you kidding me she can`t even talk. "

JD Hogg wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:47 AM:

" Ya know these Democrats are really worried when there have already been 20 posts made in the wee hours of the night! They can't sleep! I can't wait for Cheney119 or 1209 to log in and post how they think that Biden crushed Palin and how everything in the world is one big conspiracy! Fact of the matter is that Palin did very well, and Biden to his credit did exactly what he was supposed to do, not really say much of anything. Let's face it, Palin has more executive experience than any other candidate in the race, including McCain, but all you'll hear about is how Palin is unqualified from them.....that is there way to attempt to distract you so you won't consider Obama's lack of ANY kind of experience. Obama is nothing more than a "community organizer" heck, do you really want this guy to be in charge of the world's most powerful military?! Scary! "

TwentySomething wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:48 AM:

" I think the disprepancies between US news and BBC news in regards to the winner of these debates is fascinating. Immediately following the Obama/McCain debate US media was declaring Obama the winner all over the place. At that same moment, BBC news analysts were saying McCain was the victor.
Today, I checked in on the response to the VP debates, and I am seeing a slight discrepancy here as well. US media polls are declaring Biden the winner, but the BBC headline says: "Both Biden and Palin Won Their Bouts". Interesting. "

cobra kai wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:58 AM:

" Bad Boy - That's crap. Hillary won practically every debate with Obama, and it was acknowledged by many in the party. This habit of blaming any criticism of Sarah Palin as sexist is getting a little old. You're better than that, I thought you guys didn't play the "victimization" game? "

country gal wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:00 AM:

" All Biden did was bicker constantly. He drove me nuts! Palin was refreshing! "

longviewbiz wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Let me first of all commend TDN on their unbiased account of the debate. In this day and age of the media being so liberal and shamelessly leaning that way in their reporting, TDN did a awesome job with this story.
Some thing people don't keep in mind is all elected officials don't stand like a dictator and dictate. They have advisers and use then as they see fit. A vise president has those adviser's to do just that advise. The only thing anyone can say about Palin that is remotely bad is her not having a knowledge of middle east politics of a college professor. What she did bring to the table was honesty and integrity. Something Biden did not. He lied over 10 times to the American Public during this debate. I personally see her as a breath of fresh air that is not afraid to cross lines, even her own parties to represent the country she serves. I predict even if she does not make it to the white house, this is not the last we will see of Palin. "

Simple Man wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:20 AM:

" It doesnt matter who won and it doesnt matter who gets elected. Nothing will change America is run by the rich CEO's. There will be no change and there will be no shake up in Washington. You are all wasting your breath. "

hope wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:30 AM:

" I still can't believe people see Governor Palin ready for the position she is running for. The debate last night showed how much she needs to learn to be in the mayor league, specially debating with Senator Biden. One example; please respond the answer it was asked. She was trained for 3 days and had a list of points to make, when that wasn't part of the debate, she ignored it and went ahead to talk about what she felt comfortable with.
Is she going to talk about "drilling" when Congress asks her to vote about the economy? "

flatbakman wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:41 AM:

" Actually Biden impressed me last night, I thought he did a decent job (even when double talking). But, he also impressed upon me that he is a WASHINGTON INSIDER who has spent OVER 35 YEARS on OUR payroll, and that he is the typical CAREER POLITICIAN who has lost touch with middle America and has done little to nothing to help keep this nation great. "

tdn reader wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Pierce Co. Repub....The name says it all. An obvious reason that you would be biased to the likes of Sarah Palin. I, for one, do not associate myself with either party and I think Sarah Palin is a joke. Would you let a nurse do brain surgery on you? How is this any different? Same line of work, different level of expertise. Also, just thought I would let longview biz know that this story was printed by The Daily News, but written by a member of the Associated Press. "

Silly Billy wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:48 AM:

" I kinda agree with Simple Man myself. Aint nothing gonna happen and we middle class get the stick and are gonna be in the same rut as always, meanwhile, the people in the government and big-shot CEO/CFOs get the mula and are living large amongst their scandals. - It's the way it's been and it's the way it will continue to be unless another civil war happens and we the six-pack Joes and Hockey-moms unite and stand up to the corruption. - What are we waiting for..... I'm waiting for us to quit complaining to each other and to find a standard ground for 'We The People'. We aint Demos... we aint Repubs... we aint liberals... WE ARE THE PEOPLE! "

caldera wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:51 AM:

" "An observer" remarks that Harry Truman was a great president and had little experience before entering office - by extension lack of experience does not disqualify Sarah Palin. Observer get your facts straight. Before becoming VP, Truman served as an officer in the WWI, 15 years as Judge and 10 years in the Senate. Still think that experience does not matter? Sarah Palin is not qualified for this office - plain and simple! "

AliceKinnon wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:53 AM:

" "I do think it is funny how easily the Liberal males put down an educated woman."

Who is this educated woman you speak of, TDNBadBoy? "

Redline67 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:59 AM:

" I spent a few days in Canada last summer, and after having several conversations with the locals I began to notice a similar topic of conversation..they tend to believe that Americans are a bunch of ignoramuses(or ignorami). Why do they have this misconception(for the most part) of the American people? One word: BUSH. They can't believe that we voted him in for a second term. This belief of the American people isn't held to only Canada..we're the laughing stock of most of the world. Now..we have Palin with her "folksy", cutesy down home act..and the fact that the American people find her so "refreshing". "Folksy" and "refreshing"..just like "the guy that I'd like most to have a beer with"(Bush) do NOT make a person qualified to run our country! Pull your heads out. We need people who are actually QUALIFIED to run our country in the White House! We're in for another 4 years of a world of hurt(and humiliation) if we get Palin and her "first dude" into the White House. "

JMKelso wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:00 AM:

" Sarah was awesome! I was very impressed... and so were others.
The Wall Street Journal calls Palin "confident" and "folksy," and adds she held "her own against her vice-presidential rival." The New York Times reports "Palin exceeded expectations in this highly anticipated face-off." In a similar front-page analysis titled "The Politics Of Spunk," the Los Angeles Times reports, "If Palin's goal was to show that she could credibly share the stage with a seasoned politician -- then she succeeded beyond even many Republicans' expectations." The Financial Times says Palin "appeared well-prepared." Roll Call reports that,"Her performance may end questions about her ability to grapple with complicated issues."
Some print stories are even giving Palin the win. The AP reports, "While both vice presidential candidates achieved their goals Thursday night, the stakes were much higher. "...Palin won." USA Today says, "Both candidates exuded confidence and determination -- a victory of sorts for Palin, the first-term Alaska governor performing on equal terms with the six-term Delaware senator." "

donnie54 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Who is ever ready for these political positions? Come on? We are never going to know ahead of time who is going to fit in a position and who won't. There will always be good and bad Presidents/Vice Presidents. Only time will tell. I don't think Obama is anymore qualified to be the President than Palin is to be Vice President. Neither of them have occupied these positions before so who knows! "

American First wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:11 AM:

" Palin took it hands down, doing so with class, tact, and intelligently. Palin is clearly about the "people first", and has not been poisoned from the politics as usual, crowd like Biden. Palin is a working class American which is exactly what this country's leadership has been missing for WAY too long. Biden is a career politician even stating he is better off then most Americans as a result, basically confessing he is an elitist, and we are peasants. Palin the clear winner, and clearly the best option... "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:17 AM:

" TDN Reader, you don't have to say what party you are associated with, we can all see it in your comment language. I am always extremely skeptical of people who say I don't identify with either party. BULL. Palin is a great choice for VP. Biden is just like Obama, inside the Beltway. It's good to have fresh faces and fresh voices. Biden is nothing but a party mouthpiece. He has done all the party's bidding on the judical committee. His treatment of Clarence Thomas was nothing short of racist. But then I expect that from the Liberal Democrats. The polls show they are racist. They support a racist candidate. And they attack Palin just because she is a strong woman who does base she thought process on abortion rights. The people who liked Palin before like her more now. The Liberals didn't before and they see her as a serious threat now and they are just in their attack dog mode. "

AliceKinnon wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:31 AM:

" JMKelso said:

"Some print stories are even giving Palin the win. The AP reports, "While both vice presidential candidates achieved their goals Thursday night, the stakes were much higher. '...Palin won."

Why didn't you post the quote in its entirety?

Here, let me do it for you:

"While both vice-presidential candidates succeeded in their only debate of the campaign last night, the stakes were much higher and the bar was much lower for Palin. So, in the contest of low expectations, Palin won." "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:32 AM:

" Here's some straight talk from a registered Independant. When your party's candidate is 72 years old, has had 4 boughts with melanoma including a large stage 3 melanoma removed in 2000 you NEED a VP candidate that instills confidence in all voters, not just the party loyals! "

Anderson82 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:34 AM:

" This was not even a debate. Biden, absolutely embarressed Palin. Sorry right wingers, you lost and will lose in November. It is getting old how Palin always says "we are mavericks". I mean come on. That line is getting old. Ive heard people say they are voting for Palin because she is "hot", come on people. She couldnt even run a high school. She was in charge of a little town of llike 12,000 people in Alaska... Get real Republicans, you are desperte and finding anything good about her because you know you are going to get somked in this election.
OBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 2008 "

DUH wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:38 AM:

" Bad Boy, your comments make ZERO sense. First you say that because 33% of Democrats are racist, they wont vote for Obama. Then you say that they support a racist candidate. All I can say to that is, WHAT??? Are you saying that the 33% of Democrats that are racist will vote for McCain? I guess by your definition then, that the racist they'd be supporting is McCain. I don't see Palin as a threat. Never have. "

Happy Camper wrote on Oct 3, 2008 10:39 AM:

" What is going to be interesting is to see how Biden reconciles his comments about Obama during the primary debates with what he stated last night. Either he was wrong then or he is wrong now. I think I know the answer to that one and I bet so do most others if they choose to be honest with themselves. "

Lazer Infant wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:06 AM:

" Hey, I've sold a pair of shoes before, call me Harry Truman! Are we really counting lack of experience as common bonds between great presidents past, and Sarah Palin?? Gag me with a banned book about sexual education in the classroom!!!! "

Viewpoint wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:07 AM:

" Am I the only one who was bored with this show and tuned out half-way through? As a source of serious information about issues this debate was not it. "

tdn reader wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:08 AM:

" Just some background for TDN Bad Boy...I am a woman who has some of the same views as Palin. Like her, I am pro-life. I do NOT support either party, but when it comes down to it, she just doesn't have the experience or the knowledge. It shows in her interviews and last night's debate. Unlike you, I have studied both parties and will make an informed decision based on who I believe will do a better job in office. You, on the other hand, are so glued to your party, that you refuse to see the light of day, but that is your problem. You are so far out on the right wing that you are about to fall off. I just pray that when it comes down to it Obama/Biden win and can prove people like you wrong. "

AmericanGirl wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:16 AM:

" Face it Palin kicked butt and took notes..Everybody wants new blood here it is with more experience than Obama and she's only running for the vp spot. "

Kem Cho wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:16 AM:

" I got the impression Biden was running against President Bush. Was Biden not the one who voted for deregulation of banks, which President Clinton signed in 1999. Was he also not the one who who voted to authorize Iraq war? Was he not the one who said Obama is not ready to be President during Democrat debates? Also, he agreed with Senator Clinton about Obama's lack of experience. "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:17 AM:

" A very important consideration for all of the undecided voters. When your reading all of the news articles about this election and it's candidates check out the source.. With google, yahoo, msn, etc you can learn a lot about it's source in about 60 seconds. "

slowburn wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:26 AM:

" For months conservatives have been moaning about Obama worship. Well welcome to the Church of Palin. She didn't embarrass herself, therefore she won? Biden at least addressed the questions. Palin clumsily injected off-topic, canned sound bites at every corner. She's a female Bush. Governor of a Western state with strong ties to oil who masks her ineptitude with an ah-shucks persona. How can you "win" a debate when you don't even answer the questions? Clearly we need to invest far more in education in this country because these glowing reviews of the Gov. Palin's performance are insane. "

Happy Camper wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:45 AM:

" I'm a conservative and I have to admit, I like the sound of a lot of things Obama and Biden are saying. I just don't believe them. The truth lies in who they surround themsleves with. For example, Obama's current financial advisor Frank Raines used to be the CEO of Fannie Mae. That and other ties to very far left groups I believe points to where an Obama administration is likely to go if elected. That scares the hell out of me and my pocket book. "

biasmedia wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:47 AM:

" what i love is when you read these comments you get a lot of claim and bashes that these liberals are making as lack of experience and personal attacks that they said was wrong and uncalled for in politics when they where made against obama but now they threw them against palin hmm how is that not bias and BTW fact check for some of you all palin is running for vice president not for president reading these blogs you seem to get that fact lost "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:48 AM:

" http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/03/politics/2008debates/main4497138.shtml?source=mostpop_story Here's an interesting poll. Uncommitted voters say Biden won the debate by a 2 to 1 margin. I would imagine the 1 are conservative leaning uncommitted voters because last night was more of a slaughter than a debate! "

LviewLocal wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:49 AM:

" To me it was clear. Palin was reciting memorized lines and Biden was speaking off the cuff. He has more experience, more knowledge, and he won this debate, period. "

biasmedia wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:50 AM:

" and no one points out that the moderator has a book that hold obama and show her supports for him in jan so she should not even been giving the job "

DW wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:09 PM:

" I decided to listen on the radio rather than watch tv. I thought Palin did well. Joe Biden is the dems little attack dog. When Biden comes out and says that Global Warming is 100% caused by man, I nearly dropped my glass. The earth has warmed and cooled hundreds of times before man was here. Man is not causing global warming, and I do not want an Administration that is going to make me drive a hybred. I think Palin has the experience to deal with the energy situation, and I for one would be drilling for oil anywhere we can find it. North American has the biggest oil reserves on the planet, and we have the technology to get it without making a mess. Our economy is in bad enough shape, lets go get some more of our own resources and tell the Saudi's the go pound sand. "

Mr. Bastinado wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:15 PM:

" Gov. Palin's tutoring was (I felt) obvious and needed. She ramped-up her TV performance considerably over the Couric interview. That being said, I felt the winking and folksiness charade was laughable. Not sure how many else noticed the Carter-Reagan debate usage of the "There you go again" line that Reagan effectively used against the statistical facts Carter raised--I sure did, and found it condescending and desperate. Biden was refreshingly reserved in that he limited his answers to the point that I didn't start (the usual) snoring. All said-No one expected Palin to win. The best one can say is that she didn't loose too badly. "

1973 Chinook wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Palin did a fantastic job of reciting the answers she had memorized! Too bad they didn't match the questions she was responding to! "

DUH wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:20 PM:

" It's NUCLEAR Ms. Palin. Not NUCULAR. 5 colleges couldn't teach you that? You and Bush must have went to the same schools. "

Mr. Bastinado wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:28 PM:

" Happy Camper...You could well be correct. However, most Americans (myself included) have short-term memories when it comes to politicians deeds. Anyone remember 'ol Charles Keating and the Keating Five of the late '80's. (There's one for the younger crowd to Google). It'll tell ya a lot about our dear Mc Cain. Oh, and Bad Boy, before you start bellowing, I will state the fact that 4 of the 5 Keating senators were Dems. and that Mc Cain wasn't censored, but the whole thing made everyone hold their noses, as the politics of it reeked like the making of sausages. "

Gondolapete wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:28 PM:

" No one that is a real conservative would EVER vote for Obama the socialist, or Biden the Buffoon. So please quit with the lies claiming otherwise. I also find it odd that CBS. CNN polls are "credible" but Fox is not...strange how that works. I also recall Kerry had it all but won this time in history 4 yrs ago. Obama will lose by a huge margin!!!! "

Tired of it wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:33 PM:

" I watched the Cubs.Our wonderful goverment leaders only solutions are more goverment,more taxes ,and more control.CHANGE....be careful,look what our leaders have done to us.ALL OF THEM! HAS ANYONE RESIGNED OVER THE LATEST MESS....NONE "

Diesel wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:40 PM:

" I can't believe all the talk about how "she" isn't qualified for this job. Remember that she is running for the V.P. position. Please explain hoe a man (obama) who has 6 years in the senate and has only spent and actual 143 days there has any more qualifications to run for the top spot. As a dem I really need to know the answer to this if he is to get my vote. "

DUH wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:41 PM:

" Here you go Bad Boy. here's the words you posted on the Bush's war moves on par with Hitler's story... The poll,conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference. Now, if you didn't believe it, you wouldn't have posted it. It's a good thing that the bicycle you're on has a freewheel. How else would you be able to back pedal if it didn't. "

klb65 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:43 PM:

" 1973 Chinook...right on! If cute, folksy, adorable and the ability to wink were part of the necessary components for a President of the United States, I believe Palin would have a leg to stand on. However, her inability to actually answer questions that weren't programmed responses was zip, zero, nada! I have a lot of respect for Senator Biden's control when he was bated many times during the debate. And, her sarcasm was almost interoble to me. I know that what we need is a President and Vice President that can face the world with intelligence, dignity and the ability to work with others to get the job done. And TDN Bad Boy..you are a piece of work! Obama is no more a racist than you are...which by the way may be a bit of a quandry because I think you must be a racist with the kind of attitude and crap you spew constantly. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Oct 3, 2008 12:52 PM:

" As for my beliefs about the Liberal males being scared of Palin, here is what a non-partisan pollster says: "Only male Democrats viewed Palin less favorably after the debate than before, according to Mitchell McKinney, a University of Missouri-Columbia researcher whose past debate analysis has predicted national trends. In her debate performance, females overall found her more convincing or were more favorably inclined [than before], said McKinney, who has been studying national debates since 1992. I think he just supported what I said. Liberal males are the ones doing the Palin bashing. They have something against strong women. I guarantee you that Hillary didn't win because women didn't support her. The Liberal white males didn't support Hillary, and they are bashing Palin for basically the same reason -- strong woman who they can't bully. "

Pinky wrote on Oct 3, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Palin was like a robot.. un-emotional and without conviction when she needed to be... Very very sad.... She disgusted me within the first 5 minutes...

OBAMA 08 OBAMA 08 OBAMA 08 OBAMA 08 OBAMA 08 OBAMA 08 OBAMA 08 OBAMA 08 "

Pierce Co. Repub. wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:39 PM:

" RE: TDN Reader, you and others question Palin's ability to lead this country, if something should happen to McCain. What about Obama though? What are his qualifications? 143 days of Senate expirience? I think not.. Hopenosis... "

flatbakman wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:43 PM:

" Why is it that the first time we say Palin speak on National TV she was berated for reading off a telepromter just like ever other politician does, and this time the same people are berating her for memorizing lines and talking points just like every other politician does? I'm suprised that the same people aren't complaining about the size of her lapel flag pin, the color of her dress, or the height of her heals. "

DW wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:15 PM:

" I caught a tv news story that says Biden lied 16 times during the debate last night.......guess we'll have to follow up on that. And if it is proven to be true, will you folks on the left just keep drinking the kool-aid? I know that is a rehtorical question, but just have to ask. But it doesn't really matter anymore anyway, our government just voted to socialize the banking system. I was really hoping the house of Rep. would hold tight and not vote for this. 950 billion dollars of our money that we don't even have.....I wish I could run my house that way. Just keep getting further in debt, and cry wolf so someone else can pay my bills. What a country, the USAR (United Socialist American Republic) "

turkeyhunterman wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:20 PM:

" What's really sad is that if Biden had been visibly shaking, slobbering down his jaw, saying UH every other word and had a wet spot on the front of his pants from wetting himself there still would be those who would say that he won the debate. I'm not sure anyone won the debate but Palin at least held her own against a 30+ year veteran. I think that speaks volumes for her. "

citizen pote wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:26 PM:

" There were some moments I thought Biden was drunk. Maybe he was in the lounge prior to going on stage. Oh yeah, the Hillary moment was a nice touch... "

TheGenius wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:44 PM:

" Sorry I'm late to the party. I'll keep this light and easy. I'm in a great mood, what with the impending Phish reunion tour and all, so I hope no one tries to mess with my chi. First, can anyone explain to me why Joe Biden referred to himself in the third person no less than four times? Who does this guy think he is, Rickey Henderson? Unless he's a former wide receiver for the Cowboys or something, he's got no business saying things like, "Joe Biden wants to get the troops out if Iraq," or "Joe Biden likes peanut butter and jelly." The third person thing has to stop. Second- After this debate, who do you think wants a mulligan on their running mate choice more, Obama or McCain? I'm thinking Obama, because Biden's third person tendencies and his amazing ability to act like the smartest person in the room when everyone else is chuckling at him and rolling their eyes is a lot more damaging than Palin saying "Darn right" and other folksy thing. I know it drives the Libs crazy when she does the folksy things. But I'll tell you something: it's connecting with a lot more people than Biden's blowhard personality, complete with finger-pointing and third person references. I'm not kidding, that was the most hilarious development of the debate for me. Why is this not getting more discussion? "

TheGenius wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:54 PM:

" One more thing on Biden. Did you know that he is the last Senator still in office who voted against federal funding for the construction of the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline? Also, did you know that, while running for president in 1988, he totally fabricated speeches from a member of Parliament? Not bits and pieces, more like entire paragraphs. I really think Obama is trying to figure out a way to get this guy to quit. "

Bizzy Bee wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:02 PM:

" McCain/Palin has my vote! "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:13 PM:

" This forums score: Pro Biden - 34... Pro Palin - 26... Neutral - 9... CNN viewers score: Biden - B avg... Palin - D.... But what really matters: Obama currently holds 6 point or higher leads in enough states to give him 250 electoral votes and currently leads in by 1-5 points in 8 battleground states that would give him another 89 electoral votes... "

Cheney119 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Attention Joe 6pack and the United Stupid of America (ie the republican party). Where does this nitwit go when she gets off her script? What does she do with a follow up question? She doesn't read any newspapers or magazines! She can* "

Cheney119 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:03 PM:

" She doesn't care what causes global warming, yet she agrees the earth is warming. I you don't know what the cause is. If you don't know what the cause is, how do you find a solution? I don't expect much from Sarah Palin, she takes a literal interpertation of the bible. How dumb can you possibly be? She isn't qualified to be the Governor of Alaska. She isn't qualified to be anything. She should shut her stupid mouth and go to church, and wait for second coming. I don't think the religious sect members of her ilk should even be allowed to vote. I don't believe in the easter bunny, or santa claus and I think that people that have her view of the world are unqualified to hold office. The last thing she should be doing is running for national office. Obama and McCain are just pretending to be Christian and people of faith, they hold no deep beliefs, thank God, ha ha. "

turkeyhunterman wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:19 PM:

" Awwww come on Cheney (nice handle by the way, I like Mr. Cheney too) Are you one of those guys who would say Biden won the debate even if he wet himself and had drool running down his shirt. Do you really despise me just because of who I vote for? Is that tollerance? "

American First wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Cheney119, wow, your ready to remove the civil rights of Americans right to vote & freedom of religion because what they think is different then yours. No doubt your backing Obama / Biden ticket, the three of you think a like. "

cobra kai wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:49 PM:

" I think when people see their 401k's lose thousands of dollars they would rather have people in office who know what they are talking about then, "Aw, Shucks," folksiness. But that's just me. Your third person stuff is funny though. cobra kai liked that joke. Biden didn't "fabricate" a speech, but he definitely plagriarized. He's gotten enough heat for it, I think we can probably let it go. It's legitimate, but I just don't think people care. If we're going to talk about that, McCain's Keating 5 stuff is fair game. "

dude wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:49 PM:

" Biden did better debating but Palin had better personality which gave her the win. Biden is such a typical politican the falsehoods he said he made you believe. Same old Washington. "

bmack wrote on Oct 3, 2008 6:21 PM:

" You all need to wake up and listen to "simple man". We are owned by the coroperate world. "

cheney119 wrote on Oct 3, 2008 6:50 PM:

" Do you know why McCain is pulling out of Michigan United Stupid of America, ie republicans? USA he is dropping out, pulling adds and staff, because he's recognizing he has zero chance of winning there. Why do you think that is? Why do you think he's not advertising in Oregon or Washington? The reasong, all you members of the USA, is that he won't win here either. This financial crisis and the huge stock market loses of retirees has kill his only support, the elderly. He was a deregulater and deregulation is the whole issue in the financial meltdown and mortgage crisis. McCain is finished. I just wish the country didn't have to suffer so much to get a good president like Obama. Palin lost the debate, she would be a joke president. But who cares McCain won't be elected. "

kalama river resident wrote on Oct 3, 2008 7:06 PM:

" I agree, with bmack and simple man, who cares, you all are arguing about who won the debate, while the people responsible for getting us into the worst financial disaster since 1929, just gave themselves over 700 billion of our tax payer dollars to fix a problem they created! real smart, give the fox the keys to the chicken coop. And ALL politicians bear responsibility. "

CowlitzSounding wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:12 PM:

" I can't imagine that anyone would support/defend a vice presidential candidate who does not understand the meaning of "Achilles Heel". She is out of her league. What would our learned founding fathers think? We deserve bright leaders for our great nation. "You betcha" talk from "W" and Sarah has no place in our government. "

dogshead wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:01 AM:

" We love weak women. Women who will parrot the words written by the male republican party leaders. Women who flirt, smiling and winking their way into your heart, never speaking to your brain (that would be too threatening). Insisting that family matters are 'hands off' in an election....let's see if a Bristol wedding happens just before the election, with McSame in the front row. Just a thought (stolen from someone wiser)....how would the American public reacted to an Obama child out-of-wedlock pregnacy? "Those black folk are just out of control, breeding misfits, and this proves it". Be honest now....would the voter be a little less 'generous' if this happen to the black politican? I'd be guilty, no matter how liberal and open minded I like to think I am. "

TheGenius wrote on Oct 4, 2008 9:56 AM:

" TheGenius loves how we are all able to come together as Americans and celebrate the great freedom we have to elect our leaders, not in a partisan way, but in a respectful and harmonious way. TheGenius recognizes that everyone has their own opinion and is glad that so many wonderful citizens can express said opinions while keeping out the name-calling and insults. TheGenius knows that it is hard to keep emotion out of a decision as important as choosing our next leader, but TheGenius is thankful we have such a positive mindset on both sides of the aisle to keep our nation from becoming divided. I'm TheGenius and I approve this message. "

speedydog wrote on Oct 4, 2008 10:07 AM:

" Sarah Palin: An educated women?

1982 Hawaii Pacific College – 1 semester
North Idaho Community College (Idaho) – 2 semesters, general studies
University of Idaho (Idaho) – 2 semesters
Miss Wasilla pagent Beauty Contest (Alaska)
Miss Alaska pagent (Alaska – 2nd runner-up and Miss Congeniality award
Matanuska-Susitna Community College (Alaska) – 1 term
1987 University of Idaho – 3 semesters – BS in journalism
Of course the two guys with law degrees did't win a beauty pagent so I guess that they won't be resorting to wink, wink, kiss, kiss as a flirty ploy to curry favor. Heaven help us! "

toledoone wrote on Oct 4, 2008 10:26 AM:

" More Kool Aid for the folks please, they seem to be a little bit edgy.

Palin is running as the Vice President.
McCain is running for President. More Kool Aid for the folks please. "

Rocko wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:18 AM:

" Bidin is the same crap thats been running this country into the ground. Obama is a poser that says what you want to hear. typical BS politics. McCain is a war junkie that scares me. Palin is fresh and new. I think she is what we need. Crap + poser = super bad. fresh + scary = maybe OK! niether party is what the U.S. needs, but we have no choice, one or the other will be put into office. WE ARE SO SCREWED! "

Boonies wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:29 AM:

" Palin lost me with her Reagan references. Reagan was a jerk and so was Nixon. She soft-pedaled around the gay issue and she will just lead us into neverending wars. History is full of examples of governments going broke by waging war. There seems to be no hope of just living in peace with the world. Obama is just bringing a new group of carpetbaggers to steal from us but at least they deserve a turn to also pilfer from our public coffers and lie to us. McCain will take us to nuclear war and he is a nut-job. "

AmericanGirl wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:56 AM:

" If Palin aint qualified Obama is really under qualified or do we have a double standerd?HMMMM "

sportymom wrote on Oct 4, 2008 12:21 PM:

" I think its funny that the people who back Palin are saying, she didn't do as bad as we thought. Are you kidding me? She didn't do anything at all for me, her wink was disgusting, her shout out was stupid, and if I hear the term Maverick one more time I am going to puke! I loved it when Biden threw that back in her face.....all she could do was continue smiling her car salesman smile. I am proud to vote for Obama/Biden 08 "

DW wrote on Oct 4, 2008 1:19 PM:

" Geeezz Cheney119, don't hold back, tell us what you really think. And to Luck7, um, I think that is why they actually hold an election, you don't win by being ahead in the poles. If I'm not mistaken, Bush was 10 points down going into the 2004 election and still won. And Cheney119 it's not United Stupid of America, it's USAR, (United Socialist American Republic). I would have thought you would already have your sickle and star flag by now.....I have been looking for a news article describing a man riding a schwinn bycicle on Ocean Beach hwy draped in nothing but a red sickle and star flag shouting, "Comrads, save the motherland", or something to that effect. I believe there will be a big suprise in this election, and I believe that the hate spewing from the left is ultimately self defeating. McCain is the best choice to protect this country and Palin adds a nice bit of outside the beltway politics to the ticket. If we don't protect the country it doesn't really matter what any of us think, there won't be a United States to argue over. "

cheney119 wrote on Oct 4, 2008 4:50 PM:

" After the Bush bailout I guess we're all socialists. Sarah Palin isn't qualified to hold up to a interview with Katie Couric. She doesn't even read the newspaper, yet country first McCain picked her to take his place when he dies? People that think she did a good job in the debate just like the republican talking points she managed to memorized, like a one trick pony. DW I plan on telling you and the rest of your Unitied STUPID of America replublican party exactly what I think. Republicans are what's wrong with this country. "

DW wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:15 PM:

" Cheney, how many times do I have to say this. The Republican party is lost. There is no home for conservatives. I would like to see a Nationalist party with a conservative base. And this bailout is wrong. I wish what was left the conservative republicans would have stopped it....do you have your flag yet?? Hail to the motherland!!! "

Cheney119 wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:43 PM:

" A conservative party? So instead of 23% republican party you could go to a 10% conservative party. That sounds great to me and the democratic party. What was conservative about the $150 billion of pork they had to sweeten the bailout deal with? What was conservative about starting a war with Iraq? Why don't conservatives believe in environmental conservation. That's the problem with conservatives; there isn't anything conservative about them, they are radical, and radically wrong about everything. Conservative is just a label you like to call yourself, it doesn't mean a damn thing. Note that in your post you make no effort to define what conservative is or state anything that this conservative party would stand for. The reason you can't state a decent arguement is because the brain power is not there to do so, good luck find any of that. "

Rosey Glasses wrote on Oct 4, 2008 10:09 PM:

" Hey DW, When Cheney119 gets his sickle and flag and peddles himself down Ocean Beach Hwy... I WANT PICTURES! I think this who two party system was predicted to fail back when, Ben Franklin said it would fail... it has. We need to band together and write in someone like Ron Paul.. enough do it and he could win! Wouldn't that shock the current candidates! neither wins, the people win and we get someone that WILL give us the CHANGE WE NEED! hahaha "

sleepless wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:41 PM:

" OK.. forget about the debate and who one because as they say there is not point of stating the obvious...but what is silly is this talk about politicians and how they are , and how they are responsible for this mess...I have news for you..you elected those politicians (wether you voted D or R)..and if you think we will be better off by electing someone who is new to politics, well that's not going to happen because soon enough he or she will becone a "typical politician" by your standards, so I don't care who you are going to vote for, but it will end up being a politician one way or another , it is all about voting for the lesser of the two evils...for me I used to like Mccain,but him picking Palin as his running mate was the deal breaker ..because I don't know about you, but to me he insulted my intelligence, enough said. "

Boonies wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:10 AM:

" Fix this by getting rid of the Electoral College. It should be one person and one vote. Don't wait until after the election to demand an honest vote count. Why is the upcoming theft of the election by the Republicans such a non-issue? If we can send out space shuttles, how hard can it be to have an honest election? The theft of your vote is the greatest insult to our democracy you will ever see. "

toledoone wrote on Oct 5, 2008 9:58 AM:

" Now, not too much Kool Aid folks, one can get a little to excited you know. "

TheGenius wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:04 AM:

" TheGenius wonders why cheney119 is so angry. TheGenius wonders if there was some traumatic incident when cheney119 was younger that led him to be such an angry, angry person. TheGenius is appalled by the depths that liberals stoop to in order to advance the agenda of their candidates. TheGenius suggests that if Liberals are so much more qualified to run the nation, maybe they should tell us why, rather than resort to pettiness and name-calling. I'm TheGenius and I approved this message. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Oct 5, 2008 1:54 PM:

" Boonies, if you get rid of the electoral college, your vote will be worth even less? Why? Because the big population states and cities will control everything. A president could be elected simply by winning the six or seven most populated states such as Californ, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Texas. Carry those states with 60 percent of the vote, and you can just about write off the rest of the country. The Electoral College does a great job of eliminating that. You Liberals think Florida cost you the election in 2000. What you forget about is that Gore became the first VP not to carry his own state. You also forget that Clinton became one of the first outgoing presidents not to deliver his own state to his party. If Gore wins either of those two states, Florida doesn't matter. Thus in 2000 it was two smaller states that decided the election, not a bigger one. That is why the Electoral College works. The big population areas do not control the voting for the country. It forces candidates to realize that other parts of the country like Cowlitz County exists. Take that away and our vote will mean even less. "

bucketball wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:08 PM:

" LOL Just keep saying Palin won. LOL. Make me laugh some more she couldn't even anwswer the questions directly. My favorite question was about gay marriage and cival unions when she said the same answer as Biden but when the moderater asked her if she in fact agree with Biden she said no. LOLOLOL If you disagree with me then post a link to one single question she answered directly with a plan on how whatever would get it accomplished? Don't get frustrated trying!!! LOL "

bucketball wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:12 PM:

" Oh yeah one more thing, how can you have a team of "mavericks" when a maverick is a single individual? Here even a definition according to Websters Dictionary Main Entry: 1mav·er·ick
Pronunciation: \ˈmav-rik, ˈma-və-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Samuel A. Maverick †1870 American pioneer who did not brand his calves
Date: 1867
1: an unbranded range animal 2: an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party

With that said, why does he have to always go against his party? Is it because they are always wrong? If he was a true maverick he'd be a Democrat. "

Pierce Co. Repub. wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:11 AM:

" TheGenius is cracking me up... Thanks for the laugh. Sorry Bad Boy, I'm with boonies, the Electorial College system is so out dated. It needs to change to popular vote. I'd like my minority vote count in this liberal state. "

TheGenius wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:55 PM:

" TheGenius is in total agreement with BadBoy on the Electoral College. Battleground states such as Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, and the like would become flyover states to those on the campaign trail. What incentive would there be to campaign in states with a lower population? Focus on the coasts would be the new mantra. The Electoral College is not perfect, but TheGenius has always felt it represented tremendous foresight by the Founders in electing the President. TheGenius says, keep the E.C. "

Old Charlie wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:35 PM:

" One begins to wonder about some of the folks out there, its not so much who is elected, as it is overall sanity of the majority of our citizens as to whether they are going to forsake their morals and responsibility for their personal, self serving greed. Will it be country first, or "me" first? And by the way, if our forefathers thought democracy and the popular vote was best, we would have it, but they knew better, they gave us a republic and the electorial college, thank God. "

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