2008 VP Debate

Last night was an intriguing night.  Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden went head to head in the only Vice-Presidential debate of this election.  This morning both parties are claiming a win last night.  This is one of those nights where both parties seem to have needed different things from their candidates - and they both seemed to accomplish what they needed to for their primary candidates.

I liked the spirited chivalry that went on last night.  Both had a canned phrase or two that they found their opportunities to share - "ultimate bridge to nowhere" statement from Biden, and the "say it ain't so, Joe" from Palin.

Here is who I really liked last night...for the most part.  I liked the moderator - Gwen Ifill.  She was minimal in this debate and I really appreciated that.  She let the candidates talk and talk the way they wanted to.  Last week, this was not the case.  Jim Lehrer spent a lot of time trying to get Obama and McCain to talk to each other.  Part of that was because the presidential candidates had a harder time directly answering questions, in my opinion.

All in all, I had a good night.  Rhonda and I sat and watched it together with her and we stopped and discussed some and we heard things differently at times.  In the end, I love the fact that we live in a country where we get to watch debates like this and in the end we get to vote.  We get to vote!  Monday, October 6th is the deadline to register, by the way.  Make sure you are registered here.  Tina Fey is funny and talented, but she cannot be our barometer.  Pros and cons surround both tickets, so learn about the primary issues that separate the candidates and vote based on your own conscience and convictions.  

In the end, we have neighbors on both sides, coworkers on both sides, and friends on both sides.  Discussing the issues does not have to be a negative experience, but I have to admit that it often leads to more tension than I wish it did!

Have a great Friday and Go Chargers - Beat Lake!