My take on last night’s debate seems to be at odds with that of the applauding pundits who’re saying that because Palin didn’t act like an idiot a la the Couric interviews that she did a great job debating Biden. She began with a flirty giggle and “Can I call you Joe?” and went on through lots of hastily-crammed-into-her-brain factoids, spiced with plenty of “darn,” “heck” and “doggone.” Aw shucks, if anyone was playing Palin Bingo last night as a drinking game and had those words they’re nursing a hangover today for sure.
She changed the subject in order to toot her own horn more times than I can count, and even my Palin-adoring husband kept laughing and saying, “What was the original question?” But I was impressed–certainly not by her vice-presidential qualities or aptitude for foreign diplomacy–but by the fact that she managed to memorize more names and details in a very short time than a C-minus law student cramming for her first bar exam.
I hadn’t seen Joe Biden speak at length before and was impressed by his vast knowledge of foreign policy and current issues, his humanity, intelligence, eloquence and skill at speaking and debating. I laughed, though, when he said of John McCain, “I love him…I mean God love him.”
The concept of a debate’s having a true winner doesn’t make sense to me really, because points made by both candidates resonate with those disposed to agree with them. I haven’t changed my lack of admiration for Palin, but I do recognize her ability to act corny and memorize a lot of new information quickly.
