VP Showdown

It’s right v left. It’s GOP v Dems. It’s woman v man. It’s young v old. It’s innovation v experience. It’s Palin v Biden. 

The stage for the Vice Presidential debates is not set on even ground. Not in the same way that McCain had to stand on a stool, but in the expectations set for the VP picks. Biden is experienced, smart, quick, witty, and aware of national issues. Palin has no debate experience on the national level, and after her interview performances, she has set low expectations.

Is this part of the McCain/Palin strategy? Palin sandbags interviews, but at the last minute astounds the nation by her performance in the VP debates! Palin conquers the confdent and experienced Biden in a historical upset! Sounds like some horse race pieces, but fits with the pattern of daring moves by the McCain campaign. 

What we need to keep an eye out for are the VP nominee’s pitfalls. For Biden (according to the NY Times), it’s his “legendary loquaciousness”. He loves to rip on Republicans, but will need to tread lightly during the second national debate with a female nominee. For Palin (according to the CS Monitor), it’s her evasion of answering questions she’s unfamiliar with. Her network interviews have shown us her penchant for the “nonanswer”.

Both candidates have lots to gain. With a strong understanding of their ticket’s policy positions, the ability to articulate them, and a capability to relate to the crowd, either candidate could reinforce support for their party’s Presidential nominee. Any slip-ups, hesitations, gaffes, or obliviousness could seriously hinder their ticket.

Good luck Palin and Biden, we’ll be watching closely.

For a video on VP debate style, go here!