Wow! Was that ever interesting!

I am, of course, referring to the riveting force of nature that hit Prime Time on Thursday, Oct. 2: the debate between Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin.
Most political analysts are in agreement that Joe Biden won the debate, thanks to both his skilled, passionate presentation and his singular knowledge of the key issues.

Unlike his opponent, Senator Biden – hell, let’s call him “Joe” – was able to answer all of the questions. To his credit, his answers clearly rose from a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Governor Palin, on the other hand, often found it necessary to evade the questions, artfully tossing out “folksy” phrases and changing the subject with a “wink and a nod”.

Palin appeared to be outmatched in most of the key areas. Indeed, each time that an issue arose for which she was unprepared, she deftly shifted her focus to an earlier question that was more familiar to her.

True, there were no major gaffs on the part of either speaker, despite the somewhat titillating anticipation leading up to the debate. No doubt in the aftermath of the “Couric Disasters”, which brought to mind the antics of Reece Witherspoon in “Legally Blonde”, Palin has received a thorough dose of much needed coaching.

Like all successful public personalities, Palin is being taught to lead with her strengths, which do not seem to lie in the areas of knowledge or competence. Palin’s “edge”, for want of a better word, lies in her “down-home charm”, a gift that may prove to be as dangerous as it is seductive.

While Biden clearly outscored Palin in the Debate Proper, it can be argued that Palin took home the “battle of the soundbites”, with her “Say it ain’t so, Joe!” and her “You Betcha!” (insert wink here)

It must be extremely frustrating for someone of Biden’s experience and stature to find himself engaging in such a critical public debate with an opponent who possesses the undeniable charisma of “Gidget Goes to Washington”. This seems to be symptomatic of the ever-diminishing standards in our society.

How does Biden, for instance, deal publicly with Palin’s obvious lack of credentials without appearing to be harsh or judgemental? This is indeed a high-wire act for Biden, who needs to maintain his solid connection to voters while distancing himself from Palin’s “easy answer” style.

Experience stood Biden in good stead. He handled himself with grace and great restraint, unfailingly answering the questions, refusing to “talk down” to his less qualified opponent, and even reaching out to viewers with a moment of personal insight in reference to the tragic loss of his first wife and child. Biden remained direct and concise, leaving it to the nation to judge who is most worthy of the office of “Second in Command”.

Now we wait for the results. Will Biden’s knowledge, experience and passion be enough to undo the colloquial charm of the “Artful Dodger”?

Donna Carrick, October 4, 2008