Picture of the Day
I thought this was an interesting photo in the "seasoned vet taking control of the space" kinda way.
(Senator Joe Biden rests his hands on Piper Palin, daughter of Republican vice presidential nominee Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, after the U.S. vice presidential debate in St. Louis, Missouri October 2, 2008. (REUTERS/Jim Young))
posted by mikevotes at
6:57 AM
3 Comments:
Other impressions:
Biden was in command, not only of substance but style. Palin was assertive and did fine, for her pay grade, but she was junior league in comparison.
Palin was nervous. Not a knock, just an observation. This, at times, made her frazzled. There were a couple of deer-in-the-headlight moments.
Palin wasn't afraid to look at her opponent.
Palin made no pretense of addressing the questions asked by the moderator. This made her sound slightly off key she often reverted to talking points and Cliff Notes responses rather than actually speaking extemporaneously and with thought.
Biden showed or expressed humility. Palin show or expressed a lack of humility. I think she's genetically incapable of self reflection, self criticism. A true Bushian in that regard.
After the debate both candidates stepped down to thank Ifill. Only Biden asked her how she was doing. She fell and injured [broke?] her leg a couple of days prior. I'm not sure Palin even knew, since it probably wasn't reported in the echo chamber. Biden knows how to connects with individuals. Real old school stuff. Palin knows how to connect with demographics. Sort of the difference between a personal thank you note and a pre-printed greeting. You know?
If I hear "maverick" one more time in connection with McCain and/or Palin, my head will explode.
By
-epm, at 8:19 AM
I agree with pretty much everything there with one rephrasing. Biden has been around long enough that he knows how to shape his performance to reach certain groups. Palin pretty much can just be who she is and those that like her, like that.
I watched on CNN with the little feedback thing, and the word "maverick" almost always led to a slight downturn. Not everybody by any means, but you're not alone.
By
mikevotes, at 10:47 AM
"Biden has been around long enough that he knows how to shape his performance to reach certain groups. Palin pretty much can just be who she is and those that like her, like that."
Agreed, at least with giving speeches to groups. Public speaking and debates are a performance of sorts. Biden's Redford to Palin's Jessica Simpson...
But I'm going a level deeper.... to the one-on-one. Skip all the "years of experience" stuff for a minute. I think Biden has that sincere, Tip O'Neil style, connection (empathy?) for individuals. I don't think Palin does. Unless it's with the converted. Not a knock, really. Biden's a politician too. I just think Biden has a more natural (and I believe sincere) connection to individuals.
By
-epm, at 12:09 PM
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