GOP defangs Pit Bull Palin debate

By Libby Spencer

You know, I read something like this and think I must have fallen into an alternate universe. This isn't a presidential race. It's a SNL skit with bad actors. Apparently they had to wrangle concessions from the Debate Committee, to set narrow parameters for the VP debate in order to make it easier for Palin to participate.

At the insistence of the McCain campaign, the Oct. 2 debate between the Republican nominee for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, and her Democratic rival, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., will have shorter question-and-answer segments than those for the presidential nominees, the advisers said. There will also be much less opportunity for free-wheeling, direct exchanges between the running mates.

McCain advisers said they had been concerned that a loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive.

But her view of Russia left her well informed. She's going to meet Karzai next week. She 'commanded' the AK National Guard. Plenty of experience to be a VP who could be potentially in charge of foreign policy, but not enough to debate it in an open format? Is this a joke? Somebody turn on the canned laughter.

McCain advisers said they were only somewhat concerned about Ms. Palin’s debating skills compared with those of Mr. Biden, who has served six terms in the Senate, or about his chances of tripping her up. Instead, they say, they wanted Ms. Palin to have opportunities to present Mr. McCain’s positions, rather than spending time talking about her experience or playing defense.

So let me get this straight. They pull this hockey mom out of a snowbank three weeks ago and say she's qualified to be second in command of the country, but she not equipped to defend her qualifications? Nobody knows who the blazes she is, but she needs to protected from having to outline her experience? She's running with a 72 year old man with recurring cancer and permanent war injuries. Her ability to perform under pressure is material and her grasp of the issues is of vital importance.

Not that I blame them for wanting to limit her national exposure. Her 'off the cuff' delivery on the economy fails to impress.



This is the most knowledgeable person in the US on energy policy? Then we're in very deep trouble.

(Cross-posted at The Impolitic.)