Thursday, October 02, 2008

No, not live blogging, but...

Here, predictably, was my favorite part of the debate. From Biden:

Look, I understand what it's like to be a single parent. When my wife and daughter died and my two sons were gravely injured, I understand what it's like as a parent to wonder what it's like if your kid's going to make it.

I understand what it's like to sit around the kitchen table with a father who says, "I've got to leave, champ, because there's no jobs here. I got to head down to Wilmington. And when we get enough money, honey, we'll bring you down."

I understand what it's like. I'm much better off than almost all Americans now. I get a good salary with the United States Senate. I live in a beautiful house that's my total investment that I have. So I -- I am much better off now.

But the notion that somehow, because I'm a man, I don't know what it's like to raise two kids alone, I don't know what it's like to have a child you're not sure is going to -- is going to make it -- I understand.

I understand, as well as, with all due respect, the governor or anybody else, what it's like for those people sitting around that kitchen table. And guess what? They're looking for help. They're looking for help.


That felt true and heartfelt to me; I don't think he was faking it.

As long as I'm blogging, my opinion on the debate: Palin played up all her strengths and minimized her weaknesses. Good for her. Meanwhile, Biden was Biden, seasoned and real. Biden clearly won on the substantial points, which everyone, even the stalwarts of the right, expected. I wish that were more important. I predict a slight poll bump for McCain/Palin tomorrow, followed by more decline.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I loved it as well, I thought it was a masterful playing of "the gender card," no less so for seeming genuine. On one level, I thought Palin totally deserved it for the harping she does about her family (repeatedly tonight too: She has Democratic relatives!) I also sympathized with her, she didn't seem to feel able to directly challenge him or accuse him of sexism.

AMR said...

Definitely touched me as well, which in turn touched my wife. An awesome ending to a very good night for him.

IMHO, you are right on about Palin -- she did her job in that she didn't tank McCain's already slipping prospects for victory. But Biden owned the evening from a substance perspective. He carried the platform well -- not sure why anyone undecided yet leaning Obama-Biden wouldn't be firmly in that camp this morning (of course, there are two debates to go . . . ).

aztec-rose said...

Yes, Biden was real, sensible and substantive. Someone I felt you could trust to take on such an important leadership role. Palin, was folksy, played the charm card, but really felt a bit shakey, especially on foreign policy. Let's hope America votes for substance not image come November...

Dana said...

Jeremy, you're ahead of the curve on this one. Yes, it struck me the same as it did you and I've been too overwhelmed with 'life' to blog about it, but glad to read that you did.

Best,

Dana Glazer
Director
The Evolution of Dad Project
www.evolutionofdad.com