Demos won the veep debate

As the first round of the presidential debates has ended and the vice-presidential debate just wrapped up, I am reminded of the ‘70s pop classic “I shot the sheriff, but I did not shoot the deputy.” Accusations and denial flew around ye olde town hall like flies on a garbage can. McCain vs. Obama, Round 1, was a victory for Obama, but Biden vs. Palin, “one night only” was a clear win for the Democrats.

Joe Biden was scholarly, fatherly and friendly. Sarah Palin appeared professional, down home, and equally nice. But when the questions started, she seemed to take the same tack as John McCain. Give a half answer at best, change the subject around to what the American people want and need, and pat Joe Six pack on the back to make him feel better about the mess created in Washington.

This seemed to continue for every answer she gave, no matter the subject. Meanwhile Joe Biden waited patiently and gave little smiles as if to say,

“This is the best she’s got?” Yes, Joe, it is.

At the tail end of the debate, Sarah Palin was asked “What would be your Achilles heel as vice president?” After three minutes of rhetoric and problem identification, she made no reference to the question. Joe Biden answered it and even repeated the question, so Gov. Palin could grab a rope as it were, to rescue herself and finally answer the question. The moderator even asked her to respond to Biden’s statement, giving her the opportunity to respond to her “Achilles heel.” I didn’t hold my breath for an answer.

She tended to harp too much on her Main Street, USA hockey mom lifestyle. I get it. You live in the woods. Yogi, Bullwinkle and Bambi are your friends. When they aren’t plated next to grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes. And stop referring to “Average Joe Six pack.” You pulled down $125,000 in salary for being governor, plus a whole lot more now. I doubt you worry if you can afford a gallon of milk this week, eh?

Joe Biden had his moments of confusion as well. He also got some facts wrong and he only repeated himself six or sevent times during the debate. He also tended to speak as if debating John McCain instead of Sarah Palin. He didn’t have much of a choice really since Gov. Palin couldn’t or didn’t want to answer a question directly.

The Republican Party is in big trouble now, even bigger than before. The Republican candidates have tried to distance themselves from the Bush administration only to turn around every five minutes and have to stare at the elephant in the room. It can’t be done. You cannot distance yourself from the preceding yokel when you put on the same uniform as his. And you can’t win an election complaining about the problems that your party created.

The debates might as well be over. We know who won and who showed up and who can tap dance best around a question. But this isn’t “Dancing with the Stars.” This is politics. With lives, hopes, dreams and security of our own nest eggs in the balance

We can no longer afford to ignore one more piece of legislation. We must not let politicians spend our money like a teenager on spring break. And we must get the dancers off the stage because we are sick and tired of their same old song and dance.