Joe at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, Vice Presidential Debate
••
Foreclosure Alley
This is what is going on in America. And why McCain don't get it.
h/t Andrew Sullivan
••
Biden, Palin Avoid Major Gaffes in Economy, Foreign Policy Debate
Vice presidential candidates Sarah Palin and Joe Biden appeared to bring their A-games to their first and only debate, nimbly tangling on a broad range of issues from the economic crisis to the war in Iraq without making any of the gaffes some feared -- and others hoped -- they might make.
Meeting at Washington University in St. Louis Thursday night, the candidates concisely presented their positions, each playing to their strengths as public speakers, rather than their weaknesses.
For Sen. Biden, D-Del., that meant concise lawyerly arguments and references to his working-class roots.
For Alaska Gov. Palin, that meant relying on folksy colloquialisms and appealing to her base of "soccer moms" and conservatives.
Palin had the most to prove, analysts said. Recovering from a tough week in which she was pilloried by the national media and members of her own party for being unprepared in a recent series of interviews, Palin spoke with the confidence she brought to her earlier gubernatorial debates. continue
••
"Maverick He Is Not"
••
Palin Gets McCain Stance on Homeowner Protections Wrong
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports:
Sarah Palin got her facts wrong in Thursday's debate with Joe Biden when discussing where John McCain stands on new protections for homeowners facing foreclosures.
The Alaska governor incorrectly made it sound like McCain supports giving bankruptcy judges the power to rewrite mortgage payment terms on first homes.
He doesn't.
The McCain campaign confirms to ABC News that Palin misstated McCain's position.
"No, that is what is called the cramdowns, which is so objectionable that Obama didn't even want it jammed into the stabilization bill," said McCain spokesman Brian Rogers when asked if McCain supports giving bankruptcy judges the power to re-adjust the interest rate and principal to help people stay in their homes.
Palin's mistake came when the debate's moderator asked her if Biden was right in thinking that she and McCain oppose giving bankruptcy judges this new power. continue
••
••
PLOUFFE: PALIN SELLING 'FAILED PRODUCT'
David Plouffe called Palin an effective speaker tonight, but argued that she was selling “a failed product” and again ignored middle-class concerns.
“I was given some grief for saying earlier that she was a strong debater -- she is a strong debater,” he said. “There were some platitudes, but I don't think there was much there there, in terms of what specifically are you going to do.”
Talking to reporters in the spin room, the Obama campaign manager said that debate watchers saw clear differences between the candidates, especially on foreign policy. He called her answer to the question about nuclear weapons “somewhat incomprehensible,” while Biden gave “a very direct answer on those and all the foreign policy questions.” And on the important domestic policy questions, he said Palin did not offer “any compelling case for change.”
“At the end of the day the middle class are going to decide this election,” he said. “We've said all along she's a very talented politician. She proved that again tonight. But she's selling a failed product.”
••
Vice Presidential Debate (Full Video)
••
and....................
Unemployment Rate hits 11%
Instant Polls find Biden Wins
Happy Anniversary, Barack & Michelle Obama
McCain's Now Playing Defense; Obama Bracing For Counterattacks
Make-Believe Maverick
Facts go adrift on taxes, energy in VP debate
New Yorker Magazine Endorsement
VP Debate: Biden on McCain: “Maverick, he is not”
Obama Evening Wrap Up
••
New Ad, "Can't Explain"
Airing on National Cable Channels
••
Campaign Appearances
Today
Barack: Abington, Pennsylvania
Saturday
Barack: Newport News, Virginia
Sunday
Barack: Ashville, North Carolina
Home Page
Share
