Finally, maybe it was the debates that it took- I'm not sure- but America is getting a grip on this election. Obama's lead seems to be growing, and people are waking up to smell the fresh coffee. According to politico.com's mock electoral map, Obama leads McCain 353 to 185 with McCain only having 22 electoral votes from swing states (Missouri and Indiana...in both of those, McCain is only ahead by two percent). Potentially, according to them, it could be 375 to 163. Thank GOD! Politico's Electoral Map
Columbian coffee growers did not approve of your metaphor. They wish to remain impartial in this discussion.
I watched the debate from the office with 4 other US expats All I have to say is that while Palin did better than expected, she was beaten purely because she had no specifics. Everything she said was generical bs, which was expected, thus it became a laughing matter for me and my collegues. I dont see how anyone with half a brain could think that she did a good job since this is a debate, you argue on facts and assertsions, and if you cant do that then you lose. To the general public however, facts wont matter, they are easily lead by the nose. Hopefully, as the the OP says "America is getting smarter".
As an adjective in biology, used to refer to a "genus." The term appropriate to this situation was simply "generic." It was just funny, that's all. I remembered using the word in Z&B in college.
IROC it: Just curious, but can you explain to me the primary reason you are against Obama/Biden and so supportive of McCain/Palin? If you care about the overall well-being of the country, its future, and its citizens, wouldn't you say the country is better off with a candidate who is most capable to be President?
Use your search... look me up in this section of the bbs... sort by date. Just curious, do you know that your world view is not the only one?
But how can you believe Palin, who can barely handle debates and interviews, will be best suited for the job should something happen to McCain? Surely it can't be in the best interest for the country or is it? I just hope it isn't your personal benefits/sacrifices that may come your way with the current policies that are dictating your support.
I'm sorry but this is just a ridiculous line of criticism. You are thinking of debate like high school debate or something. Your approach dooms Palin to lose because she has not been in the game. Biden naturally has more to say. Then he doubles-down on her assertions by calling them inaccuracies.
I had granted EddieWasSnubbed official permission to reflect the views of Columbian coffee growers in his post.
And? She is running for VP of the US not PTA President. I don't think anyone is arguing she has to have as much knowledge as Biden, McCain, or even Obama ("the DC establishment") but IMO Palin at the very least has to know more than you and me.
That alone should be an indicator of Palin's inability to lead the nation. I for one don't want to elect an individual who essentially needs a grace period so they can gain the proper experience/knowledge.
I think giddyup's point, though not explicitly stated, is that you assume the debate should be fact/logic driven when many voters don't hold that view. Many are either listening to hear which opponent shares their views on certain issues, or which candidate they identify with and feel comfortable having as a leader. Is that the proper way to make a decision? Maybe, maybe not (I certainly think not). But that doesn't change the fact that this debate was not about who was right (or knew the capital 'T' Truth), but who could persuade the voters. So to judge the debate explicitly on "facts and assertions," rather than their ability to connect with the audience in some way, imposes a rational paradigm onto the debate that is largely irrelevant to its ultimate purpose: swaying voters. That being said, I think the numbers bear out Biden as the winner and it's hard to imagine this being anything other than a SLIGHT plus for the Obama campaign.
