Well, She Didn't Fall Off the Stage

Did you catch the Vice Presidential debate Thursday night? Of course you did, I’m not sure there has ever been more must see TV in the history of American politics. It seems even the disinterested and disconnected were dialing this one up in the anticipation that Sarah Palin might just say something about witches or dinosaurs or how her kids actually play catch with Russian children across the Bering Straight.

It didn’t happen, of course. Palin didn’t say anything all that stupid despite the fact that she rarely answered the question asked. Once she even acknowledged that she wouldn’t be answering Gwen Eiffell’s question. Continually, Palin steered questions on Iraq and the economy back to energy and anticdotes about hockey moms and ‘Joe six-pack’. She was just adorable.

If anything, Palin accomplished the only thing she could. She only looked like an idiot to viewers who were informed on the issues. Since this debate was held in America, that doesn’t amount to much. The other and most significant accomplishment of Palin’s on the night was that she continued to be downright cute and lovable. From her request to call Sen. Biden, Joe to her little wink to the camera, Palin was as cute as a bug in a rug.

She does have that quality that endears her to people in a way that makes them wish she was their neighbor or teacher. As scary as it sounds, there are many people who vote that way. Thankfully, Palin’s persona wore thin with the inexplicably undecided voters. Like in the Obama, McCain debate, every poll taken after the debate showed Biden as a clear winner.

Lost in all of the anticipation that Palin might actually run off the stage crying at some point, was the fact that Joe Biden was simply outstanding. He was concise and clear while maintaining a healthy and respectful tone toward his overmatched opponent. All Biden really had to do was show up and let her go. He did that and then some. As for Palin, I just want to squeeze her like a puppy and scratch her belly. Bless her heart.