While most Vice-Presidential debates are insignificant by nature, this one could have some pizazz. The GOP has what could be the hottest, sassiest and bulldoggiest (probably not a word) candidate ever in Sarah Palin while the Democrats have the most polished guy to come from Delaware in Joe Biden (he’s not that significant, even the Wayne’s World montage on Delaware forgot about him and former Blue Hens QB Joe Flacco is a cooler, more regular Joe than he.)
But I digress, while the moderator is more slanted than Keith Olbermann, Sarah Palin still has a chance to do well. But to do so, a few things must happen:
- She must knock Joe Biden off his pedestal. She entered the political world as an attack dog and she must use this deabte as a forum to attack Obama & Biden.
- K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Silly). Her answers must be short and to the point. If she elaborates like she did in Katie Couric’s brandishing….oops!!! I meant to say interview, it could lead to disaster.
- Answer the question and nothing more!!!
- Stop and think about the question beofre answering. This is not a sign of weakness, it shows us that you will not shoot off the hip an that your decisions and actions will be well thought-out and measured.
- Do not name drop. No cares if you know the name of the President of Mozambique. This strategy worked for George Bush II, it can work for you. Calling Putin a Vodka-swalloing crotch pheasant, could win you voters. Hell, Alaksans loved the approach, so will we.
- Ease off the Maverick tag. We’re tired of it.
- Be charming and motherly. Use the sarcasm, wit and warmth that you showed during your speech at the convention. McCain got a big bounce out of it.
Joe Biden has a chance to win this debate (but not my vote). If Joe, Joe wants to come out on top he should partake in the following strategies:
- Keep Palin on the point. If you let Gov. Palin (I hope to meet her and become her friend), go off on tangential attacks you will lose. You are a golden retriever, you pick up sticks and dead bird. She is a hockey mom, lipstick wearing pitbull, she kills the dead birds you pick up. Don’t be the dead bird.
- Talk about your foreign policy experience and her lack of inexperience. This strategy worked for McCain in the 1st Presidential debate, it might work for you as well.
- Ignore Palin’s attacks. She will attack you to get you off point. If you divert, she will win.
- Don’t be a snob. You’re from Delaware!!!!! The common man is not from Delaware (Hence, your state only having 2 members in the House of Representatives). The common man identifies with McCain/Palin, Obama does not. You must use this debate to negate that advantage.
- Substance over Style. Let Obama be the stylistic orator. 2 orators on the same ticket lose elections (This is why JFK needed LBJ in 1960, you are the LBJ to Obama)
This could be an interesting debate tonight. Let’s see who wins. I’ll give you my report card tomorrow.
Feel free to share your opinions and give the candidates a grade.
