Gov. Sarah Palin did fine in the debate, but not good. She was telegenic, media savvy and personable. She was not well informed or presidential.
Gov. Palin has apparently made a habit of not answering questions in debates during her political career in Alaska, relying instead on homey platitudes, gentle wisdom and cutting, snarky asides. It did not transfer well on the national stage. She gave the impression of not being able to answer the questions (outside of energy policy), rather than not wanting to answer them.
She performed well on the questions on energy, answering with both knowledge and an engaged passion. This befits her unusual background as both a former State Oil and Gas Commissioner and the wife of an oil field worker. Sen. McCain could have gained the benefit of both this knowledge and Gov. Palin's "It Girl" buzz with conservatives by naming her his Energy Secretary designee, while avoiding unfortunate bumps like the Gibson and Couric interviews. That he didn't do this is a sign that Sen. McCain both lacks a strategic sense and has no feeling for personnel matters, neither of which bodes well for his potential performance as President.
Sen. Biden did well, avoiding being either pompous or condescending. He is among the most knowledgeable people on foreign policy matters and would have made an historic Secretary of State, in my opinion.
There were a few things that Sen. Biden should have emphasized that he didn't. Every time Gov. Palin said he was talking about the past, he should have said that if Sen, McCain and Gov. Palin had offered new ideas in their platform, he would talk about the future, instead of looking to the past as prologue. Every time Gov. Palin mentioned she had cut taxes, he should have simply stated that anyone whose state revenues were almost entirely dependent on oil revenues who did not cut taxes probably should not be in public life, let alone running for Vice President.
I don't think Gov. Palin's performance helped the McCain ticket appreciably and did not hurt it appreciably. Where Gov. Palin will benefit the GOP will be in galvanizing the Conservative Base that was demoralized in 2006. I think this, along with a "throw the bastards out" sensibility resulting from the Bailout, will throw some close House races to the Republicans.
A Democrat controlled White House and a Republican House in troubled times might prompt both sides to work together ... hopefully.
NOTE: Should Sen. Obama offer the Energy Secretary position to Gov. Palin? She is qualified, it would appear bi-partisan and it would erode her credentials with the Conservative base.
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