Speaking Straight to Americans

The Vice Presidential Debate gave every American the opportunity to finally see Biden and Palin debating the issues side by side. However, the critical eye was on Palin. She had to shine on Thursday night in order to make up for her many gaffes made in previous interviews. Though Palin may not have won the debate, she held her own against the articulate Biden. Her colloquialisms help her easily relate to the middle class and moms, which has always been Palin’s selling point. Nevertheless stating “darn right,” “say it ain’t so Joe” and a few other down-home phrases made her presence seem almost comic at times. In addition to her vocabulary, her avoidance of questions seemed to be just the opposite of her goal—to speak straight to Americans. By making time to attack Obama and throw in a shout out to her brother-in-law’s third-grade class, she missed the perfect opportunity to deliver concise answers on important topics.
If voters particularly swing voters, are supposed to be making their decision during debate season then they need straightforward answers. Not only do voters need clear answers, but also they need correct facts. Both Palin and Biden stated several “facts” wrong when they spoke on taxes and troops—two highly controversial issues.
Though the debate seemed to be just another media affair, does the election truly hinge on the vice-presidential candidates? Will they make or break your decision? Just, “say it ain’t so.”