Palin, Biden debate in St. Louis
Opinions lean both ways, but all agree candidates represented well.
Oct. 3, 2008
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., faced off in a debate on Thursday night that covered a broad range of issues, but focused mostly on the economy.
The debate was more high profile than most vice presidential debates, with Palin attempting to pass a confidence test and Biden showing off his experience and knowledge of the issues he accumulated from 36 years in the Senate.
Going into the debate, which was held at Washington University in St. Louis, there were major questions about whether Palin was qualified enough to serve on the ticket, including from some prominent conservatives, including Washington Post columnist George Will and David Frum, a former speech writer for President George Bush. However, Palin came across to Republicans at MU as having a clear understanding of the issues.
"She showed that she is the right candidate and that she can run with the big dogs," MU College Republicans Chairman Jonathan Ratliff said.
Republicans said Palin also demonstrated an appeal to the middle class. Throughout the debate, Palin's rhetoric was shaped by a desire to connect to the middle class, mentioning "Joe six-pack" and "hockey moms" as glittering generalities.
"She better identifies with the struggle that middle America faces in their everyday life," said Nick Haynes, former president of the MU College Republicans.
After the debate, Palin made an appearance at a rally held at St. Louis University. During her speech, her husband and three of her five children joined her on the stage.
"St. Louis has always been known as the 'Gateway to the West' and I hope after tonight it is the gateway to victory in this election," Palin said.
Biden, however, according to most Democrats gathered at a watch party in Columbia, won the debate because he came across as more knowledgeable on the issues.
"You could tell when he was speaking that his answers came from actual experience on the issues and not because he had a debate coach who gave him talking points," MU College Democrats President Catlin Ellis said.
Democrats also said Biden came across as more respectful in the debate.
"He talked to us like we were intelligent," said Monica Frank, who works for the MU College of Engineering. "He spoke about the economy explaining what he would actually do rather than just saying that they would fix it. That means he respects my intelligence."
Democrats admitted Palin was much better prepared than she came across in her interview with CBS's Katie Couric, in which the Alaska governor struggled with a few of the reporter's questions.
"She was poised," Columbia resident Stephanie Carpenter said. "However, I don't think that she stood up well. "
Some Republicans contended that Palin was the more practical candidate on the economy.
"I think Palin's answers were more realistic," Haynes said. He said the government should work to try and keep taxes low while maximizing the amount of money the federal government has to operate on.
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