John McCain, Barack Obama offer their VP debate reviews

The first flush of polls gauging reaction to Thursday's Sarah Palin/Joe Biden debate gave the nod to the latter (check out how all-important independents broke in this survey spotlighted by our colleague Frank James at the Swamp).

John McCain, no doubt, is scoffing at such findings -- there was no doubt in his mind what happened in the faceoff.

“How about Sarah Palin last night?” he enthused to thousands of supporters packed into an arena today on a college campus in Pueblo, Colo.

His crowd roared their approval and pounded their feet on the metal bleachers, The Times' Seema Mehta reports.

McCain, who goes way back in Washington with Palin's rival, added with a chuckle, "I almost felt a little sorry last night for my old friend Joe Biden."

He continued: "She did a magnificent job. She’s the news  for the big-spending, smooth-talking, me-first, country-second crowd in Washington and Wall Street. We’ve got a message, we’ve got a message, Sarah Palin and I: Change is coming. … They’re not going to like it, my friends.”

Barack Obama, as expected, gave kudos to Biden as he campaigned today in Abington, Pa. And he made sure to highlight his running mate's links to the state, The Times' Maeve Reston relates.

“Didn’t Joe Biden, a fellow some people call the third senator from Pennsylvania … didn’t he do a great job?” Obama said, as his crowd cheered. “Scranton boy. Done good. I was so proud of Joe. America, I think, saw clearly why I felt he’d be such a great vice president, especially during these difficult, challenging times.”

-- Don Frederick

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Photo credits: AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[Truth]

Palin offered no substantive answer on any policy, she was purely out of her league. She is also an insult to intelligent, well spoken women that have real views about the world, our future and our decisions. She is at best is Bush in high heels. No change agent there. I voted Republican last time this time I am not voting for the ticket they have given us. I would be too worried she is a very old heartbeat away from the presidency and that would be a travesty and a bridge to nowhere for the US. Thanks John McCain but no thanks and this bridge to nowhere.

[John Paul Telhomme]

Don,

I almost fell off my chair reading this page today. Don, you are beginning to do regular reporting. That is great! No more that "Obama is nothing and can't ever do anything right" commentary you had in the past. Wow! Good reporting.

[mark]

You (and Dick Chaney) are the one's that needs some education Jeremiah. Article I of the constitution clearly spells out exactly just what Joe Biden says it does. That the vice-president is NOT part of the Legislative branch, as Dick Chaney is claiming in court that he is, which he is doing trying to avoid having to turn over records of his "energy commission" meetings ... where the bankrupting of America began.

How many times do you have to get beat over the head before you figure out who is doing the beating???

[Ernest Ager]

Palin obviously had crammed with tutors so that her terrible display of ignorance when interviewed by Katie Couric would not be repeated. Nonetheless, she simply could not discuss anything outside of her crammed info and cue cards (e.g., VP duties, global warming) and rather skillfully (brazenly?) changed the subject. This woman is so ignorant and inexperienced that she simply should go back home to Alaska and tend to her disabled son and teenaged pregnant unmarried daughter. She ought to leave elections to the informed, the bright, the knowledgeable and those who really care about people.

[Mike Nagle]

Besides Senator Obama being unequivocally and completely qualified to lead this nation out of a 8 year hole, there are significant other reasons why Americans will not Vote for McCain.. here whats in our memory:

# Americans will remember the gimmick of McCain picking a very unqualified VP (for political reasons) only because she was young and a woman and the notion she would invigorate the fundamentalist Republican base
# Americans will remember a failed handling of Hurricane Katrina.
# Americans will remember all the ills associated with the Iraq war: no clear reason for going there in the first place while Bin Laden is still at large, a huge cost to the American people both with human life and tax dollars
# Americans will remember that George W. Bush was handed a $127 billion surplus when Bill Clinton left office. Because that money was OUR money and not his, he did what the rich prefer to do -- spend it and never look back. Now we have a $9.5 trillion debt.
# Americans will remember high employment, high gas prices, low consumer confidence, mortgage foreclosures, a crumbling economy not seen since the great depression. All under the Bush watch
# Americans will remember that there is not much difference between Bush and McCain.

Americans already started to voice their opinion with the The 2006 United States midterm elections. Obama will win.

[Susan]

Wake up America...get your head out of the sand! Voting for Obama is voting for a socialistic society...remember the USSR? Hello!

[John Charamella]

I just wish she would answer a question. Just once in a coherent manner.

[Alex Schrodt]

As far as facts are concerned, Joe Biden's misquotes pale in comparison to those of Sarah Palin's. Biden's mistakes were no worse than giving credit to McCain for acknowledging our current crises earlier than McCain actually had, while Palin unabashedly distorted facts; she often sounded as though she were reciting the Obama/Biden ticket's philosophies while continually contradicting John McCain and the basic principals of the Republican Party. I'm going to cut myself off before I start to overstate the obviously painful truth of the debate: Palin barely showed herself to be competent for federal leadership, which the Republicans consider a victory. This is terrifying.

[Tsiangkun]

Palin wildly exceeded expectations, but all of her answers could have been pre-recorded. I saw nothing that led me to believe that she comprehends the world, merely that she is intelligent enough to remember and recite facts. She definitely beat the spread, but still lost. She would make a great press secretary.

I'm voting against the incumbent party in 2008.

Katrina, endless war, financial crisis, failure to protect liberty, and torture are my top five reasons.

[Jimbob]

Gov. Palin was incredible last night. And discussing the fact that she had only been a candidate for 6 weeks is true, but she's been in politics far longer than Sen. Obama has been in office! It's too bad that Sen.Joe just can not tell the truth even when he is cofronted by someone as honest as Sara Palin. Joe, you and your partner in crime, Barack Hussein are "going down!"

[Dean]

I always find it interesting when people spout about "the facts" or claim someone is telling "lies" without offering any evidence or links to information to support their claims. These are the same types of "citizen journalists" and wannabes that claimed Jobs went to the hospital today and that are now, rightfully, being investigated by the SEC.

As a professional writer, I know how important fats are, and if the facts are misconstrued or misreported, it is important that the public know. However, the idea that we should accept as "fact" the statements of anyone with a computer and a keyboard (and, yes, I'm talking about you "An") who makes a claim of "lies" without offering evidence or supporting information really assumes that we are all merely cattle led by the prods of whomever is speaking.

I hope that as Americans and as human people of conscience we are all able to think critically and carefully for ourselves and not be confused by the deluge of unsupported information put forth by "citizen journalists" and disreputable bloggers who offer noise without substance.

[Derek]

I would like the next person who claims Obama will raise taxes for "People making 42,000.00 yearly" kindly provide a link with evidence.

You see, most non-Republicans do something called "research". They tend to lean towards "facts", and "evidence".

I am an independent, first-time voter. I will not vote against my self-interests. All the evidence that I find shows that Obama's tax plan is superior to McCain's, in regards to the interests of the middle-class, and anyone making under $250,000. I am a single male renter who makes just under $60,000 a year. Obama's tax plans will benefit me more than McCain's. I challenge anyone to provide evidence that could change my opinion.

Several non-partisan sources I have researched before basing an opinion:

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/more_tax_deceptions.html

http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/url.cfm?ID=411750

[Derek]

In response to 'An':

I can see the patently-Republican, Rovian campaign has instilled fear into you and hammered falsities into you brain with classic disinformation. Please do not believe everything you read (or see in 14 sec news clips).

Firstly, you state that low income people pay NO taxes? What's the income limit to have zero tax liability where you live? I can tell you it is not enough to pay rent for a studio apartmen or rent a room in the worst neighborhood where I live, let alone gas and food, etc.

Did you know about 25% or more of CORPORATIONS pay NO TAX. (http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/aug2008/ctax-a15.shtml). These companies are reporting BILLIONS of dollars in income and/or assets each year. McCain has stated he will lower the corporate tax rates even further.

Obama's health care plan would not take away anyone's right to choose what doctor they see, when the see him, or even how they are insured. That is more false information from the McCain campaign. (http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_mccain.html) Obama's health care plan will offer an alternative plan that mimics the plan that members of Congress have. I don't hear any of them complaining about waiting for doctors or not getting the care they need. Again, you will have the CHOICE of utilizing this plan, or keeping your current plan (if you have one).

Please do not pass on false information.

[Tina]

Tired of the same 'ol bashing from the Obama camp...I still to date have not heard anything positive from there side nor SPECIFIC plans how they are going to fix the economy, get the war done and be successful at the win, healthcare, education, jobs...the "change" I want some honesty less run arounds....just outright tell me what the heck ya gonna do?!? Can't nobody do that these days or what?????

[ohiopolitico]

If the American people weren't so bent on punishing the
republicans for Bush's disastrous mistakes, they would
recognize what an amazing ticket they have in McCain-Palin. McCain's knowledge and maverick --along with a "true " Washingon outsider in Palin, is the perfect recipe for "change".
Obama and Biden are proving they are not about change; instead, just tax and spend democrats.

[LeeAnn]

I agree with Biden last night, Palin showed no difference between the direction that the "mavericks" would take this country. It seems maverick is more like erratic, it just describes their lurching, campaign suspending, "american's are whiners, the economy is strong" flip-flopping, and Palin's one-day inconherence then next day "Barracuda, Lipsticked Pit Bull Hockey Mom" type of behavior. I don't think we need that type of "mavericky" behaviour. What we need is just some decent common sense and disciplined decision making that has respect for the Constitution and American core values, which has been much demonstrated by Obama and Biden.
Go Obama/Biden 2008!!

[Pamela Leander]

I was apalled when she said that Biden's wife will get her reward in heaven. Teachers need monetary rewards now! Teachers do not go to college to take a vow of poverty.
She is a very unperceptive, conceited woman who should have waited until her own children are grown before she jumped into the national arena. I thought Radical Right, Christian women put family first. I guess that was just another lie I've been told by the right wing of the Republican party. Too bad her lack of understanding of church and state was not brought out in the debate.

[Tim]

Thanks, Jeremiah, for showing all of us on how shallow you are. I mean its pretty clear that the VP is part of the executive- and that's the main role of the Veep.

As VP, and as part of the Executive, he cannot escape oversight. Saying otherwise because of that stated reason is just a lame attempt in escaping responsibilities.

[aguy7]

Palin's a shrewd, savvy politician who understands Jerry Springer America will lap up her homespun hokum.

[PatrioticVet]

hey An, stop your lying.

Biden was very clear: you have to make over 250k in order for taxes to go up with Obama's plan.

Not 42k.

Another independent (registered as such 30+ years) veteran voting democratic next month.

[Mary Anne]

I am from Alaska and Palin as a heart beat away from an old guy with a history of 2nd stage melanoma and a history of hypertension is a very scarey thought. Don't do it America!

[Reuel]

69.9 million people watched the VP debate.
The interest is unlikely to be due to Biden since google search Palin:Biden is 2200:1.

Now the slanted media & Obama still want to lie that "Biden won".

They probably hope so. But judgement cannot be based on hope.

Popularity is not base on how much Obama pays the for advertisments.

Come Nov 4, and one of the CHANGE the people can choose and to make sure that they are not deceived by slanted journalist & damagogues anymore

Obama's economic plan assume that he can tax the businesses & high income earners. It will lean to more business failures and more unemployments.

Obama & Biden should go back to the senate and make more laws - next time without shirking reponsibilities or blaming others.

McCain-Palin should defend USA, bring in victory, bring in Energy independence, get rid of wastage & corruptions and have a unity cabinet to give more jobs, better economic growth and better morality.

[Ali Abdalim]

Did Barack Obama make a mistake in not selecting Senator Hillary Clinton? or is this just destiny?

Here's my prediction: Although Obama wins in 2008, 2012 will be at serious risk.

Palin was chosen to attract the women vote. But she, being the ambitious person she is, will be back to challenge Obama in 2012.

Senator Hillary Clinton won't be allowed to run against Obama in 2012. Even if Obama chose to not run for a second term, it's too late. Palin would handily beat her. Palin is new, Clinton is old news. Palin is a Washington outsider, Clinton is old school.

In an election, experience won't matter, marketing will.

This highlights an important problem with Democrats. There is no long term vision. Had Obama chose Clinton as his running mate, the Democrats could have planned on 12 to 16 years in the white house.

[John]

At first I dislikes Obama but after hearing what he's offering us:
1. "free" college tuition
2. "Universal Guaranteed health care
3. "Univesral" national service" ?????
4. "Universal" 401Ks (gov't. matches contributions for low/moderate income families)
5. "free job training (criminals also)
6. Wage "insurance" (supplement union workers)
7. "Universal" preschool
8. More "subsidized" public housing (who will repair them when they are trashed?)
9. A fatter earned income tax credit for "working poor"
10. Global Proverty Act; i.e. "Marshall Plan" for 3rd World Countries (Africa)

Who's going to pay for all of this? I'm not because I'm going to quit my job; I can't afford all those taxes, then I'll get things "free". That's what America is all about "free" dom.

[JIM]

Looking for Presidential material in Mr Obama.

Mr. Barack Obama's has opinions on many subjects, but has been in very few positions in government where his ideas have been put to the test.
This gentleman, whom I regard in high esteem, is an intellectual who does not have the practical experience required to be Commander in chief or CEO of the United States of America.
This person has one qualification, at this particular time in his life, he can talk, and discuss in a charming manner.
Let him continue his Senate role, gain the practical application experience, then in future years, run for the top job in America.
Talking and promising, is all very well, it has it’s place certainly, but the President of the United States has to consider Congress and the Senate, so the golden voice of Senator Barack Obama does not qualify him to move into the White house with disregard for practical experience of which he has not yet attained.
I wish him well in his future endeavors, but advise him to sit out this particular endeavor and await a future date to continue.
Some thought for the Voters….
Has he got what it takes ..it will be too late after he is elected, and you desire to change your mind.
He is a Lawyer…
How many years has he practiced law, that career is now at an end and he is now giving it up.
He appears as a honest person, but he has not been in any position as such to be a proven honest
He obtained some experience in State legislature, but for how long.
He can talk that is true, he is a great communicator, most lawyers are, and he promises much.
But these are just promises, none of which may come to pass.
He appears friendly that also is true, politicians are always friendly till they get elected.
Where is all his political experience, that I do not see. How many years has he had in the Senate.
Where does his experience come from to be knowledgeable about our the economy and our country..
Where does his experience come from to be Commander in Chief of all the Military in USA.
Where on earth has all his campaign money come from, he is not a rich man, he does however know some people who to say the least, have a reputation that is soiled and associated with people of ill repute..
He is a religious man, but the church he attended appears to have been one he should have rejected many years ago, simply because of his minister, but he even got married in that particular church by that minister.
I am always particularly interested when someone can raise money in the large volume that he has, and it begs an explanation.
Who does he know and what does he feel obligated to do for that amount of funding, from those that supplied the cash.
There is no free lunch , someone is expecting large favors from this gentleman when he becomes president .
It will be interesting to see the outcome in the future.