Vice Presidential Debate 2008

The vice presidential debate will be conducted on October 2, 2008. One can easily imagine that this will be one of the most widely watched debates that has ever occurred in presidential politics. While the 1984 election featured Geraldine Ferrarro, the Democratic nominee for Vice President, it was hardly a contest as the Republican ticket of Reagan-Bush was a shoe-in and subsequently carried the electoral votes of 49 of our 50 states. This election is unclear and the nomination of a woman as vice president should electrify this vice presidential debate like nothing before.

This vice presidential debate might be described as a replay of the biblical battle of David versus Goliath. David, to be played by Sarah Palin, the current Governor of Alaska, mother of five, self-described "hockey mom" and one who possesses only common sense to be applied to questions about economics, foreign policy and a myriad of questions that probably can be addressed quickly and easily by Joe Biden, the Goliath in this analogy, in his sleep. He should squash her like a bug, given his extensive experience in Washington. But will he?

Already the Internet is flush with potential questions and narratives about possible responses from one or both candidates. This vice presidential debate might be a primer on how to successfully prepare. Palen should have started yesterday. Biden had better start soon. The behind the scenes political handlers charged with preparing their candidate had better start thinking out of the box. Palin needs to be prepared with content. Biden needs to be prepared with humility and a sense of the brief answer. One has only to be mildly familiar with Biden to know that he can talk for hours about himself and his accomplishments.

Palin has raised five children and been married for 20 years. During that time period there have been many competing interests and power struggles in her family as there are in families everywhere. There have been births, deaths, tragedies, struggles for independence, and a host of other issues that are much like those of nations in our world. Reaching accord and compromise when necessary as well as recognizing that sometimes power needs to be applied to settle family issues is similar to foreign affairs. It's about values, judgment,analysis, intellect, listening to advisors, and adjusting when necessary. She possesses political savvy and will apply conservative values to the process. Perhaps the vice presidential debate will reveal more about her insight and perceptions as well as her native intelligence.

Biden has experience by virtue of his time in the Senate. He has made a number of tough choices. Some right - some, not so good. His plagiarism of the past is probably revealing of a fault as are some actions of Palin. Are his decision making capabilities enhanced by his experience? He was Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee in the lead-up to the Iraq War and he voted for the war. Good judgment?

It would seem to this writer that the character and philosophy of these two candidates will be revealed to the American public during the vice presidential debate. Previous vice presidential debates have not been particularly interesting or informative - save the classic line by Senator Lloyd Bentsen in the 1988 debate with Senator Dan Quayle. This vice presidential debate is a must for every voter that wishes to be informed. I for one can't wait until the vice presidential debate. It might be more important than the presidential debates in what seems to be a close election.