Vice-Presidential Debate Review: The Fiery Debate Dominated by the Disrespectful Behavior of Joe Biden – 10/11/12
The one and only Vice-Presidential Debate of 2012 just ended, and it was one of the oddest debates in U.S. Political History. Both sides will say they won the debate, and I think both sides had their strong and weak moments. But what is perhaps going to be remembered most is Joe Biden’s totally disrespectful behavior toward Paul Ryan and the entire debate process. Biden smirked, laughed, interrupted and shouted all the way through the debate. When Ryan was talking, Biden frequently talked over him.
In the long run, I believe that will stand out, as Biden tried desperately to make up lost ground from President Obama’s decisive loss in the first Presidential Debate at the hands of Mitt Romney. The Left will believe he succeeded, and will likely be energized by his aggressive performance. But the question is, how will Biden’s behavior impact Independents and Democrats who are wavering on Obama. I don’t think his condescending behavior is going to win them the support they need to win.
At the end of the debate, Biden thanked the moderator, but gave no word of thanks to Paul Ryan. By contrast, Ryan went out of his way to graciously thank Biden as well as Moderator Martha Raddatz.
One word on the moderator: She asked a lot leading questions to help Joe Biden and, if you noticed, she would often interrupt Paul Ryan when he was in the middle of an answer. I actually think Biden was trying to goad Ryan into losing his cool – into reacting with anger and frustration. Ryan kept his composure and cool throughout – and by doing so, he succeeded.
In the end, the Left will be energized, and conservatives will be as well behind Paul Ryan. Neither man did their ticket any damage, and in the end, I believe Paul Ryan came across as imminently more likable and respectful than Joe Biden.
I’ll post some of the Twitter reaction below:
48-44% Ryan won, the CNN snap poll suggests.
— David Freddoso (@freddoso) October 12, 2012
CNBC poll results are in: 56% say @paulryanvp won, 36% for Uncle Joe bit.ly/UOn3Ox
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) October 12, 2012
Not only did Paul Ryan win the debate tonight, but I think people will come to think he won by more than he did as they digest Biden’s act.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) October 12, 2012
Raddatz final question was her own personal editorial. Debate deserved better. #debate
— Karl Rove (@KarlRove) October 12, 2012
RT @streeterryan: CNN undecided voter: Ryan tried educating us before Biden “bumbled in.” #vpdebate
— Carol(@Carolde) October 12, 2012
Biden’s Strategy: Be a Jerk bit.ly/Q3ES4y
— American Thinker (@AmericanThinker) October 12, 2012
Catholic Assn: Biden is “in direct conflict with Catholic teaching on protecting innocent life.”
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) October 12, 2012
Probably did rile up the base. RT @natasjayonce: @freddoso @bdayspring No winners, but Biden lost independent & female votes.
— David Freddoso (@freddoso) October 12, 2012
McConnell on the American people: “I think they’d like a vice president who is under control”
— Joel Gehrke (@Joelmentum) October 12, 2012
I think if President Obama acts like Joe Biden in the next debate it will serve him badly.
— Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) October 12, 2012
It may be that the biggest development out of the debate tonight was VP Biden further confusing administration’s Benghazi response.
— Stephen Hayes (@stephenfhayes) October 12, 2012
Knock Knock. Who’s there? Interrupting Biden!
— David Freddoso (@freddoso) October 12, 2012
CNN Anderson Cooper: “Paul Ryan has to be happy that he proved himself to be a potential president”
— Joel Gehrke (@Joelmentum) October 12, 2012
All you need to know: Obama’s 1st major decision as Pres candidate was picking Biden. Romney’s was picking Ryan. #vpdebate
— Larry O’Connor (@LarryOConnor) October 12, 2012
CHRIS WALLACE: I’ve Never Seen A Candidate As Disrespectful As Joe Biden Was Tonight read.bi/SVa6RJ
— WhiteHousePressCorps (@whpresscorps) October 12, 2012
