Debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden
U.S. Vice-Presidential Candidates Discuss Future of Americans
Oct 4, 2008
A staggering 70 million Americans viewed the Biden-Palin vice-presidential debate on October 2, 2008. This much anticipated debate included the wide-grinning, veteran senator of Delaware, and the fresh-faced novice governor of Alaska. Biden supporters tuned in to watch an enthralling discourse which would send ex-beauty queen Palin floundering. Though Governor Palin survived the debate, Senator Biden did deliver solid rebuttals that distinguished a neophyte from an experienced candidate.
McCain's Plan: Ultimate Bridge to Nowhere?
When Iffil asked Palin about McCain’s plan on healthcare, she deflected the question, answering with: “I would like to respond to tax increases…” until Iffil intervened and asked the question again. Then, Palin proceeded to answer about a plan in which each American family will gain a 5,000 dollar tax credit to purchase their own health care. She did not offer any details about the plan; however Biden did. Senator Biden commented that McCain will accrue the 5,000 dollar tax credit by taxing the employee’s health care plan through his/her employer, only to replace it with 12,000 dollar plan. He finished his rebuttal by referring to McCain’s plan as the “ultimate bridge to nowhere.”
Which Americans Will Suffer Tax Cuts?
On the issue of tax cuts, Biden indicated that under Obama’s plan, 95% of Americans would not experience any changes in taxes because they make less than 250,000 dollars a year. The plan will only affect the 5% who make more than that. When attempting to counter Biden’s statement, Palin only coherently addresses the small businesses. She claims that Biden did not address the small business that will face more tax cuts. After this comment, Biden flashes a grin and reiterates that small business are included among Americans who bring in less than 250,000 dollars a year.
Exit Strategies from Iraq for U.S. soldiers
Inevitably, an issue that plagues many Americans, surfaces: Iraq. Moderator Iffil inquires about a comment previously made by Palin: “You have said that you would like to see a real clear exit strategy in the past (for Iran).” In response to this question, Palin does not give a clear strategy to exit troops from Iran. In fact, she responds with a general answer that alludes to a perpetuation of war, “We can start putting more troops in Afghanistan…it would be a travesty if we quit now in Iraq.” However, Senator Biden articulates a clear plan in which Obama ensures that troops will exit in 16 months and responsibility will be shifted to the Iraqis.
Who is a Bigger Threat: Pakistan or Iran?
When both Palin and Biden are asked about Pakistan and Iran, they give differing answers. Biden believes that Pakistan is a greater threat with its nuclear weapons, and Palin believes Iran is. Governor Palin asserts that Ahmadinejad is “not sane or stable” and would acquire nuclear weapons and destroy Israel. Though this is a viable effort on Palin’s part, Biden lessens the impact of the opinion when he simply explains, “Ahmadinejad does not control the security apparatus in Iran, the theocracy does.” However, both the senator and the governor appear to agree on protecting Israel, as an ally.
Governor Palin's Views on Climate Change
Though Governor Palin states that “Alaska is the first to feel the effects of climate change,” she does not discuss alternate energy plans aside from “drill baby drill,” which refers to oil drilling in the United States. Biden jumps on this and affirms Palin’s contradiction with “He [McCain] voted 20 times against funding alternative energy sources.”
Synopsis of Both Candidates
Though this is a miniscule synopsis of the debate, it illustrates both candidates' distinct styles. Governor Palin spoke the jargon of common American English to cater to the middle-class American family, whereas Senator Biden was more formal and formidable in his approach.
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