Is this what we can expect from Biden in the VP Debate?

[Placebo]

I hope not.

“It was a very skillfully written, very skillfully delivered speech. But there was not a word about the middle class or health care or how people are going to fill up their gas tanks or a single word about how we’re going to get our kids through college.”

...

“I mean that sincerely,” he told an audience at a high school in Sarasota, Fla., “She is a governor of a state. She warrants respect. The only thing I have to find out and you have to find out are what are her views. I have made no judgment as to whether she is qualified or not.”

...

And he expressed some professional admiration for some of her “zingers” directed mostly at Mr. Obama.

“I thought ‘Whoa,’ ” Mr. Biden said. “They’re good, funny lines, but I’m glad they’re not about me.”

LINK/VIDEO

LUKEWARM, is only how I'd begin to describe this lackluster response to Palin's speech.

[bdamomma]

1. oh, Palin is with the big boys now, if she can't handle it

get the hell out. Biden should can mop the floor with her.

[amborin]

95. you underestimate her

she's cunning and scary

and if biden comes on too strong in the debate, it'll look like she's getting beaten up by a guy

and elicit sympathy

[ginnyinWI]

2. Don't worry about Biden or the Obama campaign.

They're not playing beanbag--they're playing chess. :)

Of course he wants to raise expectations for her debate performance. Then when she falls flat...

[blue_onyx]

14. I really hope you're right

[GalleryGod]

54. She;s Spot on!

On the move: Final Phase!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

21. She has the help of the powerful though

she is their puppet - beware

[Cosmocat]

114. I have been saying that for MONTHS

BO is playing chess, everyone else is playing checkers.

I know this might open up some old wounds, but ... How did the BO with Hillary race go?

He handled Hillary with KID gloves. KID gloves. In the end, her negative tone beat her, not what HE said about her.

I think people here might be disappointed, but I am beginning to see Biden playing a neat game of ju jit su (sp) with Palin. What we have seen to this point is that this lady comes across kind of harsh. IMO, Biden plays the PERFECT gentleman and lets her tone beat her.

BUT, they keep chipping at McCain for being out of touch.

[ginnyinWI]

143. Running against Hillary helped them learn now to compete

against a woman--and now they can use that experience against Palin. They did not come on strong against Hill, but she, in her effort to be tough, ended up looking shrill. This is even more likely to happen to Palin, who is much, much, much less experienced at politics. The Obama camp will maneuver her into a spot where she will damage herself, and they won't be seen as culprits.

Like I said, chess. At the same time I expect they will keep the pressure and focus on McC. ;)

[roseBudd]

3. I think it's cool because SNL currently has a recurring character sketch who does zingers...

but otherwise is a complete doofus

[demo dutch]

4. They have to walk a fine line on the experience thing, but wait until the debates

[geek tragedy]

5. Jesus Christ. Joe joined the wimp brigade.

These fuckers are going to blow it because Palin has more balls than they do.

[NightOwwl]

28. Oh for god's sake.

He's flattering her now so when he demolishes her in the debate he can't be accused of sexism.

Joe has balls of steel, something many DUers seem to lack.

[geek tragedy]

49. What makes you think he'll demolish her?

Ugh.

[NightOwwl]

56. I really hope you are joking. n/t

[LanternWaste]

91. Experience. Vocabulary. Intelligence. Wit....

"What makes you think he'll demolish her?"


Experience. Vocabulary. Intelligence. Wit. Charm. Grace. Insight. Depth. Accessibility. Conversant. Background. Pragmatism. Knowledge. Maturity. Know-How. Training. Awareness. Competence. Reasoning. Wisdom. Understanding. Astuteness. Sagacity. Intellect. Sophistry. Profundity. Honor. Integrity. Loyalty.


Although, I imagine that's certainly not enough for many people-- but they're the one's who will be voting for the GOP regardless...

[paulk]

140. This country elected Ronald Reagan twice.

It then allowed GW Bush to steal two elections.

Otherwise, nice list.

[demokatgurrl]

65. I hope he uses that steel soon. Must go for the jugular.

I was happy when he was picked because I view him as a fighter, who won't take any shit. I'm counting on him.

[NightOwwl]

76. He'll come thru.

I can hardly wait until he wipes the floor with her.

[kysrsoze]

34. Before you all b*tch about Biden, at least watch the interview. The OP was a summary

In diplomatic and logical fashion, he tore her down during the interview.

[geek tragedy]

45. I watched, and Joe did anything but tear her down. n/t

[WheelWalker]

134. That's "The Guy"....

never a gross display of red meat and canines. Joe's the original Biden "Slice & Dice" (not affiliated with R. Popiel or Ronco). His victims have already bled to death by the time they realize they've been cut.

[NYC Liberal]

59. It's called raising expectations!

He praises her now, saying "Wow she's really good!" so when she goes into the debates, she'll fail hard.

By the way, this is what they did to Gore in 2000.

[Eurobabe]

141. Oh get a grip on yourself

How has team Obama played the "GAME" so far?

Quite skillfully I'd say. Stuff a sock in it, STFU and sit down already.

[Sugarcoated]

146. What's up with you?

It sounds like you lack a set, not Biden.

[SeaLyons]

6. Oh c'mon, Joe....

I hope they don't go over the edge trying to minimize her experience because they fear the attacks against Barack on his experience. If they do, they're playing right into their hands.

Obama and Biden are going to have to get mad and fight for us. Otherwise,.,,,,

[phleshdef]

7. Some of you really need to put more critical thought into this approach.

For one, if you think Joe Biden doesn't know when and how to really go after her, you don't know jack about Joe Biden.

For two, the media will be all over Joe if he goes after her so early. I suspect the Obama campaign is allowing the media to throw all the first stones. Then when he does go after her, people watching will be behind him for it.

For three, Barack Obama runs this campaign. Not Joe Biden. Obama is probably asking him to take this approach... the reason I think that is I look back at how Obama handled Hillary in the primaries. When a man is running against a woman, the man has to be careful with how and when he attacks. Its a reverse kind of sexism in my opinion... but its the sad reality.

[geek tragedy]

10. So, they're going to allow Barack to be Swiftboated because

they're afraid of looking mean.

Wonderful.

[phleshdef]

19. No, they don't want to be "swiftboated" into appearing sexist.

And you KNOW if Biden starts hitting her before everything regarding her extremist nature has had time to sink in, thats exactly what the media and the Republicans will do. They will turn Biden into a "sexist".

Biden has been at this game longer than any of us. And the Obama campaign has more than proven that it can deal with the worst of attacks and still win.

Give more credit and have more faith. These guys know more about what they are doing than you or I.

Wait till the RNC is over and the Obama campaign starts hitting them with a flurry of ads. Palin will make Nixon look like Ned Flanders when this thing is over.

[blondeatlast]

73. Welcome to DU, phleshdef.

I see you've already met the leader of the Debbie Downer cafeteria squad. Most of us are way more savvy than that, as I'm certian you will discover.

I appreciate your knowledge of how it's REALLY done, so sit down with me and :toast:!

[weezie1317]

82. Pointing out where Palin lied is not being sexist. Neither is defending Obama against her attacks!

[phleshdef]

108. Of course. But bt doesn't matter if its truly sexist...

General perception trumps facts when it comes to politics.

Savvy politicians realize that and know how to work around it.

[poiuytsister]

132. It would be a lot more sexist to play softball because she is a women

than to play on an even field because they are two candidates going for the same job. Go for the throat, Joe.

The repukes are going to beat him up regardless, I'd rather see it be for being "mean to a girl" than being a wuss and leaving the debate with high heel marks all over his face.

[Mz Pip]

11. Seems to me Sarah Palin

tok the gloves off last night indicating she was willing to play hardball. She can't have it both ways.

While I do believe it would not be wise to attack her personally, the attacks against her policies and the content of her speech are more than fair game.

Now is not the time to appear weak or indecisive.

[1corona4u]

18. Exactly.

But she made the fact that she is a woman a moot pint last night.

[ginnyinWI]

58. great point. Hillary gave Obama practice at running against a woman.

Now he can use it against Palin.

[Mad_Dem_X]

8. Biden will bring it in the debates

He doesn't suffer fools gladly. He'll go after her, hard.

[dancingme]

9. I think he's laying in wait to get her in the debate

why allow Rove & Co to hear all of the attacks now? Hit her cold in the debates. Be a gentelman now so that he doesn't turn off any undecided voters, then let them see how she can't handle tough questions in a debate.

[Placebo]

12. I just have nightmares....

about him being told to play it safe like this in the debate for fear of pissing anyone off and then she walks all over him. Even the toughest of guys (like Biden) can roll over and play dead sometimes. It's an odd thing.

[amborin]

97. scary

[blue_onyx]

13. Obama and Biden both need to stop that!!

Why do they always have to compliment McCain and Palin before criticizing them? He was impressed with her "zingers?" I thought most of her "zingers" were lame. He doesn't want to make a judgment on whether she's qualified? He's gotta be kidding. McCain is actually saying she's more qualified than Obama and Biden doesn't want to even question her qualifications? They need to say Palin is so unqualified that it calls into question McCain's judgment and ability to serve as president. Hope this isn't the Biden that shows up at the VP debate.

[Placebo]

Agreed, totally.

They need to be making her into a weakness, which she is, and not propping her up any.

[murbley40]

24. Calm down folks, do not panic!!

First of all, Obama is his boss, he will do what Obama wants him to do. But if you think that Joe Biden is going to let her get away with all of this, you do not know enough about him yet.

They know what they are doing, let her keep digging that hole, he will push her in and cover her up and he will do it gentlemanly! Let them run their campaign, just support them, don't panic after one snarky speech.

[1corona4u]

27. Exactly...

some of these comments think the action they should take, is the same kind of action the repukes took last night, and they hate. As my mother use to say; 2 wrongs don't make a right.

[blue_onyx]

38. It's not a wrong to point out someone's lies and lack of qualifications.

I call it standing up for yourself....something Kerry didn't do.

[murbley40]

127. All in due time.

[blue_onyx]

43. Not panicing. Just pointing out something I think is a mistake.

[progressivebydesign]

26. Absolutely! ANd he should have made it CLEAR she did NOT write it!

That's what really kills me... she didn't write any of it. Biden had the chance to make this clear to America, and be as snarky as she was by saying "her speechwriter, Scully, got a lot of zingers into that little speech. Reminds me of so many of the speeches he wrote for George Bush. In fact, I can see that the republicans are using the same playbook of creating a "maverick", and I don't think America will fall for it after the experience they had with the LAST candidate that did that with. George W. Bush."

See.. easy. Done.

[Placebo]

51. Easy as pie.

Moose...pie?

[weezie1317]

84. ITA!

[loyalsister]

118. The art of diplomacy

otherwise known as telling someone to go to hell and have them enjoy the trip.

In this case there is more to it. There are voters up for grabs. He is not complimenting Palin so much as voters who appreciated her comments. Then diplomatically "sending some of their BS to hell" while he tries to bring them back based on what we have in common.

These guys are better politicians than people calling for a boxing match could have ever dreamed.

[Enrique]

15. yeah, and I love it

he said it was "Karl Rove stuff," i.e. more of the same. Right on message. :toast:

[ramapo]

16. Good approach

I think he is treating her performance as exactly that, a performance without much substance. There is plenty of time to discredit her beyond the point that she discredits herself.

[Neshanic]

17. Concern noted.

[calmblueocean]

20. Never wrestle with a pig: you both get dirty, and the pig likes it.

That's Obama's strategy this time around, and Biden's just playing along with it.

Obama does not want to get drawn into an insult contest. He wants to keep the focus on issues, on who would make your life better, and not validate their jabs by responding to them. Is that gonna work? I don't know. Palin just dumped a wheelbarrow full of shit on our party last night. Maybe dusting yourself off and walking away makes you look like you're made of stronger stuff than they are; or maybe it just leaves you covered in shit. I would've appreciated a good rhetorical punch-in-the-nose from Biden this morning in reponse to last night.

[geek tragedy]

22. People don't want a leader who's afraid to get his hands dirty.

They want a fighter, not a debate society champion.

[1corona4u]

25. Just stop it.

Give them a chance to get back at the repukes in their own way. I'd rather have a smart team, than a team who can be seen as hateful as the repukes are.

[progressivebydesign]

30. yeah, it worked SO well when Kerry took that approach. n/t

[1corona4u]

39. Yeah, well, team Obama has addressed all of their comments...

in their fashion. If they go back at them, people will just say; where's the change?" Same shit. They have to stay on message.

[mvd]

103. I just hope something is said about the unprofessional nature of this convention

The Repukes cross the line even for politics. Don't be Repukes. But show you can dish it out and don't take it.

[LanternWaste]

96. I imagine there are many individuals...

I imagine there are many individuals who believe they speak on behalf of The People, and what The People want. I also imagine those same individuals have deluded themselves into believing they have absolute knowledge of what The People want, and brook no further discord within their own minds.

So may I ask, in good conscious, that you step off your perceived podium as spokesperson of The People and speak only for yourself and those in your inner coterie, as I certainly detect no great reservoir of insight in your opinion on this; and you certainly don't appear to be speaking for any people here right now...

[progressivebydesign]

23. This is how Kerry lost.. we never learn.

The Dems have no idea how to play with the Big Boys. Kerry got slammed in the most filthy way possible, and yet the Dems acted like they were above-it-all, while we were dragged through the mud.

The witch delivered abusive, ridiculing, and nasty, comments about Obama, and we think "she deserves a lot of respect" This faux high-road bullshit DOES NOT WORK. It didn't work with Kerry, and it doesn't work now. Has the Obama campaign forgotten already that the week McCain went nasty against Obama recently that our poll numbers dropped????

[Neshanic]

32. No we don't. We never do. Then we wonder.

[NightOwwl]

36. OBAMA IS NOT KERRY VERSION 2

Get a grip!

[bdamomma]

61. Obama is no Kerry

and Joe Biden has been around the block.

[TornadoTN]

37. While I have faith in Obama and his team, I'm a bit nervous about the approach this week

All last week during our convention, McCain and his surrogates were making the rounds and dropping strong comments against our party. It made the news and it kept his name in the equation all during the week. He was buying ads and doing his best to hit Obama at every opportunity.

This week we've seen some major revelations regarding Palin and other information that is pretty damning of McCain's decision making and temperament. We haven't capitalized on it - we've only given platitudes to the GOP and sang their high praises while "disagreeing with them". That message doesn't resonate with voters the way that people think it does - it makes our side look weak and wishy-washy.
To me, it's clear that the gloves should come off and we start fighting back - because McCain is determined to hit back and hit back hard. We need some fire - not an all out scorched-earth type approach, but we need to fire back with some effect.

[phleshdef]

40. With all due respect, your comparison makes no sense.

Kerry was attacked on his military service and waited like 3 or 4 weeks to do anything about it. And NOTHING said last night was remotely close to the level of what was done to Kerry, not even by a mile.

It hasn't even been one day. You are jumping to conclusions that should not be jumped to. Wait till the RNC is over and give credit to Obama's campaign. They know what they are doing more than you or I do.

And the poll numbers dropped because Obama was on vacation all week and McCain has the media all to himself.

[weezie1317]

85. Obama isn't Kerry, but today Obama's CAMPAIGN looked an awful lot like Kerry's.

[amborin]

98. totally agree

we still don't get it in so many ways

and, palin is another example

we are so slow to realize the treachery of her selection

[depakid]

29. That was the risk in picking Biden

A professional driveller who cares more about whether people "like him" and think he's "a reasonable guy" than he does about actually fighting for us.

You could have seen that on any of a hundred of the Sunday shows over the past 10 years.

[phleshdef]

46. Which Joe Biden are you talking about???

Biden is KNOWN to be a fighter... just one that happens to have class, but a fierce liberal lion nonetheless.

He doesn't have to act like a Republican to get the job done.

[depakid]

50. Hey, I've watched that guy for 30 years

and lion he ain't. LOL.

Just telling some truth here- truth that's obvious to anyone who's seen him drivel on the Sunday shows.

Better than Palin? You bet.

But what do want to bet that Obama wishes that he'd just shut his fucking mouth sometimes.

[phleshdef]

57. All his Washington colleagues disagree with you

Anyone in the senate who is ever asked about him pretty much echo my sentiments... on BOTH sides of the aisle.

I'll side with the opinions of the people who most know what they are talking about, if you don't mind.

[depakid]

71. Bullshit

He's known in Washington as one of the most conceited and vanity driven men around.

And also as someone who you just wish knew when to shut up.

[lyonn]

111. Conceited?? Vanity??

Biden comes off as sincere and speaks from the mind and heart. I just sent to the damn DSCC a few dollars just because Biden sent an e-mail asking me to. I so believe in that guy and what he does and says. All I hear is sincerity.

When Biden speaks I listen. Obama speaks, I listen. Lieberman speaks, I listen and shudder. What congresscritters do you feel are sincere and speak for us Dems?

[phleshdef]

117. Ah, just ignore the guy at this point...

He has an obvious dislike for Biden and seems to attribute traits to Biden that are so far from reality it isn't funny. Its probably psychological projection, if the truth be known.

[1corona4u]

55. Bullshit.

I don't even know what else to say to you. You have always had an issue with Biden though.....you know it, I know it, and so does everyone on this board.

[phleshdef]

66. Being new as a poster (not as a reader), I didn't know it...

But that provides some perspective. Otherwise, I couldn't imagine how anyone could suggest Biden isn't the fighter that he is known to be... let alone what I've witnessed with my own ears.

[1corona4u]

78. Joe will handle her just fine...

he's just giving her enough rope to hang herself right now.

[mvd]

93. The response was perfect up until now

But now we can't count on the media's help. McCain's been doing a little intimidation, and when all is said and done, they are still the corporate media and they can frame debate. The LW blogs are doing a good job of helping, but we can't do their job of defense.

Now I disagree on Biden; he has a good reputation across the aisles. I actually like both Obama and Biden more than I did before they started their run for the Presidency, and that's something I'm sure more went through. First impression of Biden was that he's slick, but I got to know him better, and can forgive his bankruptcy vote if he helps Obama win and then works with Obama to correct it.

[calico1]

31. I can't view videos at work but if you are referring to

the Matt Lauer interview, Matt kept pressing him to tell him what he was going to do in the debate. I think Biden was just being careful to now show his hand.

[tpi10d]

33. no overreactions

It takes a week or two for the impressions of the speech to mature in the public consciousness (or lack of). We're 8 points up in the polls, now is not the time for a big change of strategy. For all we know Palin's mudslinging may poll very poorly among independent voters.

The GOP is going to run a very negative campaign. They have nothing else. I'm confident Obama can play hard if he needs to.

[blue_onyx]

62. I agree her negativity won't go over as well as she probably thought

Someone posted a little early some quotes from Michigan where Independents were very unimpressed with her. The people who liked the speech were Republicans who she didn't need to win over anyway. I think if you are going to criticize your opponent, you should be able to speak on why they are wrong and how your position is better. I didn't watch the entire speech but she just kept taking jabs at Obama and repeating the same talking points about herself (ex: thanks but no thanks to bridge to nowhere.

[MaineDem]

35. Wait til after the convention

I have no doubt both of our candidates will let loose then.

[TornadoTN]

42. Why wait? McCain went after us during our convention to keep his name out there

While there's something to be said for being gracious during the other parties convention, I believe we should return in kind what was dealt to us during ours.

I'm not talking about scorched-earth tactics, just something with a little more force than what we are seeing.

[msallied]

63. McCain NEEDED to keep his name out there because it was being drowned out

by all of the attention that Obama was getting. McCain's convention isn't getting NEARLY the coverage or ratings. Stop insinuating that Barack or Biden have to act like that classless bunch of asshats in order to get attention.

[TornadoTN]

77. I think you read too much into what I said

I don't want a scorched-earth approach with all of the "fire and brimstone" that they can muster - I would just like to see a little bit of an offensive against what was said last night and in the media.

[msallied]

89. Like what, exactly?

The campaign statement said plenty in that regard and it reminded people that not a single issue was raised to the voters about the economy, etc etc. Believe me, they're not sitting idly by.

[renate]

41. remember how Bush "won" the debates simply by not falling down?

It's to our advantage right now to let expectations build. When she's on her own debating Biden, without somebody else's "zingers" to make the audience salivate, it will be a Moment of Great Deliciousness for us.

[EmilyAnne]

44. This is an excellent response by Biden.

He can't dismiss Palin's experience because it will only continue the back and forth argument about experience. The best he can do is acknowledge her experience and move on from the topic altogether.

He can't scoff at the office of mayor or governor because it would just continue a stupid argument about which political position does more than which. Its stupid to waste time on pointless arguments about senators vs. governors, community organizers vs. mayors and executive experience vs. legislative experience. Each has a role, each is important in its own way, so there is no way to win an argument about this.

He can't mock the state of Alaska or the city of Wasilla as small, out of touch or hickish without looking snobbish and offending Alaskans.

Finally, by acknowledging the "humor" in her lines, he removes the venom. He comes off as a good sport and it will make all further attacks look sillier and sillier.

[AspenRose]

83. Exactly

Look at how he responded to Rove. It ends up making Rove look like the pathetic ass he is.

[lyonn]

115. Who else is better able to deal with Palin than Biden!!! nt

[1corona4u]

47. Here's an idea...

why don't all of you know-it-all's contact Obama, and tell him what you are saying here. Maybe he'll fire all of his advisors and hire you all. :sarcasm:

[jberryhill]

48. I trust the campaign knows what it is doing

Don't worry.

[Jennicut]

52. Handringers anonymous is calling. Biden has effectively told Palin she has no new ideas

If one thinks Obama or Biden will take attacks lying down, one is very very mistaken. In fact, during Kerry's presidency, Biden tried to give him advice to follow in regards towards attacking Bush/Cheney and Kerry never followed it. Biden knows what he is doing. There is no need to go on major attack mode yet. Right now its time to point out that the Rethugs are the party of more of the same, no new ideas or substance.

[boomerbust]

53. Dont worry

Ms. Palin played right into Biden's hand with that speech. She is the new queen bee on the scene, but all I saw was the condasending bitch that she really is. She described herself as a pit bull with lipstick. She will have lipstick smeared all over her face in due time. Ol Joe is just licking his Irish chops.

[msallied]

60. Jesus, you're about as reactionary as a Republican.

Curb your need for blood, for crissakes. Obama has never run his campaign this way and doesn't NEED to. In case you haven't noticed, the guy is in the lead, specifically because he's focused on the ISSUES and hasn't had to resort to gutter politics. McCain and the boys are forced to do that because they have no record to run on.

And looking cool and calm in the face that marauding harpy is going to piss them off even more.

[ginnyinWI]

67. if either Obama or Biden came out swinging today

McCain/Palin would be ready to cry foul and scream about sexism or whatever.

Let the media take the first jabs, take her down a bit in the public view. Be there when people start thinking, "hey wait just a minute here...". Wait for the shiny bright object to get a little old.

Palin really doesn't have the time before November 4 to really build a solid reputation with people. All she has is the chance to sell an image. And that can easily be deflated.

[msallied]

69. And it's happening as we speak. The public vetting continues.

People who want to see a Jerry Springer fight between the parties will be sorely disappointed.

[Stop Cornyn]

64. The vice presidential nominees' role is not to rebut to other party's vice presidential nominee;

our vice presidential nominee should rebut their presidential nominee.

[CitizenPatriot]

68. NO he set the stage for attacks on the issues

he referred to her over and over again as "tough".

he set it up so everyone has him on record talking about how tough she is

now

when he debates her and he gets tough
no one can say she's a girl don't pick on her

he is brilliant. he totally deflated Fox news and beamed with the positive message of OBAMA.

just wait.

the good stuff is a comin'.

[nini]

70. He's making fun of her in a under handed way

He's taking an under the radar jab at her qualifications and lack of discussing the issues.

After all her blabbing last night she still hasn't defined why SHE is qualified, what the issues are and how to fix them.

She's a joke and they know it'll play out with them having to go on the defensive.

relax.

[ShortnFiery]

92. Ding! Ding! Ding! Spot on nini. Biden is the master of "understatement."

;)

[WheelWalker]

135. You got it. Senator Slice & Dice.

[stillcool]

72. It never ends..

those that are seeking bloodsport, when the two sides aren't even in the same arena.

[blondeatlast]

74. Biden's in it for the game--he LOVES it. If he'd been told to play it safe, he wouldn't have taken

the gig.

He's playing her now, he'll surgically box her in the debates. I've watched the guy for years--he simply loves the game and he knows very well how to play it.

[breakaleg]

75. I'm tired of the Dems taking the high road. It's going to backfire on them and make them appear

weak.

[msallied]

90. So... you want them to act like Republicans?

Noted.

[zulchzulu]

79. I think Joe is waiting for her to stumble a little more

She has the spotlight for a day or so. Expect Biden to come out swinging more intensely as she steps in it more...

[1corona4u]

80. Exactly. He's giving her enough rope to hang herself.

He wants her to be seen as "tough". That way, he can tackle her at the debate. And even then, he will outwit her, and make her look like the ass she is.

[nutshell2002]

81. Biden's response was very smart politics

I think it is very hard to be patient when our candidates are being attacked. The immediate gut response is a reflexive need to respond; plus we all have very fresh memories from Kerry and the 2004 repub smear campaign. But Palin is not the issue---John McCain is the issue. We do not want to muddy the waters with a back and forth over the experience of Obama vs that of their VP candidate; it is not the point, and frankly, not something on which we can 'win'. We need to do exactly what we are doing, namely saying congrats on your speech and move along. Back to the issues of the campaign and tying McCain to Bush repeatedly over the next 8 weeks.

This election needs to be about issue, not personalities. Repubs are very effective at identity politics; Obama is 'foreign' and 'not at all like you'. Palin's selection is all about this; "See I'm just like you" without mentioning her whackanut views on just about everything.

The Obama campaign is very smart to IGNORE her after today. Keep tying McSame to Bush. And leave it to others to continue to dig up the dirt on Palin.

[Lex]

86. Agreed.

He will bring it when it's time.

[jonestonesusa]

99. I don't know...some here seem to have a high level of confidence in this strategy.

Like the OP writer, I was uneasy upon first reading Biden's reaction to Palin's speech, especially when there are puff pieces on the speech in the major newspapers I looked at (NY Times, MPLS Star Tribune). The contrast in the Times article between the front page story and the comments couldn't be more stark - big headlines on Palin's electrifying the crowd, numerous comments from readers calling out the fact that she's reading unconvincingly from a teleprompter, didn't write the speech, no substance, etc. I think the posters here that are impatient with Obama's campaign strategy mostly want straightforward, honest reactions that defend Democratic values rather than perennial caution. It's good that Biden reinforced the fact that Palin's speech ignored the economy and most important issues, but praising her for her delivery is hard to take, especially when McCain has gotten praise too from Biden, Feingold, Clinton, etc. in the middle of a contested presidential campaign.

If it wasn't for the fact that Gore and Kerry did so much of this cautious approach, I think people would be more patient with Obama's approach. But the fact is we ended up with Bush not only because we didn't make the case for the Democratic side strongly enough, but also because we rolled over and played dead when it counted, as in the Senate certification of the 2000 presidential vote, early concessions by Gore and Kerry, refusal to make a significant issue out of election fraud in Congress, voting for Bush's war in Iraq, etc. So it's not just that some DUers are being negative, it's that we are living with the results of 8 years of over-cautiousness and failure to stand up to New Right fraud and bad ideas.

Obama has earned the nomination and has run a good campaign, but it's also a close race at this point in an election season that should be a slam dunk. I think that some of this is Obama's relative newness on the national scene (though the meme that he's inexperienced is also b.s., always was through the primaries and up to now) and his race, frankly. I'm hopeful that he will win, but I'm tired of Republicans being praised just so Dems can claim to be good sports. That kind of thinking got us 8 years of GWB that we could not afford. So this cautious strategy better work - but after all, it's a gambit.

[mvd]

105. Obama/Biden have earned some trust

They've had a strategy that except for the vacation has worked. Every time I've wanted them to attack more, they held back and played strategic defense - which worked. I just can't see not calling them out a little, but maybe I'm wrong again.

[pdxmom]

87. Maybe this is politically incorrect, but I was reminded of the Uncle

Remus stories as I watched Joe Biden this morning. "Please Mr. Fox, don't throw me in that briarpatch."

Joe's facial expressions belied the words coming out of his mouth. They are giving them the chance to hang themselves this week, let them think it's fine to do this, and raise expectations. Then it'll be on. They are showing way more class than the Repukes and it's not going unnoticed by the independents out there.

I have faith that this is just a strategy and I remember how many times we've heard this before...Obama needs to hit back, don't stand for this, etc. They will do what they need to do and in a way that works for them.

[mvd]

88. Well, I only hope he knows these people are..

as bad as pit-bulls. The speech was disrespectful of Obama and Biden. It there's sarcasm of his own, it's too subtle.

Now I'm not flying off the handle. I just expected more from Biden.

[Duke Newcombe]

94. Don't panic kids...this is strategy.

Don't tear her down and elicit sympathy. Be nice, and build her up a bit. That way, when they're at the debate, he can destroy her as an equal, not as "mean old man Joe Biden thumping on a lady".

Duke

[oviedodem]

100. This is called bait and switch; bait them into respect and strangle from behind

[Straight Shooter]

101. They weren't "good, funny lines."

They were the same old mean-spirited style of what passes for "humor" in the GOP. I'm sick of it. Sick of it! Grow up and get out of high school, Sarah Palin.

[TomClash]

102. Joe's holding his fire

It is part of a very deft strategy.

Before this election is over they will not know what hit them.

[WheelWalker]

136. Gezactly! Timing is everything. Joe is Biden his time. He'll

slice and dice and she'll have bled to death before she realizes she's been cut.

[Fire_brand]

104. *updates database of concerns*

[AspenRose]

107. Do we have enough to play BINGO yet?

[mzmolly]

106. Raising expectations....

Good for him.

[gateley]

109. Regardless of how WE would like to see this handled,

it's up to Obama and his camp. Unlike others, apparently, I have no insight to their strategy or plans.

I do know that Joe has never personally attacked a person, called them a liar, or gotten down in the mud. He's delivered the message and gotten the point across by -- rightly -- attacking their policies or viewpoints, and that in turn shows the person at the receiving end to be kind of an idiot.

That being said, I don't see the harm in saying "but giving a good speech is not a qualification for serving as Vice President -- or maybe President, and that's the concern about Governor Palin" or something like that.

[jberryhill]

110. Expectation Management

If nobody expects much out of her, then a marginal performance is a success.

Listen carefully to the tone of Joe's voice when he expresses his trepidation at debating her because "She's *really* good."

It's funny.

[Born_A_Truman]

113. He could barely keep a straight face

The clip I saw this morning where he said expectations of him were so high and of her was so low that he would really have to get to work to prepare for the debates (not a quote) was so funny. I expected him to start laughing any second. Are they going to wire her up and feed her answers? If her clip on Charlie Rose is any indication, she will ignore the question and talk about energy and oil.

[msanthrope]

112. President Bill Clinton used to put his arm around his enemies

and praise them....

this was his way of setting the bar high for expectations about them;

it was also his way of making them feel he was soft;

it also gave him time to feel for the right spot in their backs.

When the knife thrust came, (and it did) Bill was smiling.....

I think Biden took a page from Bill, and from common sense...

Palin's gonna take this act on the road...let her. Plenty of time for her to self-destruct. At this point, there's a month to go to his debate. If he props her up as 'tough', great. She's tough...which means that when he does slap her around, she'd better not whine.

Joe Biden isn't losing this to Sarah Palin....

[CatBO]

116. You are playing checkers...

JoeBama are playing chess.

[begin_within]

123. And the Rs are playing war.

To kill.

[jberryhill]

129. They are playing tic tac toe....

Because rock-paper-scissors was two hard for them.

[PatSeg]

119. Having watched Biden closely for quite some time,

I'm really not worried. He knows exactly what he's doing and he knows how and when to attack, with a smile on his face of course.

Furthermore, McCain made it a point not to attack Obama during the Democratic convention, and Obama and Biden are allowing McCain/Palin have their moment as well. Meanwhile, the media is digging up plenty of dirt on Palin, so our guys can let them do the dirty work for now.

[shaniqua6392]

120. He is falsely propping her up as a great debater, an equal, etc.

so that he can smash the shit out of her without everyone crying "sexism"!! They know what they are doing. They are staying above the fray and trying to show the American people that we do not have to have these elections filled with ugliness.

[PatSeg]

121. I just watched him on CNN's American Morning

and he definitely was "propping her up". This is classic Biden. He even implied he didn't know if he could beat her in a debate - note the smile on his face when he says such things. He knows what he's doing and I'm quite McCain's people know it too.

[WinkyDink]

130. Joe knows how to say, "Bless her heart." ;)

[PatSeg]

133. Or "God love her..."

Watch out!

[begin_within]

122. Palin will come to the debate armed with 6 or 7 good one-liners,

the rest the usual talking points. She won't say anything unscripted or spontaneous. Biden will easily outperform her, but the next day, the commercial media will trumpet her "engaging" performance that "surpassed expectations" and then list the one-liners (which they got in advance) and Palin will get the bounce from the debate, even though Biden ran circles around her.

[WinkyDink]

131. Joe can say, "I'm glad the one with the lipstick showed up tonight."

[AZBlue]

124. They can't fight back right now - this approach makes her look even worse.

She was nasty, rude and demeaning and by treating her with the respect she didn't treat them with they are drawing an even bigger contrast between them and highlighting her spite and malice.

[Barrymores Ghost]

125. Relax, pal...it is ALL under control, believe me.

You can lure more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. Then, when they get stuck lapping up the sticky sweetness, you bring down the swatter.

Simple.

Chill, seriously.

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

126. I hope the other side is as fooled as the OP. Biden's playing possum.

[Muttocracy]

128. anyone doubting, please watch Biden on the Today show today carefully

He's not revealing his cards to the media or the opposition. He's taking on Bush=McCain=Palin on the issues at every stop and media appearance.

[WheelWalker]

138. Link? I've looked and can't find one. Thanks.

[lolamio]

137. I'm not worried about Biden.

He's a sharp guy and a seasoned politician. He knows exactly what he is doing. I can't wait for the VP debate to see it all unfold and watch her go down!

[BklnDem75]

139. People need to get a grip.

Anything that comes out now will be drowned out by the convention. Even the truth will come off as whining at this time. I'm glad there's clearer heads behind this campaign. Too much emotion going around. Yeah, Kerry lost because he didn't respond fast enough, but he also lost because he did more retaliating than actual attacking. He allowed them to control the message and his response made their message stronger even if they were lies. We need to stop overreacting and let them attack from a position of strength.

[Hippo_Tron]

142. It's called LOWERING EXPECTATIONS

Having Biden chew Sarah Palin up and spit her out isn't effective if the punditry spends the entire preceding week talking about how Biden will chew up Sarah Palin and spit her out.

So, while Governor Moose Hunter is raising her own expectations in the media by shamelessly trashing Obama for being a community organizer in front of a crowd of right wing cheerleaders, Biden is lowering his own expectations by playing softball with her.

As a result the punditry may not see the outcome of this debate as an absolute Biden victory. They may begin to speculate that Governor Moose Hunter will hunt Biden like a moose.

And when Biden chews up Sarah Palin and spits her out in the debate everybody will be surprised.

[Phx_Dem]

144. I think the idea is . . .

to allow her "vetting" process in the media to continue unincumbered. If Biden, or Obama were to fire back at Palin following her speech, it would do three things right off the bat.

1. Directly acknowledging her attacks gives her credibility and stature. (wow, they hit her hard. She must have made them nervous).
2. The media would then turn their focus to the "back and forth" between the two camps instead of focusing on the drip drip drip of new information coming out every day about Palin.
3. It would also encourage Palin. Just like a little kid who does something bad and you laugh at them, they like it and continue the bad behavior because they're getting attention.

It doesn't mean they won't attack her, but this week was not the right time. It would overshadow the "vetting" of her and that is the LAST THING we want to do. Next week, Obama is rolling out his own female attack dogs -- Clinton, McCaskill, Napolitano and Sebelius -- all of whom are Governors (except Hillary, of course). They can hit her as hard as they want and there will be little, or no splashback becuase they are women and, most of them, hold the same office as Palin but with MUCH MORE experience and stature.

The opposition and even alot of Dems have continuously underestimated Obama's extremely keen sense of strategy since this race began, and they (you) continue to do so. Don't. Give the man credit and trust him. He knows what the hell he is doing, and some little pissant from Alaska is not going to outsmart him. Please. Palin couldn't outsmart Hillary and Obama beat her.

Remember how everyone, starting with the Republicans, echoed by the MSM and then by our own party (you), were FREAKING OUT about the GREEK COLUMNS! OH NOES!!! It's going to be disaster. What was he thinking?!!! He knew exactly what he was doing and he was right, as usual. It was abolutely spectatular and, as Chuck Todd reported, the McCain camp was "speechless."

Chill, and let Obama be the stratetic master of the game that he is.

[cynatnite]

145. Did you miss Biden in all the other debates he was in during the primaries? n/t

[HughMoran]

147. Yep, he's gonna just bend over and take it

Lol - as if - what a fucking stupid thread.