Governor Sarah Palin vs. Senator Joe Biden: It’s the Vice Presidential Debate Night!

Thursday is debate night for the vice presidential candidates Governor Sarah PalinSarah Palin and Senator Joe BidenJoe Biden. The timing is crucial because Senator John McCainJohn McCain has had a rough fortnight coinciding with the US financial crisis, and the House’s rejection of the Bush administration's bailout plan.

Senator McCain’s impulsive decision to suggest that the first presidential debate be postponed did not go well with the voters. Also worrisome is the fact that the Sarah Palin boom that had brought a surge in the Republican Party’s popularity has ended. Many voters who initially welcomed her selection were getting cold feet amid doubts that she lacked the qualifications necessary to occupy the second highest office in the land, a heartbeat away from the presidency.

A common refrain is that the Republican candidate for vice president is a lightweight who does not have a clue about national security issues, international relations, national and global economics, health care and social security, which are essential requirements for a leader today. In fact, observers are questioning the judgment of John McCain for selecting Sarah Palin to be his running mate, some going so far as to accuse him of making an irresponsible choice. One observer was indelicate enough to suggest that there was a 20% actuarial possibility that John McCain may not be able complete his term if elected as he is 72, in which case Sarah Palin would become the president.

As expectations about Sara Palin are quite low, it is crucial for her to do sufficiently well in tonight's debate to quash the growing perception about the absurdity of her candidacy. According to the New York Times, Mrs Sarah Palin had appeared fluent and confident in the debates she held in the past with her opponents in Alaska, although she showed a tendency to be vague. One of her problems is she speaks in generalities, and it is difficult to make out what she means. She has to avoid that. While not a particularly aggressive debater, when pressed, she can hit back. About a year back one of her opponents suggested that she lacked debating experience.

“It’s been a year today that I’ve been on the campaign trail,” Ms. Palin responded, “attending many, many more forums, more debates, than either one of you… because I had a primary opponent. You know, you got to have the balls to take it on in the early part of a campaign, and not just go right to the big show.” (NYT)

Normally the performance of the vice presidential candidates has no impact on the race for the presidency. But this is not a normal situation. Sarah Palin’s coaches and handlers probably feel that if she can survive unscathed or better still unsettle Joe Biden, it could boost the McCain – Palin ticket.

The New York Times explains that in spite of his vast experience and excellent credentials as a leading legislator in the US Senate, Joe Biden's major weakness is a tendency to be loquacious. His habit of speaking authoritatively may come across as overbearing or condescending, particularly toward someone like Ms. Palin, who lacks his credentials. To try to guard against sounding sexist, he is sparring with Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm of Michigan, who is playing the role of Ms. Palin. Joe Biden is sensible in not taking anything for granted when so much is at stake.