Biden must not underestimate

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Sunday September 28, 2008 · 2:41 AM PDT

2008/09/28 · 02:41

It's gone from we think she is incompetent, because she must be being mayor of tiny-town Alaska 2 years ago - to, we're sure she is.

She might actually be good in the debates, though. It is a combative format, and more about personality and confrontation than facts. She must be good at something politically to have risen to Governor. I expect her to hold her own - stylistically - in the debates. Seriously. Biden MUST NOT underestimate her. And he CAN'T condescend.

She actually has a track record of holding her own in debates. This is a format she can prepare for, because we know what the questions will be about. The topic is for mass-market consumption, remember - and will only be about primary issues. She can get her talking points in order. There isn't the back and forth of an interview where someone with no in-depth knowledge can be exposed. You simply state your position in this format, and then respond to your opponent's. In this format, you can actually get away with simply re-iterating your position in reply.

Biden needs to be careful. He doesn't know how she'll respond to any given question. And she may have a sharp tongue that needs no substance. If she lays him low a couple of times with well timed quips - he will be perceived to have LOST the debate.

This MUST NOT HAPPEN.

He needs to keep the focus on Obama's positions. And contrast them with McCain's. He MUST NOT try to trip her up. He MUST NOT be seen as trying to "stump the candidate" - because if she gets even a single answer right, she will have won.

He MUST treat her as though she were any other candidate. As competent as Romney or Pawlenty. If she blows it, it must be through nothing Biden does or doesn't do.

Poll
188 votes Show Results
How should Biden approach Palin

As though she is a moron

As though she is a neophyte

As though she is an equal

As though she is a master

188 votes Vote Now!
How should Biden approach Palin

As though she is a moron

5%

9 votes

As though she is a neophyte

3%

5 votes

As though she is an equal

116 votes

As though she is a master

58 votes

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