Democratic Rally for Joe Biden, University of Florida, Gainesville, 2 November 2008.

© Andrea Robbins and Max Becher

© Jeff Mermelstein

I know Biden well having grown up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  And although the debate wasn't one of his best performances, imo, still he was more informative, logical and coherent than Governor Palin. Her refusal to respond directly to almost every question put to her combined with her attempts to seem folksy and "one of the people" amounted to a really weak performance. I felt like she came in with a script that she had memorized and stuck to, even when doing so made her sound disjointed and unresponsive. And her failure to show the slightest sign of sympathy when Senator Biden choked up describing the accident that killed his wife and daughter and injured his sons spoke voulmes to me about who she really is.

Joe Biden.  Sentaor Biden spoke directly to the concerns of the voters.  Gov. Palin basically acted out what she was trained to say and do - similar to what an actor will do with a movie script.  It was entertaining but the antics are not useful in convincing me that McCain/Palin are honorable in their sales pitches.

Whose debating skills are better or whose charisma is stronger is irrelevant in the decision to elect a VP.  The only proper question is who's better prepared to step into the role of the president immediately if the occasion demands.  This year, the answer couldn't be clearer: Joe Biden.

© Marvin Heiferman, 2008

I have to admit that Sara Palin actually sounded like she had studied for the debate. Unfortunately, she doesn't know anymore now than she did five weeks ago. She continues to hammer home talking points without the understanding behind them that would allow her to respond to questions or requests for clarification.

I was offended that she was unable/unwilling to answer the questions as asked by the moderator. Just pushing your own agenda and answers you have memorized does not make you a wise statesman, it makes you a myna bird.

I was leaning towards the Obama/Biden ticket before, but I will now help get out the vote for their ticket.

Nothing is more frightening than the thought of Sara Palin in charge.

I took these photographs on September 25, "on the ground" in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden was campaigning . . . along with his secret service detail.

© Mark Cohen, 2008