Who Won?
Peter Robinson ·
October 12, 2012 at 4:36am
Okay, I'll go first: In the final third or so of the debate Ryan proved the dominant presence on the stage.
But by then it was too late.
During the first two-thirds or so, when viewers were still watching, Biden pushed Ryan around--and Ryan permitted him to get away with him. Biden proved a loudmouth and a boor. But he also proved the dominant figure on the stage.
If you had to choose a winner, I'd say--and it pains me--that Biden won.
But I'd also say it doesn't matter. This debate won't move the polls at all.
That's my two cents. Yours?
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Comments:
Dec '10
Re: Who Won?
I just could not believe how Biden kept yelling at Martha... that couldn't have scored any points.
May '10
Re: Who Won?
Here's one of my main impressions:
Ryan was right not to run for president. He's the junior member of the ticket. And he's a great and promising junior member. He held his own.
Biden, on the other, was so much better at being glib and convincing than Obama that you have to wonder about the ticket arrangement. Obama looks even more pathetic now.
Oct '12
Re: Who Won?
Pyrrhic victory for Joe Biden.
Edited on October 12, 2012 at 4:42amApr '11
Re: Who Won?
Martha was the winner.
May '10
Re: Who Won?
Another way of saying it: the Dems will be ecstatic for a day or two. Then they'll remember they have to vote for Obama, not Biden.
Edited on October 12, 2012 at 4:42amAug '12
Re: Who Won?
Biden won on gravitas, but I think Ryan's gaffe quip will get the most replay.
Jul '10
Re: Who Won?
Biden came across as an ass.
Aug '10
Re: Who Won?
mugging , nervous sneers , what's not to like if you like bullies ?
unscoreable as a debate as it devolved, perhaps per the plan
Edited on October 12, 2012 at 4:44amJul '11
Re: Who Won?
Ryan - but a "few" wines later, I might be biased.
Jan '12
Re: Who Won?
Biden was a mule eating briars. The grins, smirks, and smiles were painful to watch.
His comments on Libya were particularly annoying. He threw the intel guys under the bus.
Sep '12
Re: Who Won?
1. Martha R. and VP Biden threw the intel community under the bus
2. I was bored most of the time by the verbage and astonished by Biden's grin and found myself-during the boring bits-thinking that Congressman's Ryan's hair reminded me of Eddie Munster.
I doubt the needle was moved one way or the other.
Oct '10
Re: Who Won?
On content I'd give it to Ryan. On hutzpah I'd give it to Joe.
Mar '12
Re: Who Won?
If we're talking covering the floor, Biden won. On being fair and honest, Ryan won.
Pretty disappointing. Worst thing was Martha interrupting Ryan just when he got started, allowing Joe to constantly interrupt, and asking inane questions.
Oct '11
Re: Who Won?
Biden was such a jerk, I doubt he won.
Jan '11
Re: Who Won?
I don't know if I can pick a clear winner - I think it depends a lot on how much Biden's early behavior affected people. It seemed like he landed some good hits, notably Ryan's stimulus request, and Ryan missed a few opportunities to parry or counter-punch, notably not clearly explaining the difference between tax rates and revenues. I thought Ryan did a good job on social security and medicare though. And it's possible Biden came off as a bit unhinged.
In terms of moving the undecideds I would guess a draw. But I doubt I understand the thought process of an undecided voter.
Sep '12
Re: Who Won?
Neither one did themselves any favors. Biden was pushy, and Ryan showed his nervousness. Biden may have over-reached, but Ryan really needed to be more assertive.
Biden edges out the win
May '11
Re: Who Won?
I agree with Peter. Biden was agressive and dominant but came across as boorish and condescending. Ryan must have been parched. How many glasses of water did he drink? Radditz lost me when she asked about how their catholicism affected their views on abortion. I thought she asked too many touchy feely questions.
Mar '11
Re: Who Won?
If this is an election that will be swayed by the ladies and if they watched this debate them I am sure they were creeped out by "Uncle Joe" and the inappropriate grin.
Dec '10
Re: Who Won?
Ramblin' Lex: Biden was a mule eating briars. The grins, smirks, and smiles were painful to watch.
His comments on Libya were particularly annoying. He threw the intel guys under the bus. ยท 0 minutes ago
Agreed. I don't think that Biden successfully dealt with the Libyan issue by abdicating responsibility to the intelligence community. The administration is the Boss, and they have to take responsibility for the mistakes of their underlings.
Aug '12
Re: Who Won?
I think both sides will think their side won. Dems needed a kick in the pants and Biden's attitude provided that. Repubs will love that Biden came across looking like a condescending boorish jerk and that Ryan was probably a bit more presidential.
Curious how independents felt.