Maverick. Energy State. Maverick. Energy State. Darn It. Maverick. Wink. Energy State. Darn It. Wink. A formulaic response by Sarah Palin in the VP debate. Intermixed with these words and actions were frustrating contradictions. Thankfully, opposing Palin was an intelligent leader, Joe Biden. The Vice Presidential debate included more passion and seemed more of a battle of ideas than the first Presidential debate last week.
Sarah Palin, through her use of language and talking points, sounded too plain and like Joe “Six Pack,” as she continually says. After eight years of this principle with Bush, the country needs strength and intelligence displayed by Biden. The nation needs to move away from this “folksy” attitude. Joe Biden’s answers had substance, depth and knowledge. Ideas with backing.
Sarah Palin is described as being able to connect with the “average Joe” sorts, but the Middle Class, which seems to be the focus of both candidates, are more intelligent than this. It doesn’t seem as though the Republican party is giving the Middle Class the credit it deserves. Palin’s winks and smiles are calculated, and clearly so. Her simiple answers and “folksy” vernacular underestimate the depth of knowledge the Middle Class holds. Biden, whilst continually referring to the Middle Class, spoke with grace and clarity, realizing that this group of voters understands what the problems are in the country.
The more troubling portion of this debate came during a discussion of civil rights for same-sex couples. Sarah Palin made commentary about gays choosing and deciding the relationships they have and expressing ideas that she “tolerant.” She brought up the fact that she has a gay friend and family members, who would “probably disagree” with her and her stance on same-sex marriage. The frightening part of Palin’s answer on the rights of same-sex couples came when she stated that by providing same-sex couples similar rights as heterosexual couples, a gateway to equal marriage rights is opened. Therefore, she cannot support a majority of them. “Contractual agreements” for property and hospital visitation have been cleared by her moral compass, but the road stops there. Palin’s sincere use of ”contractual agreements” was rather cheapening of the love gay American’s “choose.”
Joe Biden, on the other hand, gave a passionate answer about how the Constitution provides equal rights to same-sex couples. Biden brought up, specifically, that the Constitution supports equality among couples when it comes to various issues, including property and visitation rights. Biden did say he does not support same-sex marriage, but he also acknowledged that marriage is faith based, meaning the government does need to acknowledge and provide for these committed relationships. He understands that gay Americans are Americans, despite their sexual orientation. More importantly, Biden clarified that, in the end, marriage as it pertains to religion and the government are two separate issues. One could hear in his words his respect for liberty and equality for Americans.
Sadly, the topic of rights for same-sex couple ended with both candidates saying they do not believe in same-sex marriage. To this the moderator said, “Finally something you can agree on.” This led to an uproar of laughter from the audience and candidates. Disheartening to say the least. It felt like gay Americans lost a piece of their humanity, as it was though no one was thinking of gays as people at this point. Agreeing on inequality of same-sex marriage isn’t exactly a laughing point.
After hearing Sarah Palin’s frightening conservative view on gays, she made two references in the debate about women’s rights and America being home of equal rights and tolerance. A contradiction indeed. In the end, Sarah Palin seemed to feed the conservative Right in the debate, particularly with her “folk” vernacular. Joe Biden seemed to be heavily focused on the undecided Middle Class Americans, and hopefully successfully so. Biden is trained in domestic and foreign policy. Palin knows about oil; she is from an energy state as she mentioned 100 times.
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October 3rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
If I understood Bidens answer about gay marriage I would have to agree with it. I understand the argument that allowing gays couples to enter civil unions and not marriage is separate but equal but I think the government should not even define marriage at all. One thing Clinton did which I do not agree with is DOMA when he defined marriage as between a man and woman. Marriage should be a religious coupling of two people that offers no legal benefits, only religious, and each religion can decide for itself what to recognize because church and state are seperate. The state than needs to come up with its own term and call it the same for all couples and give them the same benefits as we see in marriage today.
Kind of makes sense to me.
But did you also notice in Palin NEVER in her first answer says gay, homosexual, or even same-sex. She says she has a diverse family and friend group, does that mean some like Miller Lite and others Bud Lite? It does not matter, because that is their choice and she supports Joe’s choice to buy Miller, Bud, or maybe even Newcastle.
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