Thoughts on the Debate

I don't spend nearly enough time talking up Joe Biden, but after seeing him speak at Linvilla Orchards last month, and watching last night's debate, I just have two words:

Go, Joe!

Now Joe Biden has his flaws. His 'George of the Jungle'-esque habit of referring to himself in the third person, for example. His occasional tendency to 'lack discipline'. But I like him. He reminds me of the most empathetic, wise, funny man I ever knew--my grandfather, Jack Luke Sr.

I think Grampop would have said a lot of the same things, if he were still here. I know he sure as hell would have had things to say about the reverential references to the Reagan era! There would have been a lot more 'goddamns' in his statements, but the non-judgemental wisdom would still have been there.

I do regret he's not here, because I'd love to hear his reaction to Sarah Palin! (He had an incredible gift of being able to call bullshit in one witty, hilarious comment.) It would be a laugh we could all use. I've heard it said that I have a similar talent--and I plan on deploying it full-force from now till November 4th.

Biden is originally from Claymont, Delaware--a stone's throw from my house. Listening to him talk about his past, as well as his family tragedy, was one of the best moments in the debate. Maybe it's only because I grew up in the general area, and thus could connect more easily to his stories. (Equally amazing in a different way was when he tore down the 'maverick' label. I was in awe.)

As for Gov. Palin....well, most of my blog has been dedicated to exposing her for the ridiculous fraud she is. And last night...ugh. I needed a stiff drink after I was done watching her. No, it's not the accent--I actually sort of love her accent. Makes me think of Fargo. Only problem is, it's really hard not to crack up when actually confronted with a real person who talks like this.

I was just disappointed she didn't say 'donchaknow'. I was really hoping for that.

I will say that McCain prepped her well. They've created a My Fair Palin. I half-expected her to sing about dancing all night or possibly things being 'loverly'.

As it was, I could have cheerfully yanked her offstage via cane when her response to Joe Biden's emotional stories about his family was so inappropriately chipper. That was truly sickening. I have no idea why she was smiling so much--for someone who loves her kids so much (and I have no doubt she does, just for the record), you'd think she'd be more empathetic.

And that, ultimately, is why I could never vote for her. This woman does not have a shred of empathy for others. Not working mothers (so why so many of them keep saying they relate to her, I can't imagine--MY working mother doesn't!), not victims of rape, and not even pregnant teenagers who need HELP, not lectures on how they are damaged goods.

I don't give a shit if her heart is in the right place--her policies are not. Let's all take a moment to remember that George W. Bush's heart was also in the right place. Except, it wasn't any damn use to us working stiffs. Keep that in mind in the voting booth, peeps.