Election 2012 Autopsy

Well, that didn’t go well.

I’ll admit it, I didn’t see it coming down to this.  I saw this as an incredibly tight race that we’d still be waiting on results for.  I did figure it would be Ohio that we were waiting for, but to see those results so soon was a death knell for the Romney campaign.

I put no stock in exit polls, and quite frankly I’m too numb to even break them down.  What’s most telling about this election, however, it how wrong all the polls were.  Real Clear Politics (RCP) showed the president leading Romney 48.8 to 48.1 going into the election.  So many people said that those polls were skewed too heavily in favor of the president, because they over-sampled Democrats, when historically, there would be heavy Republican turnout.  But it appears that that RCP average was right-on when it came to support for Romney, but underestimated support for the president by 1.6 points.  That’s big in a national election.  State by state, it’s a different story.  States are hard to gauge.  Just look at the last election.  Some states were off by nearly eight points, so crunching that data was kind of a nightmare.  But to see it break the way it did was jaw-dropping.  It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Romney would carry Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, Obama was likely to carry Michigan and Nevada.  Questions still lingered about New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Colorado; and Ohio was anybody’s guess.  Plus, seeing Romney make a Hail Mary campaign swing through Pennsylvania had many pundits guessing too.  But there was just a sense of pessimism that permeated the mood when Pennsylvania went blue.  When Wisconsin followed suit, it got really glum.  But what was most surprising was seeing the break for the president in Virginia and Florida.  Sure, the microscope was on Ohio, but to see both of those states with Obama in the lead had many (even me) puzzled.  Then things just went from bad to worse.  New Hampshire went blue, as did Colorado and Iowa.  And then the networks called it (and probably had to take horse tranquilizers to contain their glee).

I never had Romney winning this thing.  It would have been nice, but I just didn’t see that happening.  In fact, I didn’t see a Republican beating him, period.  However, what I truly didn’t see is the ease at which he did it.  I saw this thing coming down to Ohio or Wisconsin.  I even thought it was possible for Romney to pull a Gore and win the popular vote.  In the end, however, I was wrong – mostly.  Did I or did I not call New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Nevada for Obama?  Yes, I got Colorado, Iowa, Virginia, and Florida wrong, but what polls indicated smooth sailing for them going into Tuesday?  What really irritates me is what I attribute to false optimism on the part of so many Republican operatives.  Karl Rove, George Will, and the Colorado University political science professor that has predicted every election in the last twenty years, Ken Bickers, were all wrong – and in a big way.  I loathe the idea that one of these thinkers was outdone by the likes of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, but it’s true.  Nearly every poll showed Romney taking Florida, she said Florida would go to Obama.  It did – by 0.6 points.  Vexing, to say the least.  It’s not that I think Democrats were understating their optimism.  I really don’t think they had a clue it would break this way, I think they were just hedging their bets.  After all, Romney had only prepared a victory speech.  Obama had prepared two speeches.

I don’t want to drone on and on about what did what to who and when, so I’ll treat this like a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list.  Then I’ll have a follow-up analysis.  (Full disclosure: I wrote this throughout the day, and it became lengthy, so just bear with me.):

Why did President Obama win reelection?

• $1 billion.
• As Rush Limbaugh brilliantly put it, people would rather vote for Santa Claus than vote to be their own Santa Claus.  That’s really what it boils down to.  When people weren’t voting along party/partisan/racial lines, they pulled the lever for the guy they thought would give them the most free [stuff].
• He focused small, went negative, and compromised his alleged principles to utilize political action committees.  Bain, binders, and bailouts. 
• Power of the incumbency – though, his is probably the weakest case for that argument in history.  He did have a bully pulpit, however. 
• A media embargo on the Benghazi story.  If this had happened under a Republican administration, this would still be running circles on all the media outlets.  But since this was an epic foreign policy failure and a huge cover-up that made the administration look bad at a vulnerable point, the proverbial wagons were circled, and the story buried.
• The death of Osama bin Laden.  Even though it can’t be attributed directly to him, he received most of the credit for getting the infamous terror leader.  That one killing closed a chapter in American history, and Obama seemingly just happened to be in the room to photo-bomb the occasion.
• Bill Clinton.  Somehow Obama gleaned some mojo from the former president.
• I’ll just say it: he’s black.  Black Americans traditionally vote Democrat, but the last two election cycles, they’ve had someone who just happens to share their shade of melanin to vote for – and apparently that boosts turnout. 
• He didn’t expose his leftist agenda for the next four years.

Why did Mitt Romney lose?

• $1 billion.
• A hostile media.  Sure, you could argue that they were more fair to him and Paul Ryan than they were to John McCain and Sarah Palin, but the fact of the matter is, when they were dissecting Mitt Romney’s tax returns and his resume with Bain Capital, they should have been covering Benghazi, Fast and Furious, and Solyndra.  Palin, among others, have called out the media in protecting Obama and attacking Romney early on, likening Romney’s uphill battle to trying to un-ring a bell.
• Trying to be too many things to too many people.  He may have had a sterling resume and be empathetic to boot, but apparently the electorate likes to focus on small things.  He’s rich.  He took big risks in business that didn’t always pay off.  He put the family dog on the roof of their car in the ‘80s.
• He’s a Mormon.  I guarantee you more people voted for Obama because Romney is a Mormon, than voted for Romney because Obama is black. 

Did the Republicans nominate the wrong guy?

• Charles Krauthammer pointed out that we had a weak field from the get-go.  Of them, however, Mitt Romney appeared the most presidential.
• This is how I would have called the other potential nominees against Obama:
• Rick Santorum v. Obama: 42/57
• Newt Gingrich v. Obama: 41/58
• Ron Paul v. Obama: 38/61
• Sarah Palin v. Obama: 41/58
• Donald Trump v. Obama: 31/68
• Rick Perry v. Obama: 42/57
• Tim Pawlenty v. Obama: 44/55
• Michele Bachmann v. Obama: 41/58
• John Huntsman v. Obama: 40/59
• Herman Cain v. Obama: 41/58
• If we had nominated someone other than Paul Ryan for vice president, this is the way I see it having gone:
• Romney/Rubio v. Obama/Biden: 49/50
• Romney/Rice v. Obama/Biden: 44/55
• Romney/Pawlenty v. Obama/Biden: 47/51
• Romney/Portman v. Obama/Biden: 49/50
• Romney/Jindal v. Obama/Biden: 47/52
• Romney/Ayotte v. Obama/Biden: 46/53
• Romney/McDonnell v. Obama/Biden: 48/51
• Romney is not a typical Republican, and nominating someone from the Northeast is always a bit shaky, but he moved right, and that was a smart move.
• Repeatedly, in the primaries, Romney was hammered on being the godfather, if you will, of ObamaCare.  But repeatedly, he refuted that claim and pointed out that his was a state-level mandate, not a federal government takeover of the healthcare system.  He wasn’t the perfect guy to run against Obama on that issue, but he was able to run effectively enough.
• All of that said, was there someone else who could have run a better campaign than Romney? 

What is going to happen over the next four years?

• Continued unrest in the economy and a feeble at best stock market.
• A moral compass adrift.
• A deadlocked, partisan Congress with a president unwilling to compromise.
• An EPA run rampant with out-of-control regulations against coal and other fossil fuels.
• Soaring energy prices. 
• Continued unrest in the Middle East, and a destabilized Iraq and Afghanistan.
• A complete transformation of our healthcare system – for the worse.  And higher premiums.
• Executive orders to boot.  Congress is still deadlocked.  Expect liberal policies to flow freely in this form.
• Who knows, really?  If Putin, Chavez, and Castro wanted Obama to win reelection, that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the world. 

Where do Republicans go from here?

• Don’t give up.
• Don’t let the Democrats make the rules, and don’t let them define us on their terms.  This notion that we’re not an inclusive party is [malarkey].  Ours is the party of Condoleezza Rice, Nicki Haley, Bobby Jindal, Susana Martinez, Marco Rubio, Mia Love, Allen West, J.C. Watts, Michele Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Kelly Ayote, Tim Scott, and Ted Cruz.  If you don’t know who all those people are, it’s because the media doesn’t want you to realize that the Republican Party welcomes people from all walks of life.  Oh, and this notion that if you’re gay, you can’t vote Republican; also [malarkey].  Ever hear of the Log Cabin Republicans?  Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean that you’re also attracted to big government, over-regulation, higher taxes, and a weak military.  Sure, the Republican Party is traditional, and their stance on marriage reflects that.  But they also back the notion of letting states decide.  I personally see homosexuality as a sin, but that doesn’t mean I’ll keep them from joining my party.  (I’ll admit it, this bullet point was more of a rant/bunny trail.)
• Take back the Senate in two years.  I said it this year, and I’ll keep the mantra going forward in 2014.  The Senate is about as corrupt as political organizations come.  It is stacked with crusty politicians who have reached the pinnacle of their careers and all they desire now is to hold onto what power they have for as long as possible.  (And yes, this includes both sides of the aisle.)  Ditching Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader is paramount and should be the number one agenda of the RNC going into the 2014 midterms.
• Don’t compromise your principles.  Compromise can be a respectable thing, but not at the expense of your principles.  You saw this on the Democrat side during the ObamaCare debate.  Allegedly pro-life Democrats compromised on abortion to get the bill passed.  As a result, the party is all but devoid of principled elected officials now.  It gets old seeing the Republicans block measures along party lines or pass bills in the House only to see them ignored or defeated in the Senate, but if the Party is passionate about something (like ending ObamaCare), they should vote their principles.
• Don’t forget your constituents.  You came into the political sphere with their votes.  You can exit just as easily.
• Don’t forget the Tea Party.  Sure, it seems like they didn’t quite show up in 2012 like they did in 2010, but they’re still a force to be reckoned with.  Ignoring them will do you no good.
• Reach out to the Ron Paul crowd.  It’s true – the man is a kook.  However, what his rabid followers stand for has more in common with the Republican Party than that of the Democrat Party.  Yeah, they may spit in your face – have you ever had a conversation with a Paulite? – but the gesture will not go unnoticed.

It’s true.  The results put me in a funk.  But I was headed that way before November 6^th.  When President Obama was elected in 2008, I began to see a shift in the country.  Yes, America wanted a change, and that’s just what they got.  But the shift hasn’t been for the better.  Instead, it’s been away from personal responsibility and the ideals that shape the American dream.  It’s been in the other direction actually – where a culture of dependency has emerged, and people long for the easy way out.  This is why you saw the emergence of the Occupy movement – not that they’re a force to be reckoned with like the Tea Party, but it’s just indicative of where we are as a society.  We’re on a short road to becoming more like Greece after this election.

Mitt Romney put up a valiant effort, and while there may have been missteps along the way, his campaign was about as flawless as it could have been.  If half the focus had been put into vetting President Obama as was put into vetting Romney, we may not be where we are today.  However, dwelling on the treasonous acts of the media, the disastrous track record the president has on the economy, and the scary thoughts of the future; the fact still remains that he won – just like I said he would.  It would be easy for me to go home and commit some serious carbicide (cheese fries would be my weapon of choice), but I will not do so.  That would give fuel to the fire. 

Disappointed, I am.  Surprised, I am not.  This is not over, though.  The battle may be won by the other side, but the war is not lost.  I will not surrender the American dream to the leftist ideologues who see America and capitalism as the problem.  It may be an uphill battle for years to come, but it is one that I look forward to fighting.  Eradicating liberalism is one of my life goals, and I intend on accomplishing that sooner rather than later.

I just spent several paragraphs dispelling the notion that a different outcome was possible and what to look forward to in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.  It may get ugly, but I have a hope that transcends the petty nature of politics: my faith in Jesus Christ.  God alone knows what will transpire, and He has a plan for why the election went the way it did.  I may not see it now – like much of His will – but I am steadfast in the knowledge that it is all for His glory.  It was very encouraging to see this sentiment reflected on Facebook and other social media today, after the anger/depression/anxiety/sugar highs wore off.  If you’re still mad about the election, don’t be.  Look to the One that controls eternity, not just the next four years.

2012 Election - Final Prediction

Well, the day is here.  The day I’ve waited for for four (yes, I realize that sounds funny).  Unfortunately, it’s with a heavy heart that I post the following prediction.

I don’t want this to be the reality, but I fear it will be.  I pray that I’m wrong.  I don’t think I’ve ever wished more that I will be wrong, but my gut says this scenario will likely play out.  (Again, thanks to Real Clear Politics for the create-your own map.)

Firstly, though I predict Obama will squeak by a win with the electoral college; it’s almost a certainty that he doesn’t achieve 50% of the vote.  Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t even win the popular vote.  If I had to make a prediction, I’d say that Romney ends up with 48.6%, and President Obama gets 48.5%.  It’ll be that close.  (Though, the fact that I’m breaking this down into decimals shows just how unaware the voting populous is.  This should be a Romney landslide – not because he’s Romney, but because he’s not Obama.)

Second, the reason I predict the map above is due to many reasons.  I took a look at the state by state polls last go-around, and they weren’t very encouraging.  Yes, the enthusiasm is in favor of the Republicans this go-around, but I just see major problems arising for the Romney-Ryan campaign in Ohio and Wisconsin – and they have to pull one of those states to win.  Organized labor (read: unions) are a well-organized, unofficial arm of the Democrat party, and if they can’t outright win the election for their candidate, I see them stealing it for him.  Sure, Wisconsin showed promise with the recall election of Governor Scott Walker, but I don’t see that as enough force behind Romney; despite Wisconsin being Paul Ryan’s home state.  I’ll call both states for Obama, at 49/48. 

I really thought Romney had a chance at this.  That first debate was a knock-out, and he made it through the other two just fine.  Momentum was in his favor.  However, with that blasted storm, Sandy, and the treasonous cover-up by the media over the Benghazi atrocity, Obama stopped the bleeding.  Sure, he looked “presidential” during the storm, but he’s made a mockery of the office in his first term, and an 11^th hour blitz to repair that image somehow worked. 

Regardless, if President Obama is reelected, as I predict, he’ll lack the mandate to lead effectively – not that what he’s been doing the last four years can be classified as “leading”.  If Hillary steps down as Secretary of State, Senator John “F-ing” Kerry is likely to be nominated.  Just sit back and imagine that for a moment.  If you thought Obama’s first term was an assault on the Constitution, our liberties, your wallet, and the American way of life; just wait until the next four years.  With the Senate likely to remain under Democrat control and the House under Republicans’, the gridlock will be perpetuated.  Obama will go on an executive order spree to get his far left agenda passed, since he knows he’ll have no chance of getting it through Congress.  The debt will explode – as if $16 trillion weren’t enough.  Oil prices will skyrocket.   Tomorrow morning, if the newspaper headlines read “Obama wins reelection”, the stock market will tank.  If you’re unemployed, finding a job will get harder.  Oh, and your taxes will go up.  I’m not typically a doomsdayer – I leave that to Glen Beck – but I truly believe that reelecting President Obama will be detrimental to this nation.  Can we survive four more years of him?  Yes, but it won’t be pretty, and it will be an even bigger hole that we need to crawl out of.  Oh, and just imagine if some idiot decided to [for fear of Janet Napolitano, I’ll refrain from using a particular word, and just say “elevate Joe Biden to the presidency].  Can you imagine that?  I’m no fan of Obama, but I’d rather have him than Joe Biden. 

I’m done rambling.  This is the way I see it happening.  Tell me I’m wrong.  Tell me it will break big for Romney.  Tell me I can go to bed tonight with closure and a smile on my face. 

I pray that I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am.

Vice Presidential Debate

Yes, I’m that guy.  I just left my Bible study early, so I could write.  It’s okay.  We got through Hosea 8 and 9.  It’s kind of amazing how that book is kind of an allegory for the state of America today.  But that’s another topic.

“X Factor” is now over.  It’s really too bad someone like Simon Cowell couldn’t moderate this thing.

Hello, Shepard Smith.  Again.  From Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, this time.  I really don’t like the format of this debate, as far as having both candidates seated.  It’s a domestic and foreign policy debate, and I have every expectation that Biden will bring his A-game.  However, his A-game is nothing compared to Paul Ryan.

Anyone else think the hubbub over Martha Raddatz was a little bit of a stretch.  Is it that surprising that Obama attended her wedding a few years ago?  She’s a “journalist”.  They’re his bread and butter. 

And here they are.  Interesting.  She has two mics.

MR: First question: Libya.  Was it a massive intelligence failure?

B:  Ooo.  Point that finger, Joe.  That means you’re serious.  And he shifted right into ending the war in Iraq and Osama bin Laden (henceforth to be known as OBL).  There he goes pointing that finger again.  “[The president has] led with a steady hand and a clear vision.”  Wow.  Really?

R:  “If we’re hit by terrorists, we’re going to call it like it is: a terrorist attack.”  Ooo…nice.  He totally called out Biden on failing in negotiations with the Iraqis – a task given to him by the president.  Biden is actually looking at Ryan while he’s talking.  Clearly that was a note taken after last week’s abysmal performance by the empty chair. 

B: “That’s a bunch of malarkey.”  Way to keep it PG, Joe.  “repaired our alliances”  Really?  Ooo…a little stutter.  “These guys bet against America all the time.”  Ryan’s expression was perfect.  He’s talking in circles.  Blaming the intelligence community.  Holding a press conference is “not presidential”.  Really?  Coming from the number two to the Teleprompter in Chief?

R:  “We should never apologize about standing up for our values.” 

MR: Iran.  “How effective would a military strike be [on Iran]?”

R:  He’s explaining that bi-partisan support in Congress is the only way sanctions against Iran were made possible, in spite of the administration.

B:  Wow…he just tried to pull the “it’s classified” card.  “There is no weapon that the Iranians have…what are you talking about?” 

R:  He basically said that we need to convince the Ayatollahs to change their mind and that our relationship is suffering.

B:  He’s saying sanctions work, and our relationship with Israel is great.   “Facts matter.”  But they’re such inconvenient things for you and your party, Mr. Vice President.

R:  He basically says that Iran is encouraged by this administrations inaction.

B:  “[Romney] changes his mind so often, I could be wrong….This president doesn’t bluff.”  Really?

MR: Economy.  Can you get unemployment under 6%?

B:  “Let’s look at the facts.”  Again.  Inconvenient things for you and your party.  Ryan is chomping at the bit.  He’s gabbing on about GM and foreclosures.  Oh, and there’s the 47% reference.  What does this have to do with unemployment? 

R:  He’s turning the facts around on Biden.  No commentary necessary.  “This is not what a recovery looks like.”  Okay…someone just text me a few minute ago to tell me that Biden’s laugh and smile is creepy.  I’m starting to agree.  “I think the Vice President knows that the words don’t always come out of your mouth right [in reference to the 47% comment].” 

B:  Now he’s pulling the sympathy card to try to counter Ryan’s story about Romney.  “[Romney] said let [the auto industry] go bankrupt.”  IT DID GO BANKRUPT!  “Just get out of the way.  Stop talking about how you care about people.”  Oh, and there’s the DWS talking points.  “Two wars on a credit card.”

R:  Oh, yes.  “One party control” and look where we are.  Specifics now, on growing the economy. 

B:  “I love my friend here.”  I don’t think they’re friends.  “Less than 0.4% waste [in the stimulus].” 

R:  “Where are the 4 million green jobs that were promised?”

MR:  Medicare. 

R:  “If you reform these programs for my generation…you can guarantee that they’ll be solvent for the generation close to retirement.”  He’s getting ahead of Biden’s talking points about vouchers.  “Choice and competition.”  Preach.

B:  “I heard that death panel argument from Sarah Palin.”  Really?  Oh, there’s the AMA and AARP shout out.  Oh, yes, Joe.  Talk directly to the camera, because that allegedly polled well.  “Folks follow your instincts on this one.”  Okay.  I’m voting for the other guy.  “Their ideas are bad.”

R:  “Mr. Vice President, I know you’re under a lot of duress trying to make up for lost ground, [but stop interrupting me].”  Classic.  Biden is getting catty. 

B:  Ripping vouchers and privatization of social security.

R:  He’s trying to talk and Biden keeps interrupting.

B:  “The bottom line is…”  Really?  You don’t know what a bottom line is.  “Folks, use your common sense.”  Again, I will.  Thereby, I’ll be voting for the other guy.

MR:  “Who will pay more in taxes, and who will pay less?”

B:  Bush tax cuts.  Wealthy pay more.  “They’re holding hostage the middle class tax cut.” 

R:  I love when this man talks numbers.  “Watch out middle class, the tax bill is coming to you.” 

B:  “Let me translate.”  “Not mathematically possible.”  “Oh, now you’re Jack Kennedy.”

Arguing back and forth. 

R:  “[Reagan] didn’t demonize [Democrats], he didn’t demagogue them.”  Perfect allegory.

B:  “97% of small businesses…”  Over and over.

MR:  Defense spending.

R:  “If these cuts go through, our Navy will be the smallest since World War I.” 

B:  Nuh-uh.  He’s like a belligerent child. 

MR:  Afghanistan.  “Why not leave now? … Is it worth more American lives?”

R:  “What we don’t want to do is lose the goals we’ve gotten.” 

B:  “Martha, let’s keep our eye on the ball.”  Oh, boy.  There’s the OBL reference.  “We are leaving.  We are leaving in 2014.  Period.” 

MR:  “What conditions could justify staying[?]”

R:  Paraphrase: We want to come home in 2014, but only as long as we’re successful.  “the unraveling of the Obama foreign policy”  Preach.  “We don’t want to broadcast to our enemies, put a date on your calendar.”  Word. 

MR: Is the Taliban taking advantage of the timeline?

B:  “Step up.”  I don’t disagree, but he doesn’t sound genuine.  Again, with the finger pointing. 

R:  He’s throwing out a bunch town/region names.  He’s clearly educated on Afghanistan.

MR:  Syria.

B:  “If it blows up and the wrong people gain power…”  Didn’t that happen already?  There he goes with the “friend” reference.  “my friend, Governor Romney”  So confused.  He’s blaming Romney, while saying that Romney would do the same thing as Obama.

R:  “Nobody is proposing to send troops to Syria.”  Ooo…Russia reset.  Pointing out the foreign policy fails of this administration.  Propping up alliances, ripping the UN’s response. 

B:  “He never answers the question.”  Ryan says we wouldn't go through the UN.  Biden says they didn't. 

MR:  “What happens if Assad does not fall?”

R:  “Iran keeps their closest ally in the region.”  “We should not have called Bashar Assad a ‘reformer’.” “[Intervention] has to be in the national security interests of the American people.”

MR:  What role has your religion played in your views on abortion?

R:  “I don’t see how a person can separate their public life and their private life.”  “I believe that life begins at conception.”  “Look at what they’re doing through ObamaCare.”  “Our church should not have to sue the federal government.” 

B:  “My religion defines who I am.”  An idiot?  “I accept the churches view…I refuse to impose it…”  Wow.  So tacky.  Oh, there’s the Georgetown shout out.  I’m surprised he didn’t mention Sandra Fluke by name. 

R:  “It’s a distinction without a difference.”  “We don’t think that unelected judges should make this decision.” 

B:  He’s saying Roe v. Wade is in jeopardy of being overturned.  “We picked [open minded] judges…didn’t come with an agenda.”  Wow.  Really?

MR:  Are you embarrassed by the tone of the campaign?

B:  Oh, come on!  Back to saying that soldiers are part of the 47%.  Really?  And now he’s ripping on super PACs.  Hypocrite. 

R:  Ripping Obama on running on hope and change but running this time on attack and distract.  Ripping him on other broken promises – cutting deficit, especially.  “The president likes to say he has a plan.  He gave a speech.  …  We can’t estimate speeches.”  His bladder must be made of steel.  I’m pretty sure he’s drank three glasses of water.

B:  And here are the scare tactics again.  Exactly what Ryan has been ripping him all night on:  If you can’t run on ideas, make your opponent scary. 

MR:  If you were elected, what could you give to this country that no one else could?

R:  “There are plenty of great people who could lead this country.”  Word. 

B:  Wow.  Another time excuse.  Level the playing field.  Way to get that DWS point in there. 

Closing statements:

B:  “we inherited a god-awful circumstance”  Blame Bush.  47% comment.  Level the playing field. 

R:  Yes.  Talk right to the camera.  I love this guy.  “President Obama had his chance. … It’s not working. … This is not what a real recovery looks like.”  Amen.  “Wouldn't it be nice to have a job creator in the White House?”  Preach.  “We will not blame others for the next four years.” 

Okay.  It didn’t pan out exactly like I predicted or hoped, but Ryan still won.  Biden was clearly  on the defensive all night, doing exactly what Ryan kept accusing the Obama-Biden campaign of: trying to scare people out of voting for Romney-Ryan because the Obama-Biden ticket has no record to run on and no ideas.  Ryan did very well, considering this was his first national debate, but he was trying way too hard to cram as much information into two to four minutes as possible.  Substantive, yes, but not always 100% time-effective.  Biden, however, was, as a friend put it, “just rude and disrespectful.”  So true.  That, and his impertinent smile/chuckle was just as awful as it was annoying.  To be fair – or as fair as I can be to that blithering excuse for a vice president – he did much better than his boss did last week.  Kind of echoed the DNC, actually.  His speech was better than his boss’s.  That said, his condescending tone throughout tonight’s debate was annoying, as was his persistent finger pointing and fear mongering. 

Really, that’s about all my thoughts on the issue.  At least the two looked at each other from time to time for more than two to four seconds.  This was more like two people were debating, instead of a former governor debating an empty chair.

Still calling this one with football scores:  Biden 13, Ryan 27