The LuLac Edition #590, Oct. 3rd, 2008

PHOTO INDEX: BIDEN AND PALIN LAST NIGHT.

DEBATE RECAP

Okay, so it wasn't Roseanne Barr vs. Foghorn Legghorn but it could have been. Here's my take on the big debate.
Palin exceeded expectations. Let's face it, the bar was low but she was energetic, stuck to her message and a couple of times outflanked Senator Biden. There were times I thought those white teeth of his were going to go a grinding down to a nub. First off, there was the Palin set up. Bounding onto the stage, her first words were, "Can I call you Joe?" Then in the debate, she lets out the line, "Say it ain't so, Joe!" Too coinicidental for me. I expected Biden to point to McCain's record and have Palin be forced to defend it. Instead, Palin embraced the record, celebrated it and used it to beat Biden and the Dems over the head with. The biggest move was admitting the Bush errors in judgement ranging from the war to the economy and saying the Dems were looking back but she and McCain were looking ahead. She did everything but credit McCain with the invention of marble rye sliced bread. A good performance, sticking to her message, looking into the camera, engaging the folks at home and regaining her mojo from the convention. Never mind that she barely answered the questions. Her performance was way better than Dan Quayle's in 1988 and she did a lot to restore the base's confidence in her.
Biden on the other hand was Senatorial and really knew the issues. The first half he seemed thrown off his game a bit but rebounded with issues like the middle class, the war and security. Biden did not chide the newcomer but directed his fire on McCain saying McCain was no maverick. Biden also displayed his foreign policy skills and was very vocal in his criticism of Wall Street and the Bush administration. The key for Biden was that he did not bite at the inane criticism from Palin and he limited himself in many of his answers.
A CBS News poll of uncommitted voters who watched the debate also showed Biden to be the winner by a margin of 46-21 percent. About one-third thought the debate to be a draw.
The key to the debate was that Biden showed his vast experience and made voters comfortable with him as an heir apparent if he needed to step into the top spot. Palin, while not getting that vote of confidence did not stumble and proved she could hold her own on the national stage even if she did not answer specific questions.
Advantage: Biden. Attaboy: Palin. It was the smartest guy in the room vs. Sheriff Andy Taylor's folksy widsom and humor. This time, the smartest guy won the debate. Although it was refreshing to see that all four candidates running this year can string sentances and thoughts together coherently, unlike the current occupant on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
FASHION REPORT: Biden looked great in dark suit and sky blue tie, Palin very professional in dark suit, sensible skirt length and dark blouse.

ELECTION TOP 40

EDUCATION #33

McCAIN

John McCain believes American education must be worthy of the promise we make to our children and ourselves. He understands that we are a nation committed to equal opportunity, and there is no equal opportunity without equal access to excellent education.Public education should be defined as one in which our public support for a child's education follows that child into the school the parent chooses. The school is charged with the responsibility of educating the child, and must have the resources and management authority to deliver on that responsibility. They must also report to the parents and the public on their progress.The deplorable status of preparation for our children, particularly in comparison with the rest of the industrialized world, does not allow us the luxury of eliminating options in our educational repertoire. John McCain will fight for the ability of all students to have access to all schools of demonstrated excellence, including their own homes.No Child Left Behind has focused our attention on the realities of how students perform against a common standard. John McCain believes that we can no longer accept low standards for some students and high standards for others. In this age of honest reporting, we finally see what is happening to students who were previously invisible. While that is progress all its own, it compels us to seek and find solutions to the dismal facts before us.John McCain believes our schools can and should compete to be the most innovative, flexible and student-centered - not safe havens for the uninspired and unaccountable. He believes we should let them compete for the most effective, character-building teachers, hire them, and reward them.

OBAMA

Throughout America's history, education has been the vehicle for social and economic mobility, giving hope and opportunity to millions of young people. Our schools must prepare students not only to meet the demands of the global economy, but also help students take their place as committed and engaged citizens. It must ensure that all students have a quality education regardless of race, class, or background. Barack Obama is committed to strengthening our public schools to maximize our country's greatest natural resource - the American people.
Expand Early Head Start and Head Start
Offer Affordable, High-Quality Child Care
Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined. Reform No Child Left Behind Make Math and Science Education a National Priority
Recruit, Prepare, and Reward Good Teachers