The BIDEN-PALIN debate took place last night.  It was spirited.  It was fast paced.  From a critical thinking perspective, it was extremely disheartening, but not unexpected.  I will really try to keep this short and sweet, and stick with observations.  However, let me start off with a few clear-cut statements.

1> Do not decide who you will vote for based on a debate ... especially not in an age when you can dig into the facts, and find out for yourself what a candidate will do

2> Stop and Think!  Once you've jumped up and down, screamed and yelled, try to look at what takes place objectively.  Use your head and not your heart.

Know this, elections are popularity contests.  THEY SHOULD NOT BE POPULARITY CONTESTS!  As we evolve as human beings we should strive for the ideal.  As our world becomes increasingly complicated we cannot allow ourselves to be governed by folks that make us feel good because they're as common as your neighbor.  We need leaders that are strong across the board.  We need intelligent, Critical Thinkers.  As evolved individuals we need to strive for a day when we can vote for a person we can't stand on a personal social level, but understand on a rational level that she or he is the best person for the job, for you personally, your community, and the nation.  We need KNIVES not SPOONS!  I'll cover this in my piece on how to vote. 


Now, the debate.





Last night I watched the debate.  I smiled.  I shook my head.  I commented.  I thought I saw something unraveling.  I worked on being objective.  I watched Gwen Ifill, and waited for her to lose her objectivity (Good job Gwen, you silenced your critics!), because I felt I was losing mine.  Then, it was over. 

I watched as commentators on CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and PBS ranged across the spectrum.  I watched and listened as they talked.  I was shocked.  Listening to the commentators on PBS, who are usually the most objective, I wondered if they saw the same debate I did.  I WAS ... CONFUSED.  It took me a few hours to put my mind back in gear, and be rational.  Still, by this morning, I watched, and I waited.  I composed myself to write this.  As I finished getting my child, and myself, ready for the day, that's when it happened.  I almost fell from objectivity again.  Why?

Democratic strategist and commentator James Carville came on CNN. 

Needless to say, James is an acquired taste.  Still he's straight talk if ever there was any, and what did he say exactly?  He said it wasn't even a contest.  Biden blew Palin out of the water.  He said commentators didn't want to get blasted by the right wing media, which is why they're playing it safe.  I said to myself, FINALLY!  Someone has the cajones to put it out there. 

Okay, back to being rational.  Let's use 3FE

Find:
Sarah made a good showing.
Joe needed to extend the lead and he did.
Sarah needed to show some knowledge.
Joe needed to not be superior.
They both needed to speak to facts.
Political pundits on both sides have commented about sounding rehearsed and regurgitating facts.

Focus:
The pundits, especially Shawn Hannity, have made a very big deal of Obama and Biden regurgitating facts, and rehearsing extensively.  With focus comes the understanding that such a statement is extremely spoonish.  One would expect a candidate to rehearse, to be informed.  To know what they are talking about.  Being folksy is cute.  It feels good.  I can admit that.  However, as a Critical Thinker, it is less than acceptable.  We need leaders with real ideas, innovative thinkers that know how to make decisions, and clarify actions both tactical and strategic.  Palin did not have focus.  She sounded very rehearsed.  The result was clear weakness.

They both worked on speaking to the facts.  Biden clearly outstripped Palin.  However, discount them both.  Facts should be validated by you and you alone.  Look it up.

Joe was not superior, and Sarah did show some understanding.  However, her understanding was not of a level required for high office.  Biden appeared Presidential, ready to lead on day 1.

Joe clearly extended the lead with this debate.  As time goes by, people will clearly understand this and the pundits will acknowledge it, except for those on the far right.  Again, some of you have heard me say it, disregard the right and the left.  Stick to Critical Thinking.

Sarah made a showing.  It was not a good one.  The bar for expectations was set extremely low after the Katie Couric interview.  She exceeded that low expectation. Unfortunately, far too many people consider this to be some kind of success.  Talk  to your friends and neighbors.  Make sure that they know we should demand more from our leaders.  The bar needs to be set high.  They need to be accomplished.  Joe Six Pack and the Soccer Moms can only apply if they are Critical Thinkers and accomplished.  If they are not, please stick to being a good citizen. 

Plans & Execution:
It's really simple people.  Discuss the debate with your friends.  Go over the details.  Talk about the facts.  Be emotional, because you are human.  However, don't get to so impassioned that you can't take a breather, and Stop to Think!  Stop!  Think!  And then have a dialogue around the facts.  In regard to this debate, who is the Critical Thinker.  Who is more qualified? 

PLEASE UNDERSTAND, THIS SHOULD NOT BE A POPULARITY CONTEST!

Don't vote in favor of a candidate just because they're folksy, winked at you, and gave you a winning smile.  People, that should not be good enough. 

THINK, AND THINK CRITICALLY!