Panelists torn on debate win; Palin, Biden both scored points

By ED RONCO, Tribune Staff Writer

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Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, and Republican candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shake hands following a vice presidential debate

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, and Republican candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin shake hands following a vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Oct 2, 2008 at 10:36 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 2, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Tribune’s own pundits, a panel of Michiana voters assembled to comment on the presidential election, were watching Thursday night’s vice presidential debate between Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joseph Biden.

They were torn on who won the verbal sparring, and a couple expressed frustration with the debate format.

Panelist Delanhóe Hubbard, an Ivy Tech student in his late 20s from South Bend, said he thought Biden, a Democrat from Delaware, “destroyed Palin,” but appreciated that both candidates agreed on the issue of gay rights.

Both said they oppose changing the definition of marriage.

He also said that he was disappointed neither mentioned a faster end to the war in Iraq.

“We all know the war is bogus and simply a battle for control over the oil and billions (of dollars),” he said.

Panelist Harry Singleton, on the other hand, gave the victory to Palin, the Republican from Alaska, who “had some great comments,” he said.

“I judge a lot of people by the look in their eyes when they’re talking to you,” said Singleton, 61. “She just has that down-to-earth look on her face, in her eyes. Absolutely sincere.”

Panelists Jean DeWinter and Vyrla Jackson both said Biden was the clear winner by virtue of having a better handle on the issues.

Jackson said Biden vanquished any concern that he would condescend to Palin because she’s a woman.

“He did not,” she said. “I knew he wouldn’t. Joe was purely professional.”

Palin wanted to talk energy only, said Jackson, and “she was out of her league.”

“She spoke as though Alaska is the only state in the union,” said Jackson, a 63-year-old Niles resident who’s retired from the Department of Defense. “Her folksy English - ‘Ya know, ya darn right, back ya up there, gotta be’ - was not fitting of the vice president of the United States.”

DeWinter said Biden’s command of the issues was strong.

“He knows his record, set it straight and repeated his views and the views of Barack Obama with clear, straightforward conviction,” said DeWinter, 34, of South Bend. “I like the way he stood his ground, even when Palin was slinging the mud at him with her transparent smile, winks, head shakes and vocal intonations.”

Panelist Phil Ross, meanwhile, said he wanted to hear more discussion on why Congress is considering pouring $700 billion of taxpayer money into faltering investment banks.

And Ross said there was no clear winner, owing in part to the question-and-answer format of the debate.

“If you call it a debate, let them go after each other and debate,” said Ross, 89.

Biden had a lot of facts at his disposal, but Palin did a good job rebutting him when necessary, he said.

Other thoughts from Tribune panelists:

  • “The most poignant moment of the entire debate was when Biden talked about raising his kids as a single father. With that singular sign of true emotion, Biden let it be known that Republicans do not, nor should they, own the platform on family issues.” - Jim Boswell, Culver.

  • “Palin did a wonderful job. She was well-prepared and she was Biden’s equal.... She was Reagan-esque at times when she said that government is the problem, not the solution.” - Dave Cook, 48, Dowagiac.

  • “I guess (the winner of the debate) depends somewhat on your politics. I liked what Biden had to say, but I have to admit, Palin really hit the mark as the ordinary citizen who is a Washington outsider.” - Dee Manuel, 58, Mishawaka.

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