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SPEAK OUT: Does the Vice Presidential Debate Rate?

It may not have the draw of the Biden-Palin debate but this year's Veep match may be an important one.

 

 

We haven't seen much of Vice President Joe Biden in the national media lately. His GOP challenger, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, on the other hand, has been giving media interviews routinely.

But America knows Biden and has seen him in national debates before. It will be the public's introduction to Ryan in such a high-stakes scenario.

The two will face off in front of a nationally televised and live internet audience of tens of millions Thursday in the only vice presidential debate in the 2012 campaign. The debate is 9-10:30 p.m. at Centre College in Kentucky.

Both men have the job of fiercely defending their running mates' records as polls show the gap between President Obama and GOP candidate Mitt Romney closing, so national political pundits say sparks could fly. It wouldn't be the first time.

There have been many memorable moments in vice presidential debate history -- Sarah Palin's question, "Can I call you Joe?" in her own debate with Biden in 2008, among them.

In 1988, Democratic vice presidential candidate Lloyd Bentsen landed a zinger against his opponent, Dan Quayle, who had compared his own public service to that of the late President Kennedy. Bentsen countered: "I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

Maryland has a direct connection, of sorts, to Thursday night's event. Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, of Kensington, was reported to be the stand-in for Ryan in practice debate sessions.

Van Hollen, who represents Maryland's 8th District, routinely confronts Ryan in exchanges on Capitol Hill where Van Hollen is the ranking member of the House Budget Committee, which Ryan chairs.

Will you be watching the vice presidential debate? Could it have an effect on the election? Tell us in comments.

Related Topics: President Obama, Sarah Palin, Vice President Joe Biden, What time is the vice presidential debate?, and vice presidential debate

Bill Hussein O'Stalin

6:01 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I can hear Van Hollen now, "Joe, seriously, you gotta go easy on those the Middle Class has been buried for the last four years comments."

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Lee Havis

7:38 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Debates are good for information, as well as "style" I think both candidates are seasoned in debate, and will make strong points. However, I think many will see it from their own perspective. After all, Obama actually thought HE won the debate with Romney. That's understandable. A person's own style and arguments make more sense to that person than they do to others who strongly disagree. Is there anyone out there still sitting on the fence? How can that be after experience of some 4 years of the "dear leader" and his side-kick along for the ride (good 'ol Joe). Let's all watch for the fun, if not learning or changing anyone's minds.

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Sammi

9:06 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

There is no chance that I will change my vote based on this debate. It will be painful to watch the idiot that is a heartbeat away from the Presidency----but I have hope that the election will change that.

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Michael

11:38 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Hopefully the debate will prove interesting because some actual details will emerge about "how" Romney and Obama plan to stop the downward spin of our economy. In the presidential debate, Romney spoke largely in generalities, and Obama said little and appeared to be asleep most of the time. Ryan has to present the particulars of Romney's strategy. And Biden needs to layoff out what changes in strategy Obama is planning because whatever he is now doing isn't working.

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David Maier

12:50 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

While I agree there was very little presented in terms of concrete plans to save our Country, I think the most important thing I learned from the last debate is: Obama wants to hire more Government Employees and Romney wants the private sector to hire more Employees. That looks like to completely different styles and you have to pick which one is best if you haven't made up your mind.

Also, I think the loss of teachers is a direct result of stimulus money that was used to hire teachers and that money dried up from the federal government and the local governments could not sustain those positions. Is that right or am I way off base?

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John

2:19 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

It's possible one of these men could become President due to disability, terminal illness or assassination of the President so it is very important to get a good idea of who they are and what they stand for. i think that the VP debate has the potential to be more interesting than the first presidential debate.

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Concerned Citizen of Laurel

5:41 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

YES it MATTERS! This should be HILARIOUS with the other half of Dumb & Dumber proving to be just that! When its over, the people of this country will then know just why the Democrats have a jaskass for a mascot! Poor ole Joe, Vegas will be taking bets on just how stupid one person can be!

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Buck Harmon

7:01 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Debates are orchestrated puppet shows....the strings will always be pulled by the money controllers that reside way above the President of VP....these folks own all of the major media sources as well. Elections are bought and sold as a part of the illusion that's projected to the world. American citizens will get screwed either way...

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Balt Observer

7:10 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Well, we already know that Joe Biden is a bumbling buffoon, so we might as well crown the winner as Paul Ryan right now.

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Sheila Maffay-Tuthill

7:33 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Can't wait to see how right wing Ryan dances around Mr. etch-a-sketch's sudden moderation! Will watch for sure!

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Aljorie Stallings

7:50 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I can't wait to see Joe mop the floor with Mittnochio's fellow liar Paul Ryan. Unleash the Biden I say!! LOL

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la migra

11:23 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I saw your comment on Michelle Malkin's blog. Hard to see how a trash mouth like you is a girl scout leader. Are you the Obama phone lady?

Chris W

8:04 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Biden is a joke. He makes a box of hammers look smart

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Bill Hussein O'Stalin

8:54 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

I've owned hammers. I've used hammers around the house for years. And Joe Biden is no hammer.

Eastsider

8:24 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Biden reminds me of the neighborhood drunk.

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Bill Hussein O'Stalin

8:55 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

I've known neighborhood drunks who were smarter.

JEMCO

8:52 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

IS IT ME? DOES BIDEN LOOK LIKE JEFF DUNHAMS WALTER?

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Sheila Maffay-Tuthill

12:46 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

All you super achievers bashing Biden-what do you have in your tool box? I'm guessing not much to brag about. Big talk-most of you won't even sign your name! I can play this game too-Ryan looks like the neighborhood oxycontin addict. Oh wait, that is Rush Limbaugh!

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TJ

12:57 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Amen Bill. Sad to think that Biden's resume is much better than Obama's.

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DJ Groove

1:27 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

if ya'll don't show respect for Joe, ya'll be put back in chains ! Tell me how temporary that could be!!!

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SOUTHWESTMINSTER

1:30 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thank goodness for Thursday night football........................

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DJ Groove

1:34 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Come on people why are you all fighting over Obumney debate??? Can't you see that Obama and Romney are the same!!!
They are no different!!!! Romney loves Obamacare and wants to leave in place almost all of it. Romney (like Obama) loves school system and want to increase the school spending. Romney (like Obama) loves Big Government. Romney loves war more than Obama and he wants to increase the military spending. Romney (like Obama) supports Wall Street bailouts. They only argue on the Big Bird funding.

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TJ

1:35 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

We's been in chains for 4 years according to Joe.

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Patricia J. Kelly

3:10 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Is it me or is The Patch newspaper promoting Obama because I see the ad for him every day and no Romney ads. I wonder if Obama comes back into the White House what amount of $$$ are we and China gonna give him to blow.....He hasn't done ANYTHING about Health Care...why should someone that makes $25,000 a year pay the same as someone that makes $125,000 a year????? You need a sliding scale based on income.

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TJ

3:18 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

I'd like to know how Obama can spend 1.4 billion a year on family expenses since he's been in the White House.

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jag

3:29 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Honestly, how low an IQ does it take to just whine about whatever some nut job tells you to whine about? As is the freakin White House, Secret Service, Air Force One, etc. were all invented at the behest of Obama himself. Your comments are embarrassing.

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DJ Groove

4:21 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

@ Jag. Tommy is (partially) talking about vacations the Obumas have been taking in the last few years. You are clearly not familiar with the subject. They live like the royal family and you obviously don't give a damn because CNN doesn't tell you to talk about it. Please stop being an ignorant Obuma-worshiping fool and educate yourself before jumping with senseless comments. Here's a good starting point for you:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/04/26/michelle-obama-spain-vacation-cost-taxpayers-nearly-470g-watchdog-group-claims/

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jag

5:26 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

DJ, I hope you're joking. What, a President going on vacation (something Obama does FAR less than the previous administration) is something to whine about now, too? Hilarious. Even your dumb, irrelevant link (oh, wow, Michelle has Secret Service costs? You don't say.) makes clear "The same was true for previous first ladies" - as if that even needs to be stated. Oh wait, apparently for you and Tommy it does.

TJ

4:52 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

DJ, They can't defend Obama so they just attack anything that moves. Their like a school of Piranha"s with no teeth. Sad.

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jag

5:29 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

It has nothing to do with Obama. It has everything to do with you just whining about whatever the right wing blogs tell you to whine about in a particular day. It's remarkable that you're incapable of original thought.

TJ

6:35 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

What's up with it costing us 7 million a year for the Obama's health care cost while in the White House per year? No wonder HE doesn't want Obamacare, WE couldn't afford it.

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Ric Roll

10:33 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

This debate is a joke and Biden is an obnoxious buffoon who is an embarrassment to our government. Also, the moderator did a poor job of controlling Biden with all his interruptions when Ryan was speaking. Is this how he would act if he had to fill the President's office? God help us if Obama is re-elected!

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Brian

7:32 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Just and observation here: Ryan interrupts Biden too, but he is not a obnoxious buffoon. Hmmm...Just an observation. Can I say it again? Just an observation, Just an observation, Just an observation. Now I sound like Ryan.

TJ

10:47 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Every time Biden smiles< I know he's lying. My oldest son does the same thing.

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Scott Wilson

10:35 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012

Has anyone watched the movie Obama 2016?

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Steve

10:53 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012

That's a comedy isn't it? It was produced by some Indian guy that said the US deserved what happened to it on 9/11.

He should be on the Enemies of the State list.

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