What a sad state of affairs

Looking at last evening's debate (Sen. Joe Biden/Gov. Sarah Palin), a few things strike me. I think this is the 1st time I've really enjoyed a VP debate. Although my definition of 'enjoy' is different here. I liked Biden's approach. Personally I really wanted to see him rake Palin over the coals, shred her, etc. as she justly deserves. I am sure Biden in private really wanted to do the same. You know he probably bit 1/2 his tongue off last night - poor guy. Unfortunately I don't think the rest of the country would have enjoyed the slaughter as I would have. Everyone would be labeling him 'brutal' today. So Biden took the high road - kudos to him. I don't think I really could have done the same. I like my tongue to stay the way it is.

Last evening Palin kept referring to her & McCain's supposed 'maverick' status. Even to the point of not answering questions from the moderator. "I may not answer the question the way you want to hear, but I'll talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record," Palin said. Not only did she not answer the questions, but she didn't 'talk straight to the American people' either. You know, that isn't being a maverick. That is being a snotty brat (to put it very mildly). I agree that all politicians choose to answer or not answer questions - but MOST give at least some form of response. Frankly, as a viewer, I was insulted by her response to not answer questions and to go backwards and discuss something she already hashed through. I wonder how Gwen Ifill (the moderator) felt about being directly snubbed in this way? Now I am not certain if most people caught this tactic - few pundits are remarking on it today. To me it completely shows that on those questions she truly did not know what to say or how to say it. Bottom line that spells out the fact that she's not ready to be VP...to anyone. Go back to Alaska & be Governor. You like it. It works for you. Have fun. Bye-bye now.

Now the really sad part. The aftershocks of the debate show that people thought Palin did better than expected, there were no major gaffes, and so people are pleased with her performance. SINCE WHEN did the standards for VP become so dirt/mud/crap/piss poor? I mean really...Diane Sawyer's remark afterwards regarding Palin's composure - really? THAT is what we're going to comment on? What about the substance of answers? Here is a specific one that raised several red flags in my book:

IFILL: Governor, on another issue, interventionism, nuclear weapons. What should be the trigger, or should there be a trigger, when nuclear weapons use is ever put into play?

Palin's response was stating that the U.S. use of nuclear weapons as a deterrant was perfect, and that economic sanctions with our allies needed to be placed on countries like North Korea and Iran.

That's it. Oh, and she asked to talk about Afghanistan some more. To read her entire response, click here.

No mention of inspections. No mention of arms control. No mention of test-ban treaties.

What the #@*)!!! Holly Hannah. And people want her within a heartbeat of that proverbial little red button. Oh. My. Gosh. I can't stand it. There aren't words to show how much this really scares the crap out of me.