A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

I missed the first 15 minutes of the debate but I think that it is safe to say that while each side fulfilled its objectives, Sarah Palin impressed most. In part, this was because expectations were low but even if one tosses aside the expectations game, Palin did what was necessary to revitalize Republicans who had been feeling demoralized because of the polls and because of the economic news we have been hearing about for the past three weeks. Republicans obviously have to reach out to independents as well, but never underestimate the necessity of having a revitalized base.

From what I heard, her worst gaffe was calling General McKiernan in Afghanistan "General McClellan," which appears to indicate that Sarah Palin was having a Civil War flashback. Of course, Joe Biden referred to "Bosniacs" so the gaffes were not one-sided and for a Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to refer to "Bosniacs" . . . well, it's kinda interesting, to say the least. I wonder if people will make an issue of it. They should and they most certainly would if Sarah Palin made that comment. Again, it is kind of silly that we are penalizing candidates for innocent verbal flubs that have little to nothing to do with how they would govern, but fair is fair and this gaffe deserves a fair amount of ridicule. Wonder what the Bosnians thought about this statement.

At the end of the day, of course, this debate will probably not do anything to change any votes. Votes are for the top of the ticket, not for the people whi fill the Vice Presidential spot. Sarah Palin did do what was necessary to revitalize the Republican base but more needs to be done for the McCain-Palin ticket to come back from behind. And only John McCain will be able to complete any comeback.