Often acting as surrogates for their running mates, Joe Biden and Paul Ryan squared off on international affairs, taxes and abortion, among other topics, in the only vice-presidential debate of the election season.
The candidates found little to agree on, whether it was a military withdrawal from Afghanistan, raising taxes or reforming entitlement programs. As expected, both sides spun the debate performances as victories.
One clear winner appeared to be widely-praised moderator Martha Raddatz, yet she did receive some criticism from conservatives.
Patch ran a statewide live blog that attracted upwards of 40 participants who offered their thoughts on the debate. Here are some of their reactions.
Cassandra
It's a toss-up. Biden: overconfident "I'm the voice of experience." Ryan: far-too-smiley equanimity.
John Flanagan:
Fortunately, or unfortunately, to the benefit of whichever VP candidate is deemed tomorrow, by the talking heads, to have fared worse, the debate is scheduled in the midst of the Yankees/Orioles, A's/Giants baseball playoffs and the Thursday night Steelers/Titans football games.
Angie
I was a little underwhelmed by this debate, but...full disclosure, I was a little distracted so it might be better when I rewatch it from the start.
Anonymous
Biden is a mouthpiece, an empty suit.
LiveForFreedom
"Sometimes the words do not come out of your mouth the right way [said by Ryan to Biden]" will be the quote for the 2012 debate.
WallyBoy1891
I love Biden's Passion.
Jay
Biden just nailed him on being a hypocrite about that stimulus.
Brigit
Ryan is calm, cool, and collected. Biden is angry and looks like a fool.
Archie Bunker III
Ryan, the phony also said he RAN a marathon in under 3 hours, when in REALITY-VILLE, it was OVER 4 HOURS. A completely scummy lie, FOR SURE! I ran 15 marathons more than 30 years ago and have NO problem remembering the times.
Who do you think won the debate? Tell us in the comments!
