Turnabout Is Fair Play

Round two goes to the Democrats.

Joe Biden was energetic, rude, forceful and condescending. Paul Ryan was polite and wonkish...some might say wimpish. Both men made policy points, but Biden dominated the debate. He had help from the moderator, who, at times, also seemed to be debating Ryan.

But Ryan can't blame anyone but himself. He let Biden walk all over him. He was too deferential in my mind and seemed fixed on making pre-planned points.

Some comment on the debate said that Biden's smirking and condescension might have played badly at home. Maybe, but for my money, Biden got the nod. It may not make too much difference, since many may have been watching baseball or football tonight. The GOP should probably hope sports won out.

UPDATE: Interesting insta-poll results. Maybe cool, calm, collected was better than I gave credit for.

CNN/ORC--Registered voters: Won debate, Ryan 48%-Biden 44% (+/-5%)....More likeable, Ryan 53%-Biden 43%
AP POLL: Won debate, Ryan 51%-Biden 43%
CNBC POLL: Won debate, Ryan 56%-Biden 36%
CBS POLL: Won debate, Biden 50%-Ryan 31%