Extraordinary popular delusions and the madness of crowds
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The torrent of damaging stories which have emerged in the days since Sarah Palin was tapped to be the Republican vice presidential nominee have done nothing to dampen the chants of "Sa-rah! Sa-rah!" at rallies across the United States. Link[^]. I think the title of this thread explains it all. Charles Mackay[^] would be proud.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
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The torrent of damaging stories which have emerged in the days since Sarah Palin was tapped to be the Republican vice presidential nominee have done nothing to dampen the chants of "Sa-rah! Sa-rah!" at rallies across the United States. Link[^]. I think the title of this thread explains it all. Charles Mackay[^] would be proud.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
The most amazing part is the amount of energy the Democrats are wasting in attacking her. The Republicans have the Dems completely distracted into a pointless argument that they can only look foolish over. By obsessing over Palin, they are on their way to once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. 54 days to go...
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The most amazing part is the amount of energy the Democrats are wasting in attacking her. The Republicans have the Dems completely distracted into a pointless argument that they can only look foolish over. By obsessing over Palin, they are on their way to once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. 54 days to go...
Rob Graham wrote:
The most amazing part is the amount of energy the Democrats are wasting in attacking her. The Republicans have the Dems completely distracted into a pointless argument that they can only look foolish over. By obsessing over Palin, they are on their way to once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. 54 days to go...
Looks that way from here too. Best policy would have been to ignore her. Now she's got a cult following and celebrity status.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
-
The torrent of damaging stories which have emerged in the days since Sarah Palin was tapped to be the Republican vice presidential nominee have done nothing to dampen the chants of "Sa-rah! Sa-rah!" at rallies across the United States. Link[^]. I think the title of this thread explains it all. Charles Mackay[^] would be proud.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
I confess that I am surprised at the strength of your distaste for Palin. That the Times and the Post are no longer believed when they attempt to run exposes re: her is not her fault, nor does it reflect badly on an electorate sophisticated enough to recognize that both of these papers have as their primary agenda, the election of Obama. I expect the level of vitriol aimed at her and at McCain will be ratcheted up in the days to come as the liberal elite (as well as the French and Germans) begin to understand that Obama's coronation is not foreordained. Unless the Obama campaign realises that trying to tie Bush to McCain is not enough to make Obama a palatable alternative to many Americans, myself included, and that they need to offer a vision of America the way, for instance, both Reagan and Clinton did that attracts the middle class and working class, then he will be written off as just another failed attempt of the Democratic special interests to take the governance of this country away from the yeoman stock that has provided its backbone since its founding. McCain is, to me, only slightly more appealing than Obama and Palin seems to be far more of a political choice (albeit a brilliant one) than a governing choice which concerns me. Certainly some of her 'core values' are not mine. But there is enough of a difference to force me to vote for McCain, unless Obama provides a real and a compelling reason for me to change my mind and to trust him enough not to assume he will change his the day after taking the oath of office. edit: fixed typo
Jon Smith & Wesson: The original point and click interface
modified on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 9:06 AM
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I confess that I am surprised at the strength of your distaste for Palin. That the Times and the Post are no longer believed when they attempt to run exposes re: her is not her fault, nor does it reflect badly on an electorate sophisticated enough to recognize that both of these papers have as their primary agenda, the election of Obama. I expect the level of vitriol aimed at her and at McCain will be ratcheted up in the days to come as the liberal elite (as well as the French and Germans) begin to understand that Obama's coronation is not foreordained. Unless the Obama campaign realises that trying to tie Bush to McCain is not enough to make Obama a palatable alternative to many Americans, myself included, and that they need to offer a vision of America the way, for instance, both Reagan and Clinton did that attracts the middle class and working class, then he will be written off as just another failed attempt of the Democratic special interests to take the governance of this country away from the yeoman stock that has provided its backbone since its founding. McCain is, to me, only slightly more appealing than Obama and Palin seems to be far more of a political choice (albeit a brilliant one) than a governing choice which concerns me. Certainly some of her 'core values' are not mine. But there is enough of a difference to force me to vote for McCain, unless Obama provides a real and a compelling reason for me to change my mind and to trust him enough not to assume he will change his the day after taking the oath of office. edit: fixed typo
Jon Smith & Wesson: The original point and click interface
modified on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 9:06 AM
Oakman wrote:
I confess that I am surprised at the strength of your distaste for Palin.
I detest everything Palin represents - ultra-conservative religious values, obedience to God, small town raised, "hockey mom", Ms. Congeniality, apparent dishonesty, a view of the world a the playground for the human race, etc... Her personality, worldview and physical appearance grate upon my nerves like you wouldn't believe. I would probably be indifferent between a Republican or Democrat victory for the presidency if it were not for her. I believe this woman has the capacity to regress the U.S. further into a state of pseudo-theocracy by giving a voice to the evangelical crowd. That is why I dislike her so - she is the personification of a value system I cannot tolerate. But I am not a member of the American electorate, so there you have it. I agree that the attacks on her from the liberal media are over the top. In fact, I am getting a little sick of reading the daily critiques myself. They would have been better off to ignore her and not make a fuss over her nomination.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
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Oakman wrote:
I confess that I am surprised at the strength of your distaste for Palin.
I detest everything Palin represents - ultra-conservative religious values, obedience to God, small town raised, "hockey mom", Ms. Congeniality, apparent dishonesty, a view of the world a the playground for the human race, etc... Her personality, worldview and physical appearance grate upon my nerves like you wouldn't believe. I would probably be indifferent between a Republican or Democrat victory for the presidency if it were not for her. I believe this woman has the capacity to regress the U.S. further into a state of pseudo-theocracy by giving a voice to the evangelical crowd. That is why I dislike her so - she is the personification of a value system I cannot tolerate. But I am not a member of the American electorate, so there you have it. I agree that the attacks on her from the liberal media are over the top. In fact, I am getting a little sick of reading the daily critiques myself. They would have been better off to ignore her and not make a fuss over her nomination.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
73Zeppelin wrote:
I detest everything Palin represents - ultra-conservative religious values, obedience to God, small town raised, "hockey mom", Ms. Congeniality, apparent dishonesty, a view of the world a the playground for the human race, etc...
I agree with you on everything except the small town raised bit. Before moving to Phoenix I was raised in a town with a population of less than 2,000. I don't think living in a small town in anyway damaged me nor do I see small town living as a negative thing.
73Zeppelin wrote:
Her personality, worldview and physical appearance grate upon my nerves like you wouldn't believe.
I had just started watching TV again since collage football is starting up. When I see and hear her it just makes me want to turn off the TV.
73Zeppelin wrote:
I believe this woman has the capacity to regress the U.S. further into a state of pseudo-theocracy by giving a voice to the evangelical crowd.
Same here. Too be honest I am amazed at how easily my fellow citizens are allowing this to happen.
Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity. --Lazarus Long
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Oakman wrote:
I confess that I am surprised at the strength of your distaste for Palin.
I detest everything Palin represents - ultra-conservative religious values, obedience to God, small town raised, "hockey mom", Ms. Congeniality, apparent dishonesty, a view of the world a the playground for the human race, etc... Her personality, worldview and physical appearance grate upon my nerves like you wouldn't believe. I would probably be indifferent between a Republican or Democrat victory for the presidency if it were not for her. I believe this woman has the capacity to regress the U.S. further into a state of pseudo-theocracy by giving a voice to the evangelical crowd. That is why I dislike her so - she is the personification of a value system I cannot tolerate. But I am not a member of the American electorate, so there you have it. I agree that the attacks on her from the liberal media are over the top. In fact, I am getting a little sick of reading the daily critiques myself. They would have been better off to ignore her and not make a fuss over her nomination.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
73Zeppelin wrote:
I detest everything Palin represents
You better stop repressing yourself like this. It's not good for the blood pressure. Try, just once, letting go of that famous Canadian reserve and saying what you really mean. ;) Back when there were still about twenty people in the running for the nominations, I realised that Biden was the man best qualified to be President. I didn't always agree with his positions, but I felt he had the wisdom (far more important that experience or change-agentry) to lead this country. But whether you consider it fortunate or not, neither Biden nor Palin are likely to be running the USA during the next few years - Yes, there's a chance, but I suspect the Los Vegas odds are stacked quite high against 'em. Palin was a brilliant choice politically. The only way Obama could have headed it off was to select Hillary as his running mate - she would've been attractive to many of the same people who are now moving towards the McCain campaign - though Obama still has the lead in the swing states.
Jon Smith & Wesson: The original point and click interface
modified on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 10:14 AM
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Rob Graham wrote:
The most amazing part is the amount of energy the Democrats are wasting in attacking her. The Republicans have the Dems completely distracted into a pointless argument that they can only look foolish over. By obsessing over Palin, they are on their way to once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. 54 days to go...
Looks that way from here too. Best policy would have been to ignore her. Now she's got a cult following and celebrity status.
...that mortally intolerable truth; that all deep, earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous, slavish shore.
You make it sounds as if there's nothing to like or admire in the woman. Or do you just dislike the fact that there's finally somebody on the ticket that represents the right? Because that's what the excitement is about. Nobody on the right wanted McCain, I still have no idea how he got there. Forget swing votes and disgruntled Hillary supporters, Palin will get Republicans off the couch to vote. And that is what has the left scared into making one stupid mistake after another. Ignoring her wouldn't have done them much good either, but it would have done them less harm.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
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You make it sounds as if there's nothing to like or admire in the woman. Or do you just dislike the fact that there's finally somebody on the ticket that represents the right? Because that's what the excitement is about. Nobody on the right wanted McCain, I still have no idea how he got there. Forget swing votes and disgruntled Hillary supporters, Palin will get Republicans off the couch to vote. And that is what has the left scared into making one stupid mistake after another. Ignoring her wouldn't have done them much good either, but it would have done them less harm.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
BoneSoft wrote:
Nobody on the right wanted McCain, I still have no idea how he got there.
Because the party base split itself evenly between Romney and Huckabee. McCain got all the RINOs.
Today's lesson is brought to you by the word "niggardly". Remember kids, don't attribute to racism what can be explained by Scandinavian language roots. -- Robert Royall
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73Zeppelin wrote:
I detest everything Palin represents
You better stop repressing yourself like this. It's not good for the blood pressure. Try, just once, letting go of that famous Canadian reserve and saying what you really mean. ;) Back when there were still about twenty people in the running for the nominations, I realised that Biden was the man best qualified to be President. I didn't always agree with his positions, but I felt he had the wisdom (far more important that experience or change-agentry) to lead this country. But whether you consider it fortunate or not, neither Biden nor Palin are likely to be running the USA during the next few years - Yes, there's a chance, but I suspect the Los Vegas odds are stacked quite high against 'em. Palin was a brilliant choice politically. The only way Obama could have headed it off was to select Hillary as his running mate - she would've been attractive to many of the same people who are now moving towards the McCain campaign - though Obama still has the lead in the swing states.
Jon Smith & Wesson: The original point and click interface
modified on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 10:14 AM
Oakman wrote:
Palin was a brilliant choice politically.
You mentioned in another related post that her appointment may have been mostly political. Which I hope is not the case, and time will tell. But if that is the case, with all the build up, she will have some high expectation come debate time. I'll be anxious to see how she does. I was already a little disappointed to see her make the same acceptance speach a few days later in another venue. If she is a prop, it will hurt them badly. But if she's not, Obama is in trouble. What I can say for her is she's made this election exciting for a change.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
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BoneSoft wrote:
Nobody on the right wanted McCain, I still have no idea how he got there.
Because the party base split itself evenly between Romney and Huckabee. McCain got all the RINOs.
Today's lesson is brought to you by the word "niggardly". Remember kids, don't attribute to racism what can be explained by Scandinavian language roots. -- Robert Royall
I also heard something about early Republican primaries being open and lots of democrats voting in those primaries for the for most liberal candidates, i.e. McCain and Juliani. But I don't know how much effect that may have had if it was what happened. But thanks, that's the first explaination I've heard, and it makes some sense. I was on the verge of assuming an evil Democrat conspiracy.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
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73Zeppelin wrote:
I detest everything Palin represents - ultra-conservative religious values, obedience to God, small town raised, "hockey mom", Ms. Congeniality, apparent dishonesty, a view of the world a the playground for the human race, etc...
I agree with you on everything except the small town raised bit. Before moving to Phoenix I was raised in a town with a population of less than 2,000. I don't think living in a small town in anyway damaged me nor do I see small town living as a negative thing.
73Zeppelin wrote:
Her personality, worldview and physical appearance grate upon my nerves like you wouldn't believe.
I had just started watching TV again since collage football is starting up. When I see and hear her it just makes me want to turn off the TV.
73Zeppelin wrote:
I believe this woman has the capacity to regress the U.S. further into a state of pseudo-theocracy by giving a voice to the evangelical crowd.
Same here. Too be honest I am amazed at how easily my fellow citizens are allowing this to happen.
Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity. --Lazarus Long
Chris Austin wrote:
When I see and hear her it just makes me want to turn off the TV.
Yep, I can't stand her pompous demeanor and screechy voice. I actually tuned in to C-SPAN at around noon the Friday after McCain's convention speech. McCain and Palin where doing a rally in a small town of Wisconsin (I think). I couldn't believe it when a couple of minutes into Palin speech, she started repeating the exact same lines she had given at the convention a couple of nights before. :wtf:
Q: What's the difference between a hockey mom reformer and a business-as-usual pork-barrel spending politician?
A: Lipstick -
I also heard something about early Republican primaries being open and lots of democrats voting in those primaries for the for most liberal candidates, i.e. McCain and Juliani. But I don't know how much effect that may have had if it was what happened. But thanks, that's the first explaination I've heard, and it makes some sense. I was on the verge of assuming an evil Democrat conspiracy.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
BoneSoft wrote:
I also heard something about early Republican primaries being open and lots of democrats voting in those primaries for the for most liberal candidates, i.e. McCain and Juliani. But I don't know how much effect that may have had if it was what happened.
I suspect very little since an equal number would be voting for the most unelectable nut on the ballot. Texas had open primaries and the R's that were talking about crossing the line were split ~50/50 in who they thought voting for would be most effective in monkey wrenching. :rolleyes:
Today's lesson is brought to you by the word "niggardly". Remember kids, don't attribute to racism what can be explained by Scandinavian language roots. -- Robert Royall
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BoneSoft wrote:
I also heard something about early Republican primaries being open and lots of democrats voting in those primaries for the for most liberal candidates, i.e. McCain and Juliani. But I don't know how much effect that may have had if it was what happened.
I suspect very little since an equal number would be voting for the most unelectable nut on the ballot. Texas had open primaries and the R's that were talking about crossing the line were split ~50/50 in who they thought voting for would be most effective in monkey wrenching. :rolleyes:
Today's lesson is brought to you by the word "niggardly". Remember kids, don't attribute to racism what can be explained by Scandinavian language roots. -- Robert Royall
This election seems a good argument against having too many candidates. You would think the more the better, but it doesn't appear that way.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
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Chris Austin wrote:
When I see and hear her it just makes me want to turn off the TV.
Yep, I can't stand her pompous demeanor and screechy voice. I actually tuned in to C-SPAN at around noon the Friday after McCain's convention speech. McCain and Palin where doing a rally in a small town of Wisconsin (I think). I couldn't believe it when a couple of minutes into Palin speech, she started repeating the exact same lines she had given at the convention a couple of nights before. :wtf:
Q: What's the difference between a hockey mom reformer and a business-as-usual pork-barrel spending politician?
A: LipstickAl Beback wrote:
she started repeating the exact same lines she had given at the convention a couple of nights before.
Yeah, that seemed really strange. It was disappointing to be honest, how stupid have we become to put up with this obvious crap from both parties.
Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity. --Lazarus Long
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You make it sounds as if there's nothing to like or admire in the woman. Or do you just dislike the fact that there's finally somebody on the ticket that represents the right? Because that's what the excitement is about. Nobody on the right wanted McCain, I still have no idea how he got there. Forget swing votes and disgruntled Hillary supporters, Palin will get Republicans off the couch to vote. And that is what has the left scared into making one stupid mistake after another. Ignoring her wouldn't have done them much good either, but it would have done them less harm.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
BoneSoft wrote:
, I still have no idea how he got there.
Because he did the same thing he has done his entire career; he changed his positions on key points. Also, the right has lost it's way. It is no longer about small government, state's rights, personal liberty and, finical responsibility. The right just like the left is now dominated by special interest concerns.
BoneSoft wrote:
You make it sounds as if there's nothing to like or admire in the woman.
I personally haven't found any admirable qualities as of yet. So far she seems to be a typical politician.
Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity. --Lazarus Long
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Oakman wrote:
Palin was a brilliant choice politically.
You mentioned in another related post that her appointment may have been mostly political. Which I hope is not the case, and time will tell. But if that is the case, with all the build up, she will have some high expectation come debate time. I'll be anxious to see how she does. I was already a little disappointed to see her make the same acceptance speach a few days later in another venue. If she is a prop, it will hurt them badly. But if she's not, Obama is in trouble. What I can say for her is she's made this election exciting for a change.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
BoneSoft wrote:
What I can say for her is she's made this election exciting for a change.
In about the same sense that topless mud-wrestling is exciting...
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I also heard something about early Republican primaries being open and lots of democrats voting in those primaries for the for most liberal candidates, i.e. McCain and Juliani. But I don't know how much effect that may have had if it was what happened. But thanks, that's the first explaination I've heard, and it makes some sense. I was on the verge of assuming an evil Democrat conspiracy.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
BoneSoft wrote:
But thanks, that's the first explaination I've heard, and it makes some sense. I was on the verge of assuming an evil Democrat conspiracy.
You mean something like "Operation Chaos" by Rush and his dildo heads.
Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity. --Lazarus Long
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Oakman wrote:
Palin was a brilliant choice politically.
You mentioned in another related post that her appointment may have been mostly political. Which I hope is not the case, and time will tell. But if that is the case, with all the build up, she will have some high expectation come debate time. I'll be anxious to see how she does. I was already a little disappointed to see her make the same acceptance speach a few days later in another venue. If she is a prop, it will hurt them badly. But if she's not, Obama is in trouble. What I can say for her is she's made this election exciting for a change.
Visit BoneSoft.com for code generation tools (XML & XSD -> C#, VB, etc...) and some free developer tools as well.
BoneSoft wrote:
I was already a little disappointed to see her make the same acceptance speach a few days later in another venue
It is standard for politicians to have a stump speech that they give over and over again, embellishing it only slightly for each venue. But normally that is NOT the same speech that 37 million people have already watched. My reaction to hearing the same jokes over and over again is about the same as it would be if I were to be forced to watch the same episode of House (a brilliantly funny show) over and over again. X| She needs new jokes. Even Milton Berle knew he couldn't tell the same ones week after week.
BoneSoft wrote:
What I can say for her is she's made this election exciting for a change.
I was certainly wrong when I told you that McCain had made a big mistake in picking her. It seems my career as a pontificator might be very, very short.
Jon Smith & Wesson: The original point and click interface
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BoneSoft wrote:
I was already a little disappointed to see her make the same acceptance speach a few days later in another venue
It is standard for politicians to have a stump speech that they give over and over again, embellishing it only slightly for each venue. But normally that is NOT the same speech that 37 million people have already watched. My reaction to hearing the same jokes over and over again is about the same as it would be if I were to be forced to watch the same episode of House (a brilliantly funny show) over and over again. X| She needs new jokes. Even Milton Berle knew he couldn't tell the same ones week after week.
BoneSoft wrote:
What I can say for her is she's made this election exciting for a change.
I was certainly wrong when I told you that McCain had made a big mistake in picking her. It seems my career as a pontificator might be very, very short.
Jon Smith & Wesson: The original point and click interface
Oakman wrote:
I was certainly wrong when I told you that McCain had made a big mistake in picking her
I thought the same. But, it will be interesting to see how she holds up to Biden in the debates. He is a pretty bright and seemingly genuine guy; if she attempts to make the debate personal I think he will rip her up. But, if she steps up on the current issues it could be an interesting debate. {Edit} I should add that I don't really know if the results of the debates will matter. People seem to have really fallen into the "red vs blue" mentality so there seems to be little concern about the merit in actual platform or policy.
Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity. --Lazarus Long