Couric & Co.
October 2, 2008 6:56 PM

The Notebook: VP Debate

All eyes tonight are on St. Louis, where the two vice presidential candidates will hold their one and only debate, at Washington University.

Whether it's curiosity about Governor Palin or Senator Biden, 65 percent of voters, in our latest poll, say they are very likely to watch tonight. The audience may be even bigger than for last week's presidential debate.

But before we all get carried away, one cautionary tale: 20 years ago, the vice presidential candidates Lloyd Bensten and Dan Quayle met for one debate. Bensten told Quayle he was no Jack Kennedy, and was widely considered the winner.

The underdog Dukakis campaign couldn't wait for their bump in the polls the next day. And when the results came in, they had gained one point. Their pollster said, people never vote for vice president. Over the next few weeks, we'll learn whether this year makes history, yet again.
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notebook ,
debate ,
sarah palin ,
joe biden
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Notebook

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by bonscott111 October 3, 2008 12:16 AM EDT
Why must CBS be so biased? You should be ashamed. You do us more harm than good.
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by bonscott111 October 3, 2008 12:19 AM EDT
To cayenne46:
How long has it really been since the media has been unbiased? I''m beginning to wish Ross Perot would make a return, just to provide them with a diversion.
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by tnvote October 3, 2008 1:11 AM EDT
Sarah is doing a great job!!!!! She has beat Biden hands down!!!!
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by redchevy64 October 3, 2008 1:41 AM EDT
Bidden got wipped out. So many lies, so little time. For truth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4
Racist
hotair.com/archives/2008/03/13/video-jeremiah-wright-and-god-***-america/
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by acabrina October 3, 2008 1:41 AM EDT
Palin (or pain-in) did not answer ONE question directly OR indirectly. She apparently purchased a book ''How to increase your political vocabulary in 24hrs!'' And, yet she still confirmed her ignorance without the assistance of Sen. Biden! hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
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by katycay October 3, 2008 1:44 AM EDT
Go Sarah! I am SO proud that she finally got her chance to prove the media wrong. She was extremely confident and showed her composure and grasp of the issues. In my opinion, she slayed Biden.
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 1:49 AM EDT
Why doesn''t Katie Couric just drop to knees and blow Obama on tv, she''s done everything else to shamelessly support him.
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 1:56 AM EDT
Biden bin laden contradicted himself numerous times. Same old Washington bla bla bla hogwash. Palin is real, she is who biden and bin Obama PRETEND to be.
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by msmom5 October 3, 2008 1:59 AM EDT
To Cayenne46 and Bonscott111 - I am with both of you I think it has been along time since we have seen an unbiased opinion from the media. Couric is so obviously for the Democratic ticket. I think that the media knows the power they hold in their hand so they choose to force their beliefs on our public by their not so suttle comments. They no longer want to see a conservative country and want lowered moral values and to take from the poor. The problem is that their biased opinion places a weighted influence on many citizens who dont know or understand what they really want. I think that congress should pass an act that the press should no longer have freedom of speech because certain ones have taken it way to far so that they can influnence what they want to see happen which may not be in the best interest of our country as a whole.
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by mollyd6 October 3, 2008 2:00 AM EDT
Sarah Palin did an excellent job! Joe Biden in a Home Depot?? Who believes this type of garbage? Let''s get rid of these BS artists for once and for all!! OH, and David Letterman best let up a bit on John McClain. He''s showing his age!! Love Mr. Letterman but he is better with fun facts than politics!!
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 2:01 AM EDT
to oneperson1 You too believe repeating the same lie over, and over, over again will sway voters, Give it up! Your a Brainwashed communist pig.
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by sploch29 October 3, 2008 2:01 AM EDT
Enough with SPIN Katie!!!!! CBS it is an insult to all voters with your ridiculous graph and CBS''s statistical research of who won the debate. Let Americans decide for ourselves what to think! Some of us are intelligent. Of course, we are finding out that your network is a socialist propaganda tool working to advance only your ideologies, which means you Katie are far from being a Tim Russert.
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by imlaughlin October 3, 2008 2:03 AM EDT
Wow. Hockey mom ate senator''s lunch. Who would have guessed...?
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by msmom5 October 3, 2008 2:05 AM EDT
I am with you T5556661 about oneperson1 - what is the point oneperson1 can get more accomplished by stating his opinion once because over and over only gives the readers the opinion that there may be some issues going on with him or her.
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 2:05 AM EDT
To: God you are a ******!!!!!!!!
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by leeandkathie October 3, 2008 2:07 AM EDT
Palin and Biden were both good, but I give the edge to Palin. Her ''downhome" style impressed me.
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by msmom5 October 3, 2008 2:09 AM EDT
oneperson1 you have issues and I can give you the name of a great Psychiatrist!
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by jonrational October 3, 2008 2:09 AM EDT
Palin is doing great? You have got to be either kidding or you''ve completely abdicated your right to think to someone else. Biden was downright dignified and presidential. Palin was the prototypical psycho-PTA mom. Biden knew his facts and was ABLE to answer questions directly; Palin could not, and had to weakly cover her lack of knowledge and experience with a lazy I''m-not-going-to-play-by-your-rules remark. Personally, if something serious happens to the president, I''d want Biden to handle that crisis. The idea of Palin in that kind of a situation with that amount of power at her fingertips is simply terrifying. I get chills down my back considering it. Palin just does not have the Right Stuff.
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by lilms October 3, 2008 2:10 AM EDT
I take issue with Bob Shaffer who was trying to cut away at the governors outstanding debate performance with her not answering questions. That''s an out and out lie. The governor answered them all!!!! She might start out correcting the very senior senator, but she pounced right back on the question and the senator did the same thing so give it up. She''s a woman and I''m very sure could handle you and your grumpyness, Mr Shaffer.
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 2:11 AM EDT
It must be the only paragraph he/she has ever typed, so they are admirring it over and over,..... sound like a smartass, or excuse me, a jackass democrat.
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by jenboyd28 October 3, 2008 2:12 AM EDT
I really wish that you would stop this unprofessional atitude towards Governor Palin. You are trying so hard to catch her and to exploit her. However, this attitude results in you losing face and respect for many people. Reporters are supposed to report the news and remain unbiased. You have yet to achieve this level of professionalism. I do not need or want a public figure forcing their opinions on me. If anything, it makes you come across as petty and down-right snobbish. Do your job the way that you were hired to do it, I am smart enough to decide who to vote for in the upcoming election with no problem. The American people are far more intelligent than most reporters want to admit.
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by cayenne46 October 3, 2008 2:13 AM EDT
Given that the majority of news outlets and commentators expect the debate to be watched by the majority of registered voters, it seems they would refrain from airing campaign ads immediately before the program started. One does still expect (or hope) the national media will attempt to be impartial when airing the debates. Bad taste and money often triumphs good taste or common sense and decency.
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by bullinachina October 3, 2008 2:13 AM EDT
I wonder if Gov. Palin would be tolerant or accepting if her son or daughter told her he/she was . Tolerance is putting up with someone because you have no other choice. Acceptance is what this earth needs more of. Think about that Gov. Palin.
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by msmom5 October 3, 2008 2:15 AM EDT
CBS- you really need to look at what your job is - Report the news as facts without any opinions. Seems that you and your staff has forgotten what you were meant to do. I am so sick of hearing about the polls yet I have never been called nor am I aware of a where I can vote on your site cause I have looked.
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by bullinachina October 3, 2008 2:16 AM EDT
I have a gay son. I don''t tolerate him, I love him and accept him.
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by whitdeb October 3, 2008 2:22 AM EDT
Katie Couric and the biased main stream media''s attempt to smear Sarah Palin has been clearly made a fool of after tonight''s debate. Try as you might, but the American people are intelligent and downright tired of biased media coverage. Give us the facts and let us make our own decisions. Stop trying to force feed us your opinions.
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by cayenne46 October 3, 2008 2:24 AM EDT
Given that the majority of news outlets and commentators expect the debate to be watched by the majority of registered voters, it seems they would refrain from airing campaign ads immediately before the program started. One does still expect (or hope) the national media will attempt to be impartial when airing the debates. Bad taste and money often triumphs good taste or common sense and decency.
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by lilms October 3, 2008 2:29 AM EDT
Clearly what the governor was saying is tolerant in society about others life style, so stick your feelings out far enough and you will probably get them stepped on. I''m not gay, but have friends, co-workers and family that live gay life styles, however I love my family and I tolerate others beliefs to co exist in our society. And I try to earn that same respect from them!!!
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 2:34 AM EDT
Katie Couric and CBS are mirror image of Hitler/ Nazi propadanda machine. It is astonishing. Communist run media.
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 2:35 AM EDT
oneperson1 you really need help. does your parents know your still up?
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by bemorefunny October 3, 2008 2:36 AM EDT
Gov Palin had time to prepare. When pressed on VP responsibility, she could not express -- even childlike -- the Constitutional Role of Vice President of the United States.
http://www.answers.com/topic/vice-president-u-s

The event was globally broadcast, to allies and foes. Hockey moms and soccer moms.
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by lilms October 3, 2008 2:36 AM EDT
Ir is it this oneperson tells us someting, like they feel they are the only one person. But obviously needing attention so just give them some lol.... Be a good neighbor nad give oneperson1 some much needed attention.
Reply to this comment
by cayenne46 October 3, 2008 2:37 AM EDT
Given that the majority of news outlets and commentators expect the debate to be watched by the majority of registered voters, it seems they would refrain from airing campaign ads immediately before the program started. One does still expect (or hope) the national media will attempt to be impartial when airing the debates. Bad taste and money often triumphs good taste or common sense and decency.
Reply to this comment
by jenboyd28 October 3, 2008 2:39 AM EDT
to: oneperson1, could you stop? you''ve posted the exact same message over 12 times. You are not saying anything but showing your arrogance and ignorance. Governor Palin did answer those questions and had to correct Senator Biden on more than one occasion. Biden stumbled over his words several times. He also contradicted himself twice throughout the debate.
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by carepub2008 October 3, 2008 2:40 AM EDT
I call BS on "oneperson1."

Let''s track their IP address all the way to Obama headquarters in Illinois...
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 2:40 AM EDT
to: oneperson1 , be scared little mousey, be scared.
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by lilms October 3, 2008 2:40 AM EDT
Acceptance is not at all what we''re to do concerning others. Being kind and tolerant and NON JUDGEMENTAL is required of us. If someone is saying their going to jump off the bridge we can''t just accept that. We need to help or get help. Being tolerant of others and caring and respectful is where it''s at.
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by t5556661 October 3, 2008 2:41 AM EDT
to: jenboyd28 BRAVO!!!
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by msmom5 October 3, 2008 2:42 AM EDT
LOL carepup2008 you SO SO right - I am sure this is Obama''s way of trying to snake his way in to the minds of our country by repetitive statements - PURE POISON!!!!!
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by bemorefunny October 3, 2008 2:43 AM EDT
By the way, I''d be pissed if a State Governor visited my country based on a potential road to Pennsylvania Ave.

How would my constituent people get it?
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by lilms October 3, 2008 2:46 AM EDT
jenboyd28... good comments. I think I like you... hagn
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by bemorefunny October 3, 2008 2:48 AM EDT
jenboy28 wrote: "Biden stumbled over his words several times. He also contradicted himself twice throughout the debate."

That what I saw is Biden had material experience to stumble. He acknowledged a right to change one''s mind based on confronting real-world issues over 35 years. Not just mayor, governor, with ya if you believe in Jesus.
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by cindy925 October 3, 2008 2:49 AM EDT
My thoughts are that Joe Biden looks like "old Washington" which is what we know Americans are not happy with. If you want change - then you want Gov. Palin - she seemed to come across as one who can really look to the future and make a "change" instead of looking back to the past. When Biden talked he just rambled like a politician, when Palin talked she spoke to the average american - not a bunch of congressmen who spew a bunch of confusing figures to make "their" case (and be certain people before voting - many of his "facts" were not true). I felt Biden talked down to me like "Let me be clear" or in other words "if you are an idiot and didn''t understand me the first time . . .". I think Biden will say what he wants people to hear to gain a vote instead of standing for a principle he believes in - typical politician. Let''s see some real change in Washington - Way to go Sarah!
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by lilms October 3, 2008 2:52 AM EDT
Tight on Sploch29!!! I really miss Russert, now that was a classy guy. He was a excellent moderator. He''s so missed. There are so few left that are genuine.
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by riversistah October 3, 2008 2:54 AM EDT
Gov. Palin had a decent night tonight. She''s got a great personality and lots of energy. I''m not swayed by it, but she was fun to watch. My only advice to her would be Sarah, be the master of your own chain.
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by cattails4 October 3, 2008 2:54 AM EDT
As a woman republican, I have decided to vote for Obama-Biden. Sarah Palin talks down to me. She seemed like she was reciting what she was taught and memorized. Is the best the republican ticket could do? Let''s see some depth in our politicians. Joe Biden won me over tonight...no question about it. I am going to make my first donation to Obama-Biden tonight!!!
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by carepub2008 October 3, 2008 2:55 AM EDT
Thanks for the shout out MSmom5; I''ve personally worked many elections and seen the many dirty democrat campaign techniques and would actually bet money that some ignorant but impassioned "Gen XY" is sitting there cutting and pasting on every chatroom board they can find...
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by lilms October 3, 2008 2:55 AM EDT
Make that right on target!!!
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by bemorefunny October 3, 2008 2:57 AM EDT
cindy925 wrote: "My thoughts are that Joe Biden looks like "old Washington" which is what we know Americans are not happy with.

Truly, deep down... did you arrive at independent thought that Joe Biden looks like "old Washington"?
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by lynrgl October 3, 2008 2:58 AM EDT
Impressive but not sold on Palin. Tonight I have made my mind up for Obama. This is a different race, like none other, ever. So yes we are looking at the VP, that could very, highly likely, for multiple reasons be President. Don''t believe for one minute that this time around the VP is quite a significant choice. We are voting for two individuals. Not just the headliner.
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