Often acting as surrogates for their running mates, Joe Biden and Paul Ryan squared off on international affairs, taxes and abortion 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.
