It’s age over beauty by a hair in a debate carrying more importance than the usual joust between the executive understudies. With the Democrats’ campaign stumbling after a poor performance from President Obama last week, Democratic Vice President Joe Biden, 69, outtalked—and out-scoffed—Republican Congressman Paul Ryan, 42, who nonetheless held his own. Here’s some instant commentary to get you up to speed:
Martha Raddatz, the moderator, was probably the most popular person at the table, keeping the candidates on their toes and moving the conversation briskly.
Martha Raddatz is winning this debate so far—
Ben White (@morningmoneyben) October 12, 2012
The debate started with questions about the administration’s handling of attacks on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the deaths of four Americans:
False claim here from Paul Ryan; actually, Obama said it was a terror attack in his initial statement on Sept. 12.—
Blake Hounshell (@blakehounshell) October 12, 2012
Now Biden explaining why the Obama administration doesn't want to intervene in Syria. More complicated. Working with Turks, etc.—
Blake Hounshell (@blakehounshell) October 12, 2012
As we expected, Ryan was well prepared for Biden’s attempts to invoke his middle-class background, and to make a convincing case for social insurance reforms:
Ryan is better at talking entitlements than Romney. He sounds excited about the changes for his generation. Romney makes them sound terrible—
Ezra Klein (@ezraklein) October 12, 2012
Which meant that generational politics reared its head:
Least surprising area of agreement in this debate: Both Ryan and Biden are pandering to retirees. Bring on the generational warfare.—
Jim Tankersley (@jimtankersley) October 12, 2012
Gotta think a senior worried about benefits is inclined to trust the 69yo over the 42yo.—
Michael Crowley (@CrowleyTIME) October 12, 2012
Ryan and Biden didn’t always stick to the facts:
Six studies back up Romney tax plan? Mostly False. #debates ow.ly/epPgv—
PolitiFact (@politifact) October 12, 2012
Our story on the vice presidential debate so far, we'll be updating into the night and tomorrow ow.ly/epQHd #debates—
PolitiFact (@politifact) October 12, 2012
But both men agreed that 2014 would be a good time to withdraw US forces from Afghanistan; Ryan somewhat more reluctantly:
Ryan seems to be saying that he agrees with the Afghanistan timeline but won't say so publicly bc that would embolden our enemies. Oops?—
Josh Barro (@jbarro) October 12, 2012
Lost in all that: Afghan war is longest in American history. #debate—
Gideon Yago (@gideonyago) October 12, 2012
Biden had some tough moments:
Reince says on CNN that Biden interrupted Ryan 82 times.—
Matt K. Lewis (@mattklewis) October 12, 2012
So did Ryan:
Rep. Ryan has struggled on past support of stimulus projects, Social Security privatization, and deal on defense cuts. Hard to walk back.—
carl hulse (@hillhulse) October 12, 2012
But Biden was far scrappier than Obama in his debate, hitting back against Romney and Ryan:
Bottom line on this debate: whatever side you're on, it's Joe Biden you'll be talking about tomorrow. Score that as you will.—
Joshua Treviño (@jstrevino) October 12, 2012
Like the first presidential debate, some important talks were left off the table.
Once again, not a single question on immigration.—
(@michaelscherer) October 12, 2012
The final verdict:
.@CBSNews INSTANT POLL of Undecided Voters: Who won #VPdebate? BIDEN: 50% RYAN: 31% TIE: 19% Live Coverage: CBSNews.com—
CBS News (@CBSNews) October 12, 2012
FOX: Biden needs to go an institution. MSNBC: Ryan humiliated. CNN: Draw.—
David Grann (@DavidGrann) October 12, 2012
Unless something changes, Democrats will be happy enough with this debate, and call a win. So will Republicans.—
Peter Suderman (@petersuderman) October 12, 2012
PRIMARY SOURCE: Read a transcript of the debate here.
