Palin-Biden debate 'winner' may just be the survivor
Showdown between professionals or showcase of political gaffes?
After recent blunders by both Delaware Sen. Joe Biden and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, millions tuning in Thursday night to the first and only vice presidential debate have high hopes for a spectacle.
"It's always fun to watch when the stakes are so high," said Jeffrey Modisett, a Bryan Cave trial lawyer and former debate consultant. "Everybody's going to rubberneck like it's a car accident."
As the nominees head to St. Louis for the face-off, experts are placing bets on who will mess up least -- not who will perform best.
Biden, 65, who shares the Democratic ticket with Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, should keep his answers short and take pains to avoid chauvinistic or condescending actions, said Baruch College public policy professor Doug Muzzio. "He can't be seen as the domineering, dominant, overbearing male."
Even simple tactics like addressing Palin as "governor" and laying off the compliments can work in his favor, said communications consultant Ruth Sherman. "He can win over all those women by being a gentleman."
Well, maybe not too much of a gentleman, other expert counters.
"Theoretically, he should wipe the floor with her -- unless he pulls his punches because she's a woman," said communications coach LeeAundra Temescu. "He might. From what I understand, he's a very old-school gentleman."
Palin, running mate to Republican Sen. John McCain, has to prove her foreign policy knowledge, especially after a devastating interview with Katie Couric, said Media Training Worldwide CEO TJ Walker.
"She's still in danger of saying something so stupid that 'Saturday Night Live' goes into overdrive doing Friday night primetime specials," said Walker, a communications expert. "Then, she becomes nothing but an object of ridicule."
Palin, 44, needs only to avoid major factual mistakes; her personality will take her the rest of the way, Sherman said.
"The pundits and people very focused on policy are going to look at her words, but regular people are going to take most of their information from her presentation," said Sherman, citing Palin's distinctive voice as familiar and comforting to some voters.
Walker agreed that Palin's appearance plays an important role.
"If she comes across as likeable, warm and charming, and yet really screws up on a couple factual things, the average voter is still thinking, 'Wow, she's sharp, likeable and nice,' " Walker said. " 'I can relate to her.' "
Palin has been preparing for tonight's feat at McCain's retreat in Sedona, Ariz. The McCain camp has released few details about how she's preparing, but Biden has been practicing with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, also a former beauty queen. Biden was at home in Wilmington, Del., though he planned to go to Washington for last night's rescue package vote.
Thursday night, the bar is higher for Biden, who has had more than 100 TV interviews to Palin's three, some advisers said.
"Biden's record of gaffes is just as rich and humor filled," said Temescu, an author. "They both need to play it safe and play it grown-up."
But by doing so, the candidates might be disappointing viewers.
"In this case, people are watching them so intently, and they're just rooting for them to fail," Temescu said. "The biggest surprise will be if both of them can get through it without making a mistake."
If your home TV is not big enough for all the drama the debate is sure to offer, here are some places around town to catch the action.
Jake's Saloon 202 9th Ave. in Manhattan Sarah Palin fans will find good company at this Hell's Kitchen watering hole where the New York Young Republican Club is hosting a debate watch party. You don't have to be young or a card-carrying Republican to attend, but you do have to R.S.V.P. at rsvp@nyyrc.com.
Crocodile Lounge 325 E. 14th St. in Manhattan This Obama-friendly debate party is sponsored by Three Sheets to the West Wing, a group raffling off Obama paraphernalia to raise money for the campaign. Co-sponsor Heineken is offering free beer from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Village Pourhouse, Upper West Side 982-988 Amsterdam Ave. in Manhattan Grab a drink and register to vote at this Upper West Side spot, which will offer a 10 percent discount off the bill of all patrons who sign up or show a current voter's registration card. The bar also is serving up festive red and blue drinks, including the Obama Mama and McCallans McCain.
Pacific Standard 82 4th Ave. in Brooklyn This Park Slope bar shows all the debates on large projection screens and features beer specials and a political brew named Hop Obama.
The Diamond 43 Franklin St. in Brooklyn Folks in Greenpoint can catch the debate on big screens at this craft beer bar.
Compiled by Marlene Naanes
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