Legal Commentary

Debate Rules Modified to Benefit Palin

By Jeralyn

The New York Times reports that at the insistence of the McCain campaign, the debate between Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden will have different rules than those for the Obama-McCain debate:

At the insistence of the McCain campaign, the Oct. 2 debate between Gov. Sarah Palin and her Democratic rival, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., will have shorter question-and-answer segments than those for the presidential nominees, the advisers said. There will also be much less opportunity for free-wheeling, direct exchanges between the running mates.

McCain advisers said they had been concerned that a loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive.

More...

Specifically,

McCain advisers said they were only somewhat concerned about Ms. Palin’s debating skills compared with those of Mr. Biden, who has served six terms in the Senate, or about Mr. Biden’s chances of tripping up Ms. Palin. Instead, they say, they wanted Ms. Palin to have opportunities to present Mr. McCain’s positions, rather than spending time talking about her own experience or playing defense.

So the McCain campaign doesn't want voters to judge Gov. Palin for herself, even though she'd be one step from the Presidency if McCain is elected. They don't want her to talk about her experience only McCain's positions.

I've said before I think Palin canceled so many campaign appearances this week to be able to spend more time at debate camp. It now looks like on debate night, all we'll learn is how quick a study she is, not what she believes or whether she's qualified or prepared to lead the nation either as Vice President, or if events so dictate, as President.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on September 20, 2008 (boomark / email).