ORMOND BEACH -- I’ll just tell you right up front that I expected the worst from Biden and a spirited defense by Ryan. I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
But let’s address demeanor first. Biden was arrogant, derisive and rude to his opponent. He interrupted Congressman Paul Ryan 82 times. Debating is supposed to be an exchange of ideas not the disrespectful, smirking, boorish behavior exhibited by the sitting vice president of the United States.
Is this how he behaves to the world leaders when they meet? What a thought.
Ryan, on the other hand, was probably too respectful given the attack mode Biden adopted. But Ryan held his own and presented real ideas when he was able to get a word in edgewise.
Debate moderator Martha Raddatz was in way over her head but she consistently showed her partisanship by cutting off Ryan in the middle of an answer and letting Biden rave on.
Take the first question on the handling of the terrorist attack in Libya which claimed the lives of our Ambassador and three other Americans. Raddatz asked if it was an intelligence failure and Biden answered that the president leads with a steady hand.
Ryan respectfully disagreed and literally called out Obama for waiting so long to deal with the Libyan terrorists. He firmly said we don’t need to present weakness abroad and called the dithering “the unraveling of Obama foreign policy.” Biden smirked and said “the president doesn’t bluff.”
Raddatz asked if either could get the unemployment rate under 6%.
Biden immediately blamed Romney for mentioning that 47% of Americans receive some sort of entitlement. Biden said that tax cuts for the “super-rich” are “holding up the middle class tax cuts and that the super wealthy need to take responsibility.”
Ryan countered, “The economy grew at a weak 1.3% and 23 million Americans are struggling for work. This is not what a recovery looks like. That’s why our 5-point plan will work. We want everyone to succeed, enjoying opportunity and upward mobility.”
I thought it might come to blows when the discussion turned to Medicare and social security. It was as divisive an issue as possible, but a clear picture of the choices Americans will have to make on Nov. 6.
In a later dialog regarding the so-called “stimulus package,” Biden was clearly upset and said, “Romney had no commitment to the auto industry. They (Republicans in Congress) need to get out of the way, stop talking about it and show me something.”
Ryan reminded Biden that the Democrats had control of Congress when Obama took office and could have passed any legislation they wanted.
Attempting to get back on tract, Ryan said, “We will honor our promise to seniors (on social security and Medicare). We can reform the system for those 64 and below. Obamacare takes $716 billion from Medicare to put into Obamacare. Let younger workers have a choice; there will be no changes for people 55 and above.”
Biden insisted he hates the voucher plan and wants no changes to social security. Then he asked, “Who do you trust?”
Raddatz turned to Afghanistan; “On what conditions would justify that we stay beyond 2014.”
Biden answered, “We said we would help train the Afghanistan military; it is now their responsibility. We will draw down (our troops) in 2014. It does not depend on conditions. We are leaving in 2014. Period. It will save us another $800 billion over the next ten years.”
Ryan stated, “We don’t want to stay in Afghanistan. But we must listen to what the commanders need to make it a successful drawdown. It is the unraveling of the Obama foreign policy. We don’t want our allies to trust us less or embolden our enemies.”
On the issue of “another war” in Syria, Biden said, “That was different. It is five times larger geographically and heavily populated. If it blows up, it will impact the entire region and may spark regional wars. We are working hand in glove with the Arab nations. This ‘loose talk’ is not helping.”
Ryan responded firmly (despite the near constant interruptions from Biden and/or Raddatz). “No one wants another war. We are outsourcing our efforts to the United Nations where they are subject to Putin vetoes. Clinton tried to work with them. Obama’s ‘Russian reset’ is not working. Assad has murdered 30,000 of his own people. While we waited for Kofi Annan (UN chief) to come up with a plan, we gave Assad time to regroup.”
Next hot button issue: abortion. Raddatz asked, “What part did religion play in your decision on abortion.”
Ryan stated, “I don’t see how a person can separate themselves from their faith and their public life. I’m pro-life because of reason and science. I believe life begins at conception. I know it’s difficult but the policy of the Romney Administration will be to respect life. Look at the assault on freedom of religion. Our church should not have to sue the federal government to protect our religion.”
Biden said that his Catholicism “defines who I am. With regard to the social doctrine with regard to abortion, I accept my church’s judgment. I refuse it impose it on equally devout Christians, Jews, Muslims others.”
Raddatz then asked, “What do you say to a military hero who has defended us?”
Biden wants us to look at whether the president has acted well in the use of force.
Ryan came out swinging. “You attack, blame and defame your opponents. Paint your opponent as someone to run from. Look at the broken promises of the Obama Administration. Health care, taxes will go up, they will keep on spending and borrowing. Leaders run to problems to fix problems. Obama has had no credible budget to deal with the debt crisis. We get speeches, not leadership. Romney is qualified to fix these problems.”
“What can you give to this country?” was Raddatz’ next question.
Ryan offered, “people who offer solutions that we aren’t getting. We need proven pro-growth policies and working with Democrats.” He mentioned bi-partisanship several times.
Biden stated, “My record stands for itself. I do what I say. We need to level the playing field.” I took this to mean take from the hardworking, even ‘wealthy’ Americans and redistribute it via the government.
The closing statements clearly presented the stark differences between the candidates in how to govern this big beautiful experiment called “America.”
Biden: “We inherited god-awful circumstances and we acted to bring relief. We have strong disagreements; you probably saw my frustration. People want some peace of mind, a level playing field and peace of mind.”
Ryan: “We face a big choice. What kind of country will we be or give our kids? His agenda is more spending, more taxes, government health care, 23 million Americans out of work and 25% are in poverty. You deserve better. We want to earn your support with real reforms for real recovery for all Americans. Romney is uniquely qualified. We need a job creator in the White House to bring opportunities and jobs. We won’t duck tough issues. We will not blame others. We will not replace our Founding Principals. We ask you for your vote.”
This quote from Proverbs 29:9 popped into my email box just as I was finishing this article. "If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet."