Summary of 2008 Vice Presidential Debate - Essay Example

2008 Vice Presidential Debate Summary The 2008 Vice Presidential Debate was between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. The twocandidates were hosted on Friday at the St. Louis University. The economic crisis in the US and foreign policy were the leading issues debated on this event. The initial part of the discussion was dedicated to the financial crisis in the US. This had been an exhausting burden for the American dwellers. Palin argued that the financial crisis was as a result of Wall Street bankers’ greediness.

She also claimed that US Congress was also responsible since the overlooked Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac approval of home loans to borrowers with undetermined credit worthiness. However, Joe Biden believed that the crisis affecting the US financial system was the result of poor politics of the former president George Bush and his fellow Republicans in his term.In the debate, Joe Biden claimed that the then oncoming election was the most vital in many previous years since the economy was deteriorating and that the US needed substantial changes to its politics system.

He also mentioned that approval of fundamental factors of economic policies of George Bush by John McCain contributed to the financial crisis facing the US. Palin disagreed with the claim by arguing lowering taxes would bring back the economy to its prosperous track. She continued to question Barack Obama for intending to hick taxes for wealthy Americans and corporations. In return, Joe Biden said that the increase in taxes would affect only 5% of the citizen with the highest wealth and in return lower the amount of taxes paid by the rest of Americans (C-SPAN).

Joe Biden proceeded to criticized Palin and McCain as supporters of pro-corporate politics propagated by George W. Bush. Biden said that McCain once claimed the economy of America was stable and strong even with the continued bankruptcy of American banks. In response, Palin’s argued against Democrats who opposed off shore oil drilling. She explained how off shore oil drilling was capable of reducing Americans dependence on foreign oil (C-SPAN).The debate also dwelt on foreign policy issues. The host Gwen Ifill enquired about the ongoing war in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He also asked question regarding US policies towards Iran, Russia, Europe and China. Palin believed that the surge strategy founded upon an increase of military numbers as was the case in Iraq should be employed in Afghanistan. Hastily, Biden countered this thought by saying that that method would not be effective in Afghanistan as it would be wiser to increase rebuilding spending. Palin used similar arguments as McCain to argue against Obama’s plans to meet leaders of nations such as North Korea and Iran.

She stated that such visits are naïve and dangerous. Biden countered her argument by claiming that Obama has never made plans to meet with Iran’s president since the president of Iran does not possess the highest power in the state (C-SPAN).In this debate, Sarah Palin was more effective than Biden since she often looked straight and a warm look to the audience by smiling to the camera in a way that she seemed as if she was directly talking her viewers. It was clear that she had prepared for the debate by the clear and articulate she was.

However, Biden provided the best answers and counter-arguments to statements by Palin. He won the debate as Charles Krauthammer, the moderator, announced. The moderator concluded that Biden’s strong arguments gave him more points in addition to his discipline and temperance throughout the debate.Works CitedC-SPAN. Full Vice Presidential Debate with Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden. Retrived on 22th April 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89FbCPzAsRA