I'm bored

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CAT/BACON '08

The white flag of surrender

Ironically, the Palin/McCain ticket gets closer and closer to defeat every time they mention victory in Iraq. It is toxic to them, so I can't quite place why Palin is lingering on this.

I'm curious to see how this second half of the debate unfolds. Biden, above all else, knows foreign policy. Palin, on the other hand, can--well, you know. I'm not sure the view from her kitchen will fly as foreign policy experience tonight. But I'm also not sure she'll even mention that tonight. She's on message. She's charming. She's easy to understand without sounding like she has sacrificed substance. This is Biden's debate to lose right now.

If you're watching CNN

If you're watching CNN, you can see their live focus group of uncommitted Ohio voters responding to the debate. Right now, they're liking Palin. But more interestingly is how they're divided: There's an orange line for women and a green line for men. During the presidential debate last night, it was divided by party affiliation. But here it's divided by gender. What does that mean? I dunno. Somebody smarter should tell me. But I do know whenever Palin mentions men, the line goes up. I guess that's just how us guys think.

Lapel pins

Biden: tiny
Palin: MAMMOTH

If I had known about their lapel sizes before the debate, I could have told you who would win hours ago. Those things are hotter than Lil Wayne right now.

BREAKING: Biden gets first laugh from audience with "ultimate bridge to nowhere."

Her pin doesn't look so big now does it?!

"And can I just call you Joe?"

And with that, Palin sets the tone of the debate. "And can I just call you Joe?"

This is the first time they've met, and the first laugh line of the debate.

Biden's face

I love two-shots in debates. Watching somebody talk is as interesting as watching somebody listen. And the face Biden just had while listening to Palin says a lot: slight smirk, narrow eyes, absolute game face, but maybe a little apprehension. She's not doing badly. She sounds like the Palin I've seen in archived debate footage. This is uncanny. It's like when you see footage of George W. Bush speaking as governor of Texas--witty, knowledgable and coherent. The contrast is a little striking and a little confusing.

Good use of fear

As per usual, "fear" appears as quickly as possible. But that aside, Palin's first shot over the bow is surprisingly coherent and...good. Although her unblinking gaze into the camera is a bit off-putting.

Oh my god, Sarah Palin just winked at me! I'm smitten.