Spring Break
VP candidates debate economy, Iraq
Cameron Birch
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: News
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) debated Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) on Oct. 2 as both politicians sought to be the next Vice President of the United States.
As the debate started out, Gwen Ifill, journalist for PBS and debate moderator, greeted the candidates. Palin broke the silence on stage by saying to the democratic candidate, "Hey, can I call you Joe?"
Ifill started the debate with Joe Biden and immediate focus was placed on the state of America's economy.
"The economic policies of the last eight years are the worse we have ever had," Biden said. He commented on the excess in deregulation of the economy and asserted that he and his running mate, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), "are going to fundamentally change the focus of the economic policy [to on the middle class]."
Palin retorted with an anecdotal discussion of the economy and emphasized familiar fears in paying for college and worrying about their own businesses. Specifically, she discussed her running mate, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and his support for reform measures on firms Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Biden and Palin both highlighted their backgrounds while at the podium. Biden addressed his birthplace of Scranton, PA and stated that people their wanted a tax plan that wasn't redistribution of wealth but fairness. Palin discussed her background as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska and at one point in the debate, gave a shout out to the third grade class her brother teaches.
No major initiatives were proposed during the night, however Biden suggested a slight court reform. He called for giving power to bankruptcy courts in the realm of adjusting home interest rates and principles that are owed to the bank.
There was a brief moment in the debate where discussion turned to same-sex unions. Palin emphasized that marriage should be between a man and a woman and Biden stressed that their should be no civil rights distinctions between anyone in the nation.
The focus then shifted to foreign policy, an area where many felt Biden had the edge against the Alaska Governor.
As the debate started out, Gwen Ifill, journalist for PBS and debate moderator, greeted the candidates. Palin broke the silence on stage by saying to the democratic candidate, "Hey, can I call you Joe?"
Ifill started the debate with Joe Biden and immediate focus was placed on the state of America's economy.
"The economic policies of the last eight years are the worse we have ever had," Biden said. He commented on the excess in deregulation of the economy and asserted that he and his running mate, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), "are going to fundamentally change the focus of the economic policy [to on the middle class]."
Palin retorted with an anecdotal discussion of the economy and emphasized familiar fears in paying for college and worrying about their own businesses. Specifically, she discussed her running mate, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and his support for reform measures on firms Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Biden and Palin both highlighted their backgrounds while at the podium. Biden addressed his birthplace of Scranton, PA and stated that people their wanted a tax plan that wasn't redistribution of wealth but fairness. Palin discussed her background as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska and at one point in the debate, gave a shout out to the third grade class her brother teaches.
No major initiatives were proposed during the night, however Biden suggested a slight court reform. He called for giving power to bankruptcy courts in the realm of adjusting home interest rates and principles that are owed to the bank.
There was a brief moment in the debate where discussion turned to same-sex unions. Palin emphasized that marriage should be between a man and a woman and Biden stressed that their should be no civil rights distinctions between anyone in the nation.
The focus then shifted to foreign policy, an area where many felt Biden had the edge against the Alaska Governor.
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