"Hi Guys (wink wink)"

With a few days behind us to digest Gov. You Betcha's folksy performance at the VP debates, some are just now noticing (!!) that she avoided answering questions altogether (McSame's history of deregulation), or simply gave answers that didn't relate to the question (her weaknesses). The inartful dodging is probably why only 21% of undecided voters in the CBS poll said she "won" the debate with Sen. Biden.

Another feature of You Betcha's performance that's getting panned more was her winking from time to time. Many people - - especially working women - - are finding this behavior inappropriate for someone in a leadership position, much like the female flirt in the office who gets ahead on her physical features alone. The winking didn't help You Betcha come across as a serious person for many, and the "too cute for prime time" act may have worn out its welcome with all but the hardcore winger wankers.

(photo: Gov. You Betcha showing her VP qualifications of winking and talking at the same time)

Last Night's Debate

The windy conditions that Americans woke up to this morning was the Rethuglican political establishment's exhale of relief that Gov. Who? didn't blow the debate. She didn't answer some questions or gave answers that had no bearing on the question, but she kept going and grinning through as if she was pumped with a mood enhancer, tossing off some "you betchas" and "doggone its" along the way. Didn't she look like a peppy cheerleader running for class president of Moosejaw High at times? Most of her responses sounded like they'd been prepared and rehearsed, but she managed to get them off with a mininum of stumbling.

Both the CNN and CBS polls after the debate showed that Sen. Biden clearly won the debate in the eyes of the viewers; CNN had him winning 51 to 39 percent, and CBS had him winning by an even larger 46 to 21 spread. As for readiness to be President, a whopping 87 percent said Biden was, while only 42 percent said Gov. Who? was.

Biden was pitch perfect in his staying on message, providing a commanding and passionate presence on stage, and avoiding any awkward or sexist moments. When he choked up talking about the tragedy in his family over 30 years ago, you knew what he meant. By centering on the middle class and what people "talk about around the kitchen table" he connected with the swing state voters who are feeling the huge economic pinch now.

The Veep Debate

Tonight's VP debate may not produce any memorable moments ("You're no Jack Kennedy"), but most observers have set Gov. Who?'s bar for success pretty low. Her handlers have been with her at McMoneybags' estate in Sedona to prepare her, but it will be a challenge. She's not able to string a coherent sentence together under pressure (as opposed to reading a snappy speech to a friendly audience), as everyone is seeing in her interviews with Katie Couric, and earlier with Charlie Gibson.

Most likely, Gov. Who? will have a half-dozen or so zingers that she'll hope to land on Sen. Biden, but do most Americans want a goofball or a someone qualified for the office? (Never mind, Chimpy was elected twice). But the polls are saying that 51% of Americans now view her as unqualified, a complete turnaround from right after the Rethuglican fib-fest in St. Paul. We'll see if she fools anyone tonight.