Make It Plain

[H2O Man]

" ‘Make it plain’ is the code that he used for us to bring him forward. He didn’t like a lot of icing, you know."
--Benjamin Karim, describing how he introduced Malcolm X at public gatherings (from "Malcolm X: Make It Plain"; by Cheryll Greene)

Tonight’s vice presidential debate will come down to this: "Make it Plain" versus "Make it Palin." Here is a brief preview of what we will see.

Joseph Biden will be bringing the Obama platform forward. Although the republicans fought to exclude the possibility of Senator Biden asking Sarah Palin "follow-up" questions, he will focus on raising a simple question of the viewing audience: which of the two tickets best represents your interests?

He will focus on three areas. These include the democratic plans to repair the economy; their plans to institute a change in direction in our foreign policy; and the close relationship between our domestic and international policies.

Sarah Palin will attempt to take the focus away from the questions that she is asked, and to substitute folksy stories that focus on how special she is. Also, Palin will deliver some cheap shots that the republican puppeteers refer to as "zingers," which also will be attempts to illustrate just how special she is.

Joseph Biden will be seeking to reach the undecided voters, including independents, some democrats, and women.

Sarah Palin has to focus on regaining the eroding support that the McCain-Palin ticket has among their republican base.

The American public will be watching this debate closely. They want a change in the way this country is heading. Malcolm used to say that if you place a sparkling clean glass of water next to a filthy glass of water, thirsty people can be trusted to make the right choice.

Senator Biden will be putting forward the clean glass of water. Sarah Palin will be attempting to convince the public that the filthy republican glass is better, because she is carrying the water for their party.

Enjoy the debate.

H2O Man

[berni_mccoy]

1. I love how you bring history to today's events. Thanks H2O Man! K&R

[H2O Man]

5. Thank you.

It is exciting to be part of the history being made this year.

[Window]

2. As usual, well done H2O Man. K/R.

:kick:

[H2O Man]

6. Thanks! n/t

[bulldogge]

3. Yeah

it does not say much about the republicans in that we can already predict their canned responses. What would complete the facade would be a laugh track or the oohs and aahs that accompany a critical moment before a commercial break on any number of sitcoms. I think McCain tried to pull a similar approach, for example his bracelet story, the beauty was that Obama had a bracelet story too so I think they may want to be careful going down that avenue. It got to the point with McCain where he would not even finish his sentence before stumbling into another thought, I can see more of the same from Palin.

[H2O Man]

7. It's an old debate trick,

to insert information into a debate that has little or nothing to do with the question you are asked. Malcolm X used to do this; for example, in the book "Malcolm X Speaks," there is a chapter where he confronts an "expert" in a radio debate. When done properly, it is an art. When done improperly, it makes one appear clumsey and inarticulate.

Regarding the "laugh track": I think Tina Fey could do a better job tonight than Sarah Palin.

[Frustratedlady]

4. Love the comparison

There is a thin line that Biden won't be able to cross. This angers me. Male or female...if she is running for national office, she should be treated no differently. Reality tells us otherwise.

May there be many thirsty Americans who choose the right glass, tonight.

[H2O Man]

8. I am confident

that during the final third of the debate, it will be Sarah Palin who crosses the line.

[blondeatlast]

11. "...the final third..." I'll watch for that intently--you really know your stuff.

I'd put money on you being correct about that.

[H2O Man]

14. Her personality make-up

insures that she will feel the need to demonstrate just how special she is.

[asdjrocky]

9. Got my popcorn ready to go.

Good post. Thanks for giving a nod to one of my heroes. K&R!

[H2O Man]

10. I'm going to

the store in a few minutes, to pick up some food for those who will be watching the debate here. It should be entertaining.

[mzmolly]

12. Love your analysis.

:hi:

[H2O Man]

13. And you will

love tonight's debate.

[mzmolly]

16. I hope so!

I have to tape it as I'll be in a class, but I'll stop in here for the scoop before I watch. ;)

[corkhead]

17. read this illuminating thread (and comments) to explain H2OMan's cheshire grin

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7134491
:D

[bleever]

15. Zingers, put downs, and cheap shots.

I don't think any of these blows are going to land, though, and that despite audience plants put there to guffaw to punctuate her zinger moments, she'll come off the worse for the way these things fall flat and just make her look mean.