2008 Woodie Awards
New drinking game: hear 'Maverick,' take a shot
By: Garret Ellison
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: News
The Sarah Palin who can flash a toothy grin and wink while sticking the knife was on display in last night's debate, a marked departure from recent high-profile stumbles that had many nearly writing her off.
The debate, no doubt the most-watched vice presidential debate in history, was seen largely a referendum on Palin's qualifications to possibly be president going into the night.
Her job was just to reassure Republicans that John McCain's Hail Mary pass on picking her was sound judgment and she refrained from any Katie Couric interview-style moments that could be parodied on Saturday Night Live.
That said, the night was largely a draw.
Both Palin and Biden stuck to their guns and stayed (mostly) on message. As Barack Obama's running mate, Biden hammered on McCain, trying to link him to failed Bush Administration policies at every opportunity.
They clashed over energy, the economy, Iraq, Darfur, government spending, tax cuts, healthcare and more with just over a month remaining before the election and McCain slipping in the polls. Republican officials disclosed Thursday that he was conceding Michigan to Obama.
Each spent the night largely attacking the top of the other's ticket from behind identical lecterns, and trying to out-folksy and out maverick each other. In fact, Palin spawned a new drinking game: every time she or McCain says "Maverick," take a shot.
"He has been no maverick on the issues that matter to peoples lives," answered Biden, who got into the weeds early, defending his votes in the senate.
But Biden quelled fears that he might come across as sexist or condescending. A Labrador to her Pit Bull, Biden turned to Palin while she spoke, appearing to listen politely. He refrained from correcting Palin when she repeatedly misspoke an army general's name or referred to him as Senator "Obiden."
Palin was uneven, though.
She veered off topic at several times, coming back to energy policy or tax cuts without answering the question posed by moderator Gwen Ifill.
The debate, no doubt the most-watched vice presidential debate in history, was seen largely a referendum on Palin's qualifications to possibly be president going into the night.
Her job was just to reassure Republicans that John McCain's Hail Mary pass on picking her was sound judgment and she refrained from any Katie Couric interview-style moments that could be parodied on Saturday Night Live.
That said, the night was largely a draw.
Both Palin and Biden stuck to their guns and stayed (mostly) on message. As Barack Obama's running mate, Biden hammered on McCain, trying to link him to failed Bush Administration policies at every opportunity.
They clashed over energy, the economy, Iraq, Darfur, government spending, tax cuts, healthcare and more with just over a month remaining before the election and McCain slipping in the polls. Republican officials disclosed Thursday that he was conceding Michigan to Obama.
Each spent the night largely attacking the top of the other's ticket from behind identical lecterns, and trying to out-folksy and out maverick each other. In fact, Palin spawned a new drinking game: every time she or McCain says "Maverick," take a shot.
"He has been no maverick on the issues that matter to peoples lives," answered Biden, who got into the weeds early, defending his votes in the senate.
But Biden quelled fears that he might come across as sexist or condescending. A Labrador to her Pit Bull, Biden turned to Palin while she spoke, appearing to listen politely. He refrained from correcting Palin when she repeatedly misspoke an army general's name or referred to him as Senator "Obiden."
Palin was uneven, though.
She veered off topic at several times, coming back to energy policy or tax cuts without answering the question posed by moderator Gwen Ifill.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
RickL
posted 10/03/08 @ 12:40 PM EST
I think "Change" would be a better word to take a shot to...
John
posted 10/03/08 @ 3:31 PM EST
Isn't anyone else bothered that the woman said "NUKE YOU LER" about 100 times just like the bozo currently in the white house? Can't we get someone literate to run? Joe Biden got it right, "NU CLEE AR"
Jen
posted 10/10/08 @ 1:19 AM EST
The person who wrote this article must be a politician, or related to Palin. The article is titled "New drinking game: hear 'Maverick,' take a shot", but nowhere in the article is the game even mentioned. (Continued…)
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