Tennesseefree.com

I made no secret of the fact that I thought the first presidential debate was roughly a tie. This one, however, wasn’t even close. Biden moidelized Palin tonight. There will doubtless be some who think that by virtue of not making a complete ass of herself, Palin chalked up a “win” of sorts; and that by relying on folksy charm rather than substance (say, does that remind you of anyone), she endeared herself to voters. I don’t think it’s going to work, however. Her performance tonight will reassure the base, and probably strengthen her support there, but I really don’t think it’s going to win many swing votes. Swing votes are what McCain needs right now. For Biden’s part, he was good on substance, he didn’t sound professorial, and didn’t have any classic Biden gaffes, so my fears there were allayed. I think a solid win for Biden.

As for why there weren’t any embarrassing moments for Palin tonight, I think TPM has it right: No follow-up questions. Not only were there not any follow ups (which is where Palin generally tripped up with Gibson and Couric); Ifill didn’t even really push Palin to stay on topic at all. I think Publius may be on to something when he suggests that the right-wing got into Ifill’s head with the conflict of interest stuff.

Finally, I have to point this out: On Palin’s global warming answer, I laughed hysterically, because I recognized exactly what she was doing. She was bullshitting. How did I recognize it? Because it’s precisely how I got through essay tests in high school and much of college — saying the same thing over again but different ways three or four different times, repeating the question in the form of a statement, tossing out substantive-sounding terms without actually treading so close to substance that you can be held to your statements — these are all the marks of a gifted bullshitter (if I do say so myself).

Your thoughts? Otherwise, open thread.