Let's just tighten this up a bit

Am quite impressed by Vanity Fair's proffered edit of Palin's resignation speech -- not for the snark value, but to see what a difference in impression would be made if somebody who cared about words got to polish her speeches, even maintaining her intent. Actually, am most wowed by the edits in green, representing factual corrections by the research department -- Lincoln, Johnson, no biggie!

(via rc3.org)

In a nutshell, debate edition

This flow chart perfectly captures how Sarah Palin's debate performance felt to me. She way outperformed low expectations, but still was doing high-level hand-waving on the couple of unexpected questions that she hadn't prepped -- nonanswers mixed with incoherance and some "folksy color" had to do. Yeesh.

Biden was stellar, had dignity, no gaffs. Focused criticism on McCain, which was where the discussion should be anyway, and it kept him from getting pegged as a meanie. Lots of specifics from history of legislation, foreign relations, current facts -- can we afford all that in a national office? heh.

Edit: perfect (and pithy) summary of the entire VP debate here.

Why being a quick study isn't enough

I recommend reading this short article on why it matters that Palin couldn't give an opinion on the Bush Doctrine -- not because she wasn't briefed enough for gotcha politics, but because it shows that she's had a relative disinterest in national/foreign affairs over the last seven years, including the defining issue of that era. Somebody whose head has been that much in the sand has no business running for major office.

(via Talking POints Memo)

Three words I never wanted to hear together

Just like Cheney