An evening to contrast last week’s US presidential debate, we pick out some of the top tweets from the vice presidential debate last night
Yesterday saw the first US vice presidential debate between Republican candidate, Paul Ryan, and Democratic candidate, Joe Biden. In sharp contrast to last week’s presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, the Democratic candidate appeared the stronger and more fiery opponent as the pair fought over everything from the economy to healthcare and the military.
Many considered Biden to have shown himself to be a more capable and experienced candidate, raising facts and figures with an animated competence and confidence that the youthful Ryan appeared to lack. A CBS poll showed Biden to hold a 50 per cent lead on Ryan’s 31 per cent. Nonetheless, Biden has also faced much critique for aggressive tactics that lacked the respect and manners that Ryan did not compromise. A CNN poll showed Ryan to hold more support at 48 per cent to Biden’s 44 per cent. Meanwhile, as moderator, Martha Raddatz proved capable, well-informed and no nonsense, facilitating an engaging debate and drawing much praise for a well-managed evening.
And of course the world of social media was in a tempestuous storm. Here we present a range of top tweets from the evening:
Ed Schultz @edshow
McCain ’08 manager: “i don’t think i’ve ever seen a debate this fiery at this level before” #msnbc2012 #vpdebate
Patrick LaForge @palafo
#vpdebate #vocabulary ma·lar·key also ma·lar·ky (m-lärk) n. Slang. Exaggerated or foolish talk, usually intended to deceive
Kevin Nealon @kevin_nealon
Fact-finding started: You can not put two wars on one credit card. $35,000 limit. #VPDebate
Men’s Humor @MensHumor
If Biden slips and finally just says ‘bullshit’ finish your drink. #VPDebate
Justin Hart @justin_hart
RT @PounderFile: FACT: Final Count: Biden interrupted 82 times during the entire debate. #VPDebate
Jessica Mendes @SeptemberMay
It’s telling that the same qualities praised in Romney last week are being demonized in Biden. #VPDebate
Joe Biden @VeepJoeBiden
Hey Paul, you might want to bring a notebook the next time you’re getting schooled. #VPDebate
Right In Academia @RightInAcademia
Proverbs 29:9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. #VPdebate
EJ Dionne @EJDionne
Biden moved campaign back toward weaknesses of Romney/Ryan ideas. Ryan spent lots of time on defense. Obama could not ask for more#vpdebate
Big Bird @BlGBlRD
The Count looked at Paul Ryan’s numbers and shook his head. Need I say more? #VPDebate
Chris Faraone @Fara1
UP NEXT – Biden challenges audience members to a cage fight. #debate#VPdebate
Riz Ahmed @rizmc
US conservatives, if u want a government that imposes a single, arguable vision of morality on its population, just vote Taliban.
Alan Dershowitz @TheDersh
BEST DEBATE MOMENT: “I don’t want to go into classified stuff.” – Paul Ryan when talking about something that’s not even remotely classified
LOLGOP @LOLGOP
In honor of the 2008 VP debate, Fox News will now have Sarah Palin on to debate the English language.
Michael Moore @MMFlint
BREAKING: Post debate results just in… Ryan now at 6% body fat, 94% water.
Mitt Romney Central @RomneyCentral
As rude and belligerent as Biden is, it’s no wonder this Administration hasn’t been able to work with the other side. #VPDebate
Molly McNearney @mollymcnearney
If you mute the debate it’s just two guys smiling and laughing at each other. #vpdebate
Krystal Ball @KrystalBall1
How you know Biden won: Republicans whining about moderator.#VPDebate
ShelbyKnox @ShelbyKnox
I vote Martha Raddatz moderates the first presidential debate in 2016. Smart questions, smart follow-ups, smart woman. #VPDebate
Image from: http://kstp.com/article/stories/S2797232.shtml?cat=1