Vice Presidential Debate (Foreign and Domestic Policy) Observations

Please note that these are simply observations on their debating skills that are based on my slightly biased opinions and not about the actual issues discussed.

Anyone see this picture and think of Link opening a chest? Da da da daaaa! nope? okay..

Biden

Pros:
-referred to the moderator as Martha, and I liked how he made it feel more personal and casual.
-has a soft, soothing voice that made even aggressive statements seem calm.
-used the word malarkey, which may not mean a lot to you but I enjoy that type of word choice.
-was more aggressive in his manner and it seems like it made up for Obama's debate.
-points his fingers to emphasize words, and it made me pay attention more.
-brought up Romney's statement about the 47 percent more than once and I think it's important not to forget that.
-tells personal story of his wife dying
-compared Ryan to Sarah Palin, which I feel did a lot in his favor.
-repeatedly corrected Ryan and challenged him.
-got his act together and started to become more serious as time went on
-kept using himself as a resource, saying "I was there when.."
-"Their ideas are old, their ideas are bad.."
-"We are leaving in 2014. Period."


Cons:
-needed to control his laughter. It was an effective tool but I think many are going to have a problem with that.
-Many may also have a problem with how much he interrupted Ryan.
-seemed to be very concerned about having a fair share of time, which I found odd. It's not quantity, it's quality.
-kept telling Martha "you know what I'm talking about" and I feel like he should have explained it tome because I obviously don't know what he's talking about.

Ryan

Pros:
-"Watch out middle class, that tax is coming to you" (looked at camera while talking about deficit, very effective)
-speaks casually and with nice hand gestures
-tells a story about Romney helping someone from his church and mentions his charity
-tried to keep his cool even though Biden came in heavy.
-mentioned that they would be better off if they stopped interrupting each other.
-looked, talked, and acted respectfully.

Cons:
-smile slowly faltered every few seconds and in my head that's loss of confidence.
-said Romney was misquoted and that sometimes "the words don't come out of your mouth the right way."
-keeps drinking water and clearing throat
started out calling Martha Congresswoman and then started called her Martha after Biden was doing it a lot.
-was not specific about plans

Overall, even though I clearly am in favor for Biden, I feel this was almost a draw with no immediate clear winner. Biden certainly made up for Obama's downfalls last debate but Ryan was quite the fighter and kept his cool.