Following the VP Debate, Sides Size Up Performances, Ask For Cash

Vice President Joe Biden and VP candidate Paul Ryan go head-to-head in the only VP debate of 2012.

As the two defend and try to make a case for their positions on a number of issues to include foreign policy, abortion, tax cuts and the middle class, Biden was chastised in the media for smirking and smiling too much, while Ryan was labeled as not being able to effectively communicate the Romney-Ryan plan for America.

What we noticed was that Ryan (who smiled/smirked just as often as Biden) could be an advertisement for the bottled water company Drink More Water, as he repeatedly drew sips from his glass of water.  Such action could be summed up as a defense mechanism, or a chance to buy more time between giving a response to an uncomfortable topic he was unprepared to answer.

The Vice President made a strong case for removing US troops out of Afghanistan by 2014, suggesting the Afghan country needs to take responsibility for its own security.

"It's their responsibility to take over their own security", Biden said.  Biden explained that the US has remained in the region to train the Afghan security, but the draw down and withdrawal of troops by 2014 is eminent.

Ryan suggested giving a definitive time line to remove troops would suggest weakness on the part of the U.S.

"What we are witnessing here is the unraveling of the administration on foreign policy", Ryan said.

Adding more fuel to the fire was the conversation on the request for increased security in Benghazi just days before US Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed in the area.

Biden said the president was not aware of the request for mor security, while Ryan maintains that "there was a request for more security."

Policy issues may differ between the two men, but one item the two men do agree on is campaign donations.

Both parties sent emails to supporters capitalizing on the opportunity to ask for more donations.

Here's an email sent from the VP himself, Joe Biden.

Hey,

I did my best to make you proud tonight.  But I hope you remember one thing: This debate wasn't about me, or Congressman Ryan. It was about you, and what we're fighting for together.So if you're standing with Barack and me, like we're standing with you, please chip in $5 or more to show it.

Paul Ryan, in a more lengthy communique, critiques the evening in this light, also with an email to supporters:

Friend,

America is at a crossroads. We have a choice -- four more years of the same hardship and decline, or a new path. That choice was abundantly clear at last night's debate. The American people want jobs. They want leadership they can believe in. They want our great nation to prosper again. And they want leaders who'll fight for them -- and alongside them.

Mitt Romney and I, along with Republicans across the country, are fighting for America's comeback. And we're willing to fight for it -- because we believe our nation is at its best when individuals are allowed to pursue their dreams. Mitt Romney and I believe that on November 6th, Americans will rise to the occasion. America will fix what needs fixing.

Please donate $25 today to help elect Mitt, me, and the Republican team on November 6th.

Thank you,
Paul Ryan


Watch the full VP debate below.




A very succinctly, direct message from presidential candidate Mitt Romney reads:

Friend,

Barack Obama and Joe Biden don't have a record to run on, or a plan for the future. Donate now to help us deliver a real recovery.

Thanks,

Mitt Romney

Just when we thought Mitt Romney's email was to the point, we get an even more forthcoming email from President Obama:

Hey,

Let's get Joe's back, and say thanks.

Barack

The second of three presidential debates will be held this coming Tuesday, October 16 at Hofstra University.  The president said he was a "too polite" when debating with Romney in the first debate. 

America will have to watch to see if President Obama will be just as forthcoming and fired up as his VP, the second time around.