memo to joe biden re: the debate

I shared my memo to Governor Palin with readers yesterday. Here's my memo to Biden:

To: Senator Joe Biden
From: Marbury

• Voters know that you know everything and everyone, Joe. You exude experience and authority. So you don't have to tell them every chance you get. In other words, no resume-recounting. You will only have a minute or so to make each point: make them simply, and straightforwardly. Remind yourself to shut up now and again.
• Curb your enthusiasm. I mean, don't replicate your exuberant, big-gestured, booming-voice stump show (or Senate floor-act) in the debate. Keep it direct, personal, conversational.
• Address Palin as 'Governor Palin' at all times, and nod towards one or two of her accomplishments in office. In other words, display respect.
• Mention your role in sponsoring the Violence Against Women act, as early on as possible.
• Establish your working-class, scrappy, train-home-to-Delaware identity as early on as possible.
• Don't get mad. Palin will try and wind you up by attacking you and your record, by making snide jibes about your running mate. Don't rise to it. If you feel you need to, just shake your head sadly and say, "You know, that stuff is beneath you, Governor. And the American people deserve better." Sorrow, but no anger.
• Keep a few zingers up your sleeve. Obama doesn't really do them. But you can. If Palin compares herself to Hillary Clinton, tell her "Governor - you are no Hillary Clinton."
• McCain, McCain, McCain. Show respect to Palin, yes. But don't engage with her. Return all questions to the topic of John McCain. Tell voters that the man you used to know and respect - the man many of them think they know - has changed. Tell them he sold his soul to George W. Bush.
• Let Palin talk. Give her time to get lost in her own verbiage.
• Tell the moderator she's lookin' drop-dead gorgeous tonight. No, don't do that.

Comments

[Elemjay]

this is fab!