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5 Things to Watch for During Tonight’s Vice Presidential Debate

Oct. 11, 2012 7:22am Billy Hallowell

(TheBlaze/AP) — Tonight’s highly-anticipated debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Republican hopeful Paul Ryan promises to be an animated — or, at the least, informative — display. With much at stake for both campaigns, Biden and Ryan will need to defend Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s proposed policies, while taking pointed aim at one another.

For Ryan, first impressions will mean the world — and for Biden, taking Romney and Ryan down a notch after the first presidential debate results favored the Republican candidate is a must. Considering these elements, here are five things to watch for when Biden and Ryan meet in the vice presidential debate Thursday night:

1. BIDEN UNBOUND: Look for Biden to go on the offensive in hopes of regaining ground lost by President Barack Obama’s lackluster debate performance. An experienced debater, Biden is comfortable with the attack dog role. But the vice president has a history of freewheeling, foot-in-mouth moments. Will he commit another gaffe?

5 Things to Look for in Biden, Ryan Vice Presidential Debate

Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012. (Photo Credit: AP)

2. RYAN’S DEBUT: This is the Wisconsin congressman’s first time on the national debate stage. As House Budget Committee chairman, he’s a whiz on federal spending and tax policy. His knowledge of foreign policy and national security isn’t as deep. Watch to see whether his hours of practice result in polished and punchy — not wonky — answers.

3. BATTLE OF THE AGES: It’s youth vs. experience. At 42, Ryan is the same age as Biden’s younger son. Ryan suggests the generational divide gives him an edge over 69-year-old Biden and wider appeal. But Biden’s an energetic performer who prides himself on an ability to connect with regular folks.

Republican vice president candidate, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. speaks in Swanton, Ohio, on October 8, 2012. (Photo Credit: AP)

4. NUMBERS GAME: Expect to hear lots about the House Republican budget plan written by Ryan. Biden’s sure to criticize Ryan’s spending cuts and Medicare proposal as too extreme. However, Romney’s plans are somewhat different from Ryan’s past proposals — and that’s something the Republican vice presidential hopeful may need to illustrate.

5. THE MODERATOR: Jim Lehrer’s laid-back approach in the first presidential debate was widely panned. This time Martha Raddatz of ABC News runs the show. Look for her to ask sharper questions and more aggressively rein in the candidates. The veteran war correspondent has joked that it might be wise to wear body armor for the job.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (91)

LibsFIB
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:40am
obama was guest at Martha Raddatz wedding.
So I am sure there won’t be any Liberal deception commited tonight. Biden has been coached to actual questions, for sure! Hope he wears an extra absorbent Depends diaper and he will be set!

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- poorrichard09
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:57am
  The thrill is gone over 0bozo and Biteme. Biteme is one of those career politicians that has overstayed his welcome. Ryan is sharp, and Biteme is so full of himself he’ll say something really stupid.
  
  Report this comment
- Detroit paperboy
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:57am
  ABC already gave Biden the questions in advance, ,,,,,,,,,,,,and the answers…..
  
  Report this comment
- Angel_light
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:31am
  I’d feel sorry for ol’ Joe, if he wasn’t such a pompous ass/condescending, blithering idiot.
  
  Report this comment
- MIBUGNU2
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:43am
  It’s not proper to call the Lier in Chief a Lier, so how
  do we know when he tells the TRUTH ???
  
  Report this comment
- oneshiner
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:07am
  So, what else is new? If we win the Presidency by legal votes, we’ll lose by the illegal votes promoted my obama employees.
  
  Caught on Tape: Salaried Obama Campaign Worker Helps Undercover Reporter Vote Twice
  Posted on October 11, 2012 by Cowboy Byte
  
  On top of that bit of illegal activities, the moderator is a buddy, who’s former husband went to college
  with obama & was given a job. Does she seem to be impartial? Pray, to stop this illegal stuff
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:59am
  The GOP are morons for allowing her to be selected as a moderator. The only way to balance her would be to have Mark Levin or Rush Limbaugh moderate the next debate (presidential one since this is the only vp one)
  
  Report this comment
- WATER-THE-TREE
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 3:52pm
  All Ryan has to do is get under Biden’s skin and the fool will come unravelled, and then he will show himself, and we all know ridiculous that image is.
  
  Report this comment
- ScreaminEagle
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 4:57pm
  Biden’s biker babe in audience??
  
  Report this comment
- guns-an-bibles
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 6:37pm
  Don’t forget to put the rope in biteme’s pocket. You know he’s gonna hang himself.
  
  Report this comment
- guns-an-bibles
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 6:41pm
  MIBUGNU2
  
  How will we know when he’s telling the truth? Easy, he will have duct tape on his mouth.
  
  Report this comment
huey6367
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:39am
Biden can only help the Obama campaign. Help it right off the cliff.

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- encinom
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:45am
  Lyin Ryan will only prove that the GOP ticket has a problem with the truth. From Romney’ multiple choice position on Abortion to Lyin’ Ryan’s inability to be honest
  
  Report this comment
- The citizen who cares
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:07am
  I’ve heard liberals saying, “He’s lying! He’s lying!” But I’ve never heard what they’ve been lying about… Can you tell me what Paul Ryan is lying about and back up your claims?
  
  Report this comment
- encinom
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:16am
  Here’s one: Shuttered General Motors plant is “one more broken promise.” Ryan described a GM plant that closed down in his hometown, Janesville, Wisconsin, and blamed Obama for breaking his promise to keep the plant open when he visited during his campaign. But Obama never made that promise, and the plant shut down in December 2008, before Obama even took office.
  
  Than there is the fact that Lyin Ryan will steal 716 Billion from medicare to fund additional additional tax breaks, while Obama was taking that money and using it to close coverage loop holes.
  
  Ryan hasn’t met a lie he doesn’t repeat.
  
  Report this comment
- Freth
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:21am
  You won’t hear what he’s lying about, because it’s just a talking point without substance. Misdirection won’t work anymore, sorry.
  
  Report this comment
- americanfirst
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 11:35am
  5 THINGS TO EXPECT TONIGHT?
  
  Ryan kicking Biden’s a$$!
  Ryan picking him back up and kicking it again!
  Ryan laughing about how much fun the debate really is!!
  Ryan picking him back up and helping Joe compose himself a bit..
  Then drop-kicking Uncle Joe’s a$$ AGAIN.. smiling while he looks at the cameras while he crosses his arms into a (p90) “X” victory sign!!
  
  Report this comment
- antann
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 12:03pm
  On February 13, 2008, Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama stated, “This can be America’s future. I know that General Motors received some bad news yesterday, and I know how hard your Governor has fought to keep jobs in this plant. But I also know how much progress you’ve made – how many hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles you’re churning out. And I believe that if our government is there to support you, and give you the assistance you need to re-tool and make this transition, that this plant will be here for another hundred years. The question is not whether a clean energy economy is in our future, it’s where it will thrive. I want it to thrive right here in the United States of America; right here in Wisconsin; and that’s the future I’ll fight for as your President.”
  
  Although the majority of the employees were laid off after building their last car in 12-2008, the plant didn’t close it’s doors for good until 4-2009. It could have been retooled and reopened between 2-2009 and 4-2009 if then Candidate Obama was serious about his campaign statement.
  
  Report this comment
- Peeb
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 12:04pm
  Hey ENCINOM,
  
  You are not telling the whole true story. The president said, in February 2008 “And I believe that if our government is there to support you, and give you the assistance you need to re-tool and make this transition, that this plant will be here for another hundred years. The question is not whether a clean energy economy is in our future, it’s where it will thrive. I want it to thrive right here in the United States of America; right here in Wisconsin; and that’s the future I’ll fight for as your president.” — Yes the plant was closed before Obama was in office but that is not what Ryan said.
  Ryan said, ” “I remember President Obama visiting it when he was first running, saying he’ll keep that plant open. One more broken promise,” also “… this plant will be here for another hundred years.’ That’s what he said in 2008. Well, as it turned out, that plant didn’t last another year. It is locked up and empty to this day. And that’s how it is in so many towns today, where the recovery that was promised is nowhere in sight.” — Ryan is saying how the plant (that made SUV’s) closed down and because Obama raised the gas prices so he could push his small green cars agenda, the plant never re-opend.
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 12:49pm
  PEEB…ENCINOM/MONICNE/SLEAZY HIPPO/ad nauseum is just reciting what his keepers tell him to recite. Don’t confuse the idiot with facts.
  
  Report this comment
- encinom
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 1:50pm
  @Peeb
  
  You are the idiots that Lyin’ Ryan depends on. Obama was not sworn in as President until 2009. Bush was President on December 2008 when the last car left the assembly line floor of that plant. The auto bailout was months away.
  
  Report this comment
- Swimming-with-the-Sharks
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 2:24pm
  @Encinom you seem to live in a world that is 180 degrees opposite of reality. You must be a heavy drug user, and your mind is altered beyond repair.
  
  You are quite pathetic to call Ryan a liar when there is evidence-after-evidence, fact-after-fact proving that your hero, Obama, and company are pathalogical liars.
  
  Report this comment
- snufy
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 2:47pm
  Encinom, get back on your meds. Your stupidity is showing, again.
  
  Report this comment
huey6367
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:35am
My prediction – Ryan delivers a devastating blow 45 seconds into the first round.

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lville
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:32am
Wouldn’t it be great if Paul Ryan turned to the Moderator and asked “So did the Obama’s wedding present cover the cost of their meal?”

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- AmerGuy
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 12:09pm
  Better would be: ‘Martha, besides you were there any other ABC journalists that attended Michelle and Barak’s wedding?’.
  
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- QuincySmith
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 1:32pm
  Or he could ask, “Since your wedding, have you kept in touch with the president?”
  
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Landon410
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:26am
I’m going to set the DVR for this one, this could be epic.
no one questions Ryans knowledge, everyone questions Bidens
this is a debate vs the high schools debate team captain and the special ed class dufus

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ThomasUSA
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:14am
If they are honest with who the truly are, then Ryan will win because we know that Progressive/socialist/communists can not stand in the light of truth or who /what they are will be exposed. So if Ryan goes for substance and fact and bubble-head Biden tries to deal in lies, half-truths, and character assults, Ryan should do fine and many Americans will see who Biden really is.

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- IMO888
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:28am
  I agree, and Ryan needs to say that the American people need and deserve to know the truth about what kind of condition this country is in, and he also needs to add that the American people can handle the truth.
  
  Report this comment
- Veteran Patriot
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:46am
  Honest about who they are…? When, in the last four years, have the dems been honest about anything? From Biden I expect to see more of the same bloviating, duplicitous dodging, personal assaults and and bold-faced lies that have been the hallmark of the current administration. I also believe that, in his arrogance, he is going to believe in his “superior knowledge” of the issues that he “possesses” simply by virtue of his age. He considers himself to be untouchable in this exchange. I see Ryan as the rottweiler that can touch him…repeatedly. If nothing else, this debate should be highly entertaining.
  
  Report this comment
dusko
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:11am
Now that we know that the president attended the wedding of Martha Raddatz’s daughter. Who knows how impartial she can be. I think she will come in with an agenda. How well Ryan does against her and joe already having the answers to the questions ( most likely) is the reason I will watch.

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mcmeador
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:11am
After seeing Sarah Palin decimate Biden in the debate four years ago, I have absolutely no concerns about tonight’s debate.

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- thesource
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:30am
  I got a good laugh at this one. She did so well she lost.
  
  Report this comment
- huey6367
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:36am
  She didn’t lose the debate. Did you watch it? It was a slaughter. McCain/Palin didn’t win the election if that is what you are referring to.
  
  Report this comment
- Johnny Cocheroo
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:54am
  I thought Palin was going to destroy Biden – but it seemed like a draw to me.
  
  I’ve learned that its best to keep a tight lip until the bout begins.
  
  Report this comment
- Glenn_S
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:44am
  @THESOURCE -
  And to piggyback on HUEY6367′s comment, the McCain/Palin ticket didn’t lose the election due to the Palin half of the ticket.
  
  Report this comment
dublinthewagons
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:10am
I look for big bird bide to get Ryan frustrated. Ryan must remain cool calm and collected. Just let biden make a fool of himself. In the end it will be a draw with both sides declaring victory. Hat will be a + for Romney.
On with the show.

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IOWAGIR
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:08am
I’m so excited that I feel giddy! Please Ryan, don’t let us down.

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sparky2171
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:06am
Biden will hit the ground running, ready for an all out cage brawl because of Romney’s performance. I think Paul Ryan should do the opposite and remain reserved, smile and be polite and let Biden come off as a complete lunatic at first and then after the moderator yells at Biden (because the moderator will also be ready for a brawl) Biden might be completely thrown off his game and go into a gaffe hemorrhage. Just a thought.

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50Caliber
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:04am
I hope Biden does his “Stand up Chuck” comedy routine…….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2mzbuRgnI4

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- USACommoner
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 10:25am
  Guffaw. Good one.
  
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NewLife56
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:04am
What to look for? In Biden’s case?

Cheat Sheet
Ear Piece
Any truth from Biden (won’t find any though)
And after the debate, look for crap in Biden’s Pants

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- freenj
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:38am
  They’ll be crap in his Depends!
  
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Meyvn1
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:58am
One thing I will be looking for is for Joe’s dentures to fall out.

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freenj
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:57am
So “plugs” Biden when did you first hear of the Benghazi Consulate attack and the assassination of Ambassador Stevens?
Were you aware plugs, that this was a well planned, well armed coordinated attack on our Consulate?
Did you get a 3AM in the morning call from your boss Obama?
How is it plugs, that you being such a foreign policy wonk, that this coordinated attack flew right under your radar? So, how do you explain the fact, that all in your administration blame a silly video on the Ambassador’s death? Come on plugs don’t you see that you all lied to the American people, and that al qaeda is firmly planted in northern Africa. Wake the F up and while your at it slap your boss up the side of his head!
Foreign policy expert my a**, plugs go home to De.

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RandallJames
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:54am
I want to hear “plans”.. Jabs and attacks are not what I want. Ryan has a specific job to do and I want to know how he plans to do it.. I expect Biden to go for the attack and frankly, I think Ryan can derail that just by sticking to what is actually important and giving the audience credit for not being a bunch of knee jerk spectators.. I see Biden as part of the “old guard” of politicians and good ole boys. I do not see Ryan as much of anything…. yet

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- Capt_Gregg
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 8:01am
  The worst mistake one can make is to underestimate one’s opponent. Biden and Ryan each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Tonight will pit Ryan’s knowledge against Biden’s style.
  
  It won’t take a stellar performance on Biden’s part for him to far exceed all expectations, which will gain him points. We have been laughing at Biden’s gaffes and downplaying his ability to stand up to Ryan in a debate, but Biden hasn’t gotten to where he is today without learning how to outwit his challengers.
  
  Ryan is expected to annihilate Biden, and will look bad if he does less than that. He can come up with the facts and figures regarding economics, but style and presentation are vitally important in a televised debate. Ryan will have to perform well in that aspect in order to counter Biden’s debating experience.
  
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- Johnny Cocheroo
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:02am
  Exactly Capt.
  
  It could go either way until its over. Ryan may be young and full of energy, but like you said, Biden has been in the game longer.
  
  I’ve always wondered what the British were saying as they sailed their way over here to defeat the untrained peasants.
  
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Gonzo
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:54am
6. Blithering. As an unadulterated blithering idiot, Joe should blither profusely tonight.

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- Rational Man
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 12:24pm
  All Biden has is dishonest talking points and goofy slogans and Ryan should be able to dismantle them easily with numbers and facts.
  
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WeThePeople77
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:53am
Biden has already been debating……with himself, on whether to call in sick tonight.

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- gotohellobama
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:52am
  LOL!!! Love it!
  
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jackact
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:50am
We will hear Biden repeat these phrases, “God knows I love my country” and “You can’t challenge my patriotism” and murmurs of “millionaires and billionaires and their fair share”.
He doesn’t know any economic numbers.
He’ll get that tutorial from Ryan.
In front of 70 million viewers.

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1592
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:44am
Joe is full of Hot Air. He is a Big liar and a BULL-SHlTER!

Night Night Joe. Ryan will clock Him in the first half. Joe might even get TKO’ed.

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KingCanon
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:40am
Ryan MUST NOT sound programmed!
Fresh off of the campaign trail as a first timer… this is critical!
DO NOT SOUND PROGRAMMED!

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- sta
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:48am
  Ryan is going to sound like the smart kid in the class. Everyone either loved him or hated him but all were secretly jealous and admired him.
  
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pma_guy
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:38am
Let the war begin.

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JACKTHETOAD
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:34am
ER trips galore from pile flare-ups. Biden will induce mass hysteria, I’m sure. From laughter.

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TheePolitinator
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:33am
Ryan will have Biden storm out of debate, he cannot possibly debate Paul Ryan. And gaffe? For sure.

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BLAZEN
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 7:29am
BRING ON THE BIDEN. Ryan will take him down like a Star Wars Rancor!!

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