Vice President Joe Biden and Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan squared-off Thursday night in the only vice presidential debate before the Nov. 6 elections.
The debate, moderated by ABC’s Martha Raddatz, was divided into nine segments with each candidate given two minutes to speak. Topics covered foreign affairs, unemployment and the economy, the state of Medicare and Social Security and how to reduce the federal deficit.
Raddatz proved to be a strong and forceful moderator. She refused to let either candidate avoid questions by changing the subject and she saw to it that both men yielded the microphone after their two minutes were up.
The debate began by focusing heavily on foreign affairs, mainly the recent attacks on the American embassy in Libya and America’s relationship with Iran.
Congressman Ryan criticized the Obama administration for not taking a tougher stance on Iran, saying that the nation was, “four years closer to a nuclear weapon.” He went on to mention the dangers of a “nuclear arms race in the Middle East.”
Biden rebutted Ryan’s claims, referring to the “crippling sanctions” placed on Iran by America and the United Nations.
“War should always be the absolute last resort,” Biden said. “This president doesn’t bluff.”
Raddatz asked the vice presidential candidates questions on the American economy and how long it would take to get unemployment rates down.
Biden attacked Romney on his previous criticisms of Obama’s policy, namely his stances on the auto bailout and allowing people in danger of foreclosure to refinance their homes. Biden questioned Ryan about Romney’s “47 percent” remarks that were made during a fundraiser in May, something Obama failed to do during the first presidential debate. Biden stressed the economic importance of retaining a strong middle class and said that it was vital to “hemorrhage” tax cuts for the super-wealthy.
Ryan retorted by saying that the Obama administration inherited a tough situation but they haven’t done enough to improve it.
“The economy is barely limping along,” Ryan said. “That’s how it’s going all over America.”
“It was definitely more evenly balanced than the first presidential election,” said Weston Slaton of the KSU College Republicans. “I don’t think there was a clear winner.”
Biden’s approach Thursday night was welcomed by democrats after President Obama’s lackluster performance against Mitt Romney in the first presidential debate.
“Obama was too passive,” said Eric Brito, president of the KSU Young Democrats. “He’ll do better in the next debate. He has to.”
With fewer than three weeks until the election, polls show that Romney has pulled neck-and-neck with Obama across the nation. This includes Ohio, the most notorious battleground state. No presidential candidate has ever won an election without winning the state.
The next presidential debate occurs Tuesday at 9 p.m. and will take the form of a town hall meeting.
