Politics & Government

Joe Biden or Paul Ryan: Who Won the VP Debate?

Iowans speak out on the Biden v. Romney vice presidential debate.

If Iowans are correct in their assessment of Thursday's vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan, President Obama may have wanted to be taking some notes.

Both parties can call this debate, with a straight face, a draw, unlike the first debate when even Iowa's influential Democrats found Obama's performance lacking.

Biden came out firing and never let up, constantly calling Ryan out on what the vice president referred to as "malarky," "unforthcoming" and -- with his grin and laughter while Ryan was speaking -- "lies."

Find out what's happening in Iowa Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I couldn't be more pleased and proud of the way the vice president defended the president's records," said Pat Walters, a Johnston Democrat. "Outstanding...
I thought Biden just did an utterly outstanding job of challenging every misstatement, misconception -- the stuff that went unchallenged by the president.

Mazie Johnson, a Democrat from West Des Moines, said: "Joe answered questions, Paul regurgitated his lines. A surprisingly good debate for both sides, although Joe spent the night fact checking while Paul was on the defense."

Republicans, of course, have their own view.

Find out what's happening in Iowa Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I was perplexed as to why Vice President Biden seemed so angry, continually interrupting Congressman Ryan, smiling and laughing and seeming like a schoolyard bully to not only Ryan, but also the moderator," said Republican Dallas County Recorder Chad Airhart.

Mike Elam, the Dallas County Republican chairman, said Biden seemed angry, a common theme among Republicans who didn't appreciate the vice president's interjections and head-shaking.

"The other issue that stands out to me is the constant droning on by the VP about a level playing field," he said. "It's very clear that this simply means redistribution and equality of outcome. This, to me, is a socialist concept and the basis for continued stagnation and despair."

State Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican, said: "I thought the Vice President was rude and very smug. Tonight demonstrated that Paul Ryan has the knowledge to be a great Vice President. This debate made apparent two distinct paths this country can choose.  It appears that the Obama campaign is relying on scare tactics."

Kyle Etzel, the president of the Iowa State University College Republicans, said: “Both were well versed on substance but as far as presentation goes, Ryan took the debate.”

Etzel said Biden interrupted Ryan more than 80 times and seemed “angry and arrogant.”

“I was impressed the moderator asked about character and religion and how that played into how they would behave in office,” Etzel said. 

In Iowa, influential Republicans surveyed after Ryan was chosen as Romney's running mate said they were pleased with the decision but they had doubts about the ticket's ability to attract all-important swing voters.

The debate was much more spirited than last week's presidential debate between President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Biden let no claim by Ryan go unchallenged, and Ryan refused to back down.

One exchange was typical of the tone of the debate. When Ryan started to attack the stimulus program by pointing to $90 billion in stimulus funds for green energy projects, Biden interrupted with a laugh..

“Go on our website. He sent me two letters saying by the way, ‘Can you send me stimulus money?’ ” Biden said. ” ‘It will create growth and jobs.’ Those are his words. And now, he’s sitting here looking at me?”

Ryan replied, “that’s what we do.”

Urbandale Democrat and statehouse candidate John Forbes said, "I thought the debate went very well for both. I thought Vice President Biden showed more leadership on the issues and was able to better explain his policies relating to concerns about our country. Vice President Biden showed his experience and I was very impressed with his performance."

Beth Sermet, a Democrat volunteering at Obama campaign headquarters in Ames, said: “Biden looked more vice presidential and presidential, too.”

She said that Biden's experience came through in the debate as did Ryan's lack of experience. At the end Ryan seemed to fall back into his stump speech, she said.

But Creighton Cox, a Republican from Urbandale, said, "Biden was smug, laughing, interupting and generally disrespectful. His facial expressions showed he thought he was both superior and bored."

And in Cedar Falls, University of Northern Iowa political science professor Christopher Larimer seemed to think the debate format was a winner for those who watched.

"It was a real debate," he said. "Seemed like both candidates were going back and forth and challenging each other on the statements, which was a contrast from the Obama-Romney debate. Both certainly held their own. Joe Biden did what Joe Biden does -  he was very passionate and animated. Ryan was very calm.

"I think both sides were extremely happy with their candidate. Which was surprising because it was very aggressive. The fact that both sides were happy shows it was a real debate."

Jessica Miller, Alison Gowans, Ashlee Kieler, Jody Gifford and Deb Belt reported this story.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Iowa City