Biden vs. Palin: Who Can Shut Up More?

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Next door, Kevin says that Biden’s path to victory in Thursday’s debate against Sarah Palin has gotten easier in recent days as Palin’s confidence has fractured: “Biden just needs to show up, talk normally, and wait for her to implode.”

That’s easier said than done, of course, especially for Joe Biden. This debate will not be a test of his knowledge; it’ll be a test of his restraint. He will likely win if he shuts up, stops trying to prove how much he knows, and simply gives Palin enough rope/time to hang herself.

His advisers and handlers know this. That means Biden will likely come into the debate with a strategy of saying as little as possible. And due to her plethora of recent gaffes, Palin will come into the debate the strategy of… saying as little as possible. Can you imagine Gwen Ifill’s position? “Senator? Governor? You both have one minute and thirty seconds left. Would anyone like to speak?”

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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