Jewish Twitter-Sphere Abuzz Over Veep Debate
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What’s the use of a spin room when we have social media? Last night, the Twitterverse turned its eyes towards the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan.
You’ve probably already heard all of the “malarkey” from partisans representing both parties, but here’s a look at the lighter side of last night’s important debate.
Early on, many viewers thought Biden was faring better than President Barack Obama’s widely-criticized performance last week. Andy Borowitz, author of The Borowitz Report, tweeted:
POLL: By Wide Margin, Democrats Want Biden in All Remaining Debates #debate #vpdebate
Andy Borowitz (@BorowitzReport) October 12, 2012
As discussion turned to Iran, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu became the hot topic of discussion. Commentary magazine’s Alana Goodman observed:
You know what Biden needs? A bomb chart.
Alana Goodman (@alanagoodman) October 12, 2012
Michael Koplow, program director at the Israel Institute, noted that:
Picking “Bibi” in #VPDebate bingo was clearly the right move on my part.
Michael Koplow (@mkoplow) October 12, 2012
After Biden claimed to have known Israeli’s Prime Minister for decades, New Yorker writer Philip Gourevitch, wondered:
Is Biden allowed to tell what was said when he and POTUS and Bibi were in that hottub together – or is that classified too?
Philip Gourevitch (@PGourevitch) October 12, 2012
Of course, some of the Twitter observations had nothing to do with the debate, but the physical appearance of the candidates. Some tweets referenced Biden’s great dental work:
#VPDebate Joe doing good. Joe’s dentist doing better.
dan (@danfriedmanme) October 12, 2012
I’m told Joe Biden was just a small-time hood before Batman dropped him in the vat of chemicals that left him with apermanent grin.
Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) October 12, 2012
While others were impressed with Ryan’s forehead.
You could plant carrots in the deep crevices on Paul Ryan’s forehead.
Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) October 12, 2012
Aside from political views, there was also a large generation gap between the two candidates. Jeffrey Goldberg, correspondent for The Atlantic, predicted:
Joe Biden is about two minutes away from putting this guy in a headlock and giving him a nugie.
Jeffrey Goldberg (@JeffreyGoldberg) October 12, 2012
As the night went on, many Tweeters saw Biden turn serious, reeling off facts as Ryan circled around questions. Ari Melber, a correspondent for The Nation, gave some kudos to Ryan:
To be fair, Ryan does have one position on abortion, while his boss has five.
Ari Melber (@AriMelber) October 12, 2012
Overall, many felt the Dems regained some momentum, while Ryan held his ground. Alex Koppelman of The New Yorker had one of the most astute observations: of the night.
HOW ARE THEY TWEETING? MT @joebiden: VP: “Look at my record—it’s been all about the middle class. They’re the people who grow this country.”
Alex Koppelman (@AlexKoppelman) October 12, 2012
Perhaps musician Josh Groban tweeted it best though:
Everyone has an opinion. That’s awesome. #vote
josh groban (@joshgroban) October 12, 2012
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