Trump vs Biden: Presidential Debate

The Dynamics of a Presidential Debate: A Closer Look at the 2024 Showdown

Presidential debates are a pivotal aspect of American democracy, offering a platform for candidates to present their policies, challenge their opponents, and persuade undecided voters. The first presidential debate of 2024 has already made headlines, with former President Trump and President Biden facing off in a heated exchange that captivated the nation.

The debate, held in Atlanta, was marked by a series of clashes over key issues such as immigration, the economy, and abortion rights. Trump's performance was perceived as dominant by some, with a CNN flash poll suggesting a majority of viewers considered him the winner. However, the debate was not without controversy, as both candidates engaged in personal attacks and Trump faced criticism for several misleading statements.

One of the most significant moments of the debate was the discussion on immigration, where Trump criticized Biden's policies, claiming they have turned every state into a "border state" and describing the situation as a "rat's nest". Biden, on the other hand, stumbled at times but regained his footing, countering Trump's physical fitness and labeling him a "whiner" and a "loser".

The debate also touched on the sensitive topic of abortion, with Trump stating he would not block abortion medication despite his administration's role in overturning Roe v. Wade. Biden vehemently disagreed with the overturning, promising to reinstate Roe's protections if re-elected.

The exchange between the two leaders was not just a battle of policies but also a display of their contrasting styles and approaches to leadership. The debate's impact on the electorate remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly sets the stage for a fiercely contested election.

As the country moves closer to election day, the importance of these debates in shaping public opinion cannot be overstated. They are a testament to the vibrant political discourse that defines the United States, and their influence on the democratic process is profound.

The 2024 Presidential Debate: Unpacking the Key Moments

The first presidential debate of 2024 was a spectacle of political theater, with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump engaging in a verbal duel that left the audience both intrigued and concerned about the future of American politics. The debate was rife with significant moments that will likely be dissected and discussed in the days leading up to the election.

One of the most talked-about moments was the candidates' refusal to shake hands at the beginning of the debate, breaking from a long-standing tradition and setting a contentious tone for the evening. This act was symbolic of the deep divisions within American politics and the personal animosity between the two candidates.

The debate took a personal turn when the topic of military service was broached. Biden invoked the memory of his late son, Beau Biden, who served in Iraq, in response to reports that Trump had previously referred to U.S. veterans as "suckers" and "losers." Biden's emotional defense of his son's service and his subsequent labeling of Trump as the "sucker" and "loser" was a poignant moment that resonated with many viewers.

Another key moment was the discussion on the January 6th Capitol riot. Trump refused to accept responsibility for the events of that day, instead attempting to shift the blame to others. Biden, in contrast, held firm in his condemnation of the rioters and Trump's role in inciting them, emphasizing the need for accountability.

The economy was also a central topic, with both candidates sparring over their records and plans to address inflation and job growth. Trump touted his administration's economic achievements, while Biden pointed to his efforts to rebuild the economy post-pandemic.

Abortion rights, a deeply divisive issue, were also front and center. Trump celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade and falsely claimed that Biden's administration supported late-term abortions and infanticide. Biden committed to restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade, highlighting the importance of reproductive rights.

The debate was not without its gaffes. Biden stumbled during a discussion on healthcare, which Trump quickly capitalized on, accusing Biden of planning to "wipe out Medicare". These moments of vulnerability and attack are often what stick in the minds of voters and can sway public opinion.

Climate change, another critical issue, saw Trump boasting about his environmental record, despite having withdrawn from the Paris Climate Accords. Biden countered by emphasizing the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and criticized Trump's lack of action.

The debate showcased the stark contrasts between the two candidates, not only in policy but in demeanor and approach to leadership. As the nation processes the flurry of exchanges from the debate, it is clear that these key moments will play a significant role in shaping the decisions of voters as they head to the polls.

Our take on the Presidential Debate 2024. 

Biden clearly lost. He was disorientated, incoherent, and sounded like Don Corleone from the Godfather franchise (campaign workers claim he has a cold), and his policies were not clear. He looked senile and at many times appealed to pity with his body language.  It is no surprise that his democratic party is in panic mode and there are talks of trying to remove him from the ticket while others are even considering the idea that he should be removed from office now.  This is serious indeed!  The Joe Biden we saw tonight is not the same one we saw in 2020 where words like "malarkey" were thrown around and we saw a feisty candidate animated and confident.  Tonight we saw a frail man who looked out of it. He could hardly be understood prompting Trump to state, "I didn't understand what he said and I don't think he knows what he said."  

Biden looked more like a senile old man in a nursing home who is having trouble collecting his thoughts instead of a viable presidential candidate.  He confirmed to the world what Trump and many others have been stating about his age and fitness to serve. This is why his campaign and party are in panic mode. They do not know what to do.  Biden looked robotic and confused at times. His reactions were slow and he often contradicted himself.  

Trump won, but only in optics and presentation, not content. He deflected a lot, repeated his record, and never gave policies for this term if he wins. It was more narcissistic than anything else. Trump did not give any new ideas or plans. He simply argued from authority highlighting his claims of achievements. Many of the things he said were misinformed or simply just not true. They were embellished statements clearly meant to give an air of confidence and stability. People watching and who know the facts were left shaking their heads in disbelief at the falsehoods and half-truths the former president posited during the debate.

Like typical Trump, he focused on illegal immigrants blaming them for pretty much everything except the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. He deflected on numerous occasions and often took the time to address Biden's previous comments instead of the questions posed by the moderators.  He was composed during the debate, a rarity for him. There were no outbursts or overspeaking on the part of Trump. He followed the rules. 

In closing, both candidates did not do well on the material.  They often deflected, especially Trump. Neither addressed childcare nor explicitly explained anything about their plans regarding addressing climate change.  At times, it looked like two old men arguing and then forgetting what they argued about. At times we felt sorry for Biden who looked like a fish out of water, so to speak. He looked so fragile and aloof that it can almost be said with confidence that his attendance there was abuse on the part of the democratic party and his campaign.  He should not have been there. 

This debate confined for voters many things, among them, that Biden is simply unfit to be president now or in 2024. He simply cannot do this anymore.  He should be retired in Delaware with his wife and pets. His performance or lack thereof brings to question who is really running the White House.  There is no way we can confidently believe that this man we saw tonight is the commander-in-chief.  There has to be a skeleton crew working behind the scenes, so to speak. 

Moreover, voters have confirmation of what we all have been concerned with: there really is no viable candidate. The 2024 election will be one for the history books. On one hand, we have a sitting president who is clearly no fit for office, and on the other, we have a former president recently convicted as a felon who continues the same rhetoric from 2016 without any plans on how to address today's issues.  In regards to abortion, he has also flipped-flop on the issue now claiming he is for "exceptions" when in the past he said otherwise and claimed to be truly pro-life. 

The United States of America is in a pickle, in a word.  It may be time to figure out how to create a better system that vets candidates so we will never repeat this election year again. We cannot have criminals or senile folks run for office. The presidency is an important job.  This is not a school president or president of a club. This is the president and leader of the so-called free world.  

Tonight's debate most likely shifted views but diehard democrats will still vote for their person without considering the consequences. We see this in blue states where despite a Democrat doing a horrible job, he or she has an assured job as long as blind democrats vote on party lines instead of conscience and reason.  Similarly, Republicans will vote for anyone who is strong against illegal immigration and abortion. They do not seem to know there are other issues out there.  

Credit must also be given to the CNN moderators who are softened biased against Trump. They were fair, did not help either candidate, gave both fair time and attention, and did a good job.  Kudos to them despite Dana Bash dressed in the cliche white for women's suffrage.  

An online poll we conducted on X (formerly Twitter) is below the sources. They show a win for Trump. 

 

 Sources:

Live updates: Trump, Biden presidential debate, analysis and reaction | CNN Politics

‘Defcon 1 moment’: Biden’s debate performance sends Democrats into panic | US elections 2024 | The Guardian

Six Takeaways From the First Biden-Trump Presidential Debate - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

These Are The Likely Democratic Presidential Candidates If Biden Drops Out After Debate—From Newsom To Whitmer (forbes.com)

Dems freak out over Biden’s debate performance: ‘Biden is toast’ - POLITICO

A raspy Biden gets off to a halting start against Trump in the first 2024 presidential election debate | Fox News

Should Biden continue election? David Axelrod says there will be talks (usatoday.com)

Time to Go, Joe Biden - The Atlantic

Biden Is Sick With a Cold: Campaign Source (wsj.com)

Could Democrats Replace Biden as their nominee? What to know. - Vox

US presidential debate 2024 updates: Biden struggles, Trump deflects | US Election 2024 News | Al Jazeera

Who won? #PresidentialDebate #PresidentialDebate2024 #Debates2024 #debate

— ☧✝️Sacerdotus™⚛✡🇻🇦☧ (@Sacerdotus) June 28, 2024

Rafael Ramos Laid to Rest

Talk about the funeral of all funerals in New York City.  Today, police officer Rafael Ramos who was assassinated last Saturday was laid to rest.  Over 35,000 police officers from all over the 50 states and even Canada as well as other civilians came to the funeral. The Evangelical worship edifice only sits 800 so the rest were lined up for blocks outside.  I am from New York and have never seen a funeral with so many people and so much display of military style salute.

In attendance were vice president Biden, governor Cuomo, mayor Di Blasio, former mayor Giuliani, the family of slain officer Liu and of course the Ramos family.  The family did not speak at the funeral service. Politicians and the "pastors" of the Christ Tabernacle sect spoke instead giving words of encouragement to the family. Commissioner Bratton announced that both police officers would be promoted to detective posthumously.  The now Detective Ramos was also officially named a chaplain as well.  He had been studying in the chaplaincy program for the NYPD and was set to graduate the day he was assassinated. The speakers at the funeral described Ramos as being a man of faith who thought of his job as part of God's work. The Ramos family were visibly in pain, especially the older son Justin who had a face of anguish. The younger son Jaden seemed to be holding in his emotion.

Unfortunately, the ceremony was tarnished by some foolish officers who turned their backs at the jumbo-trons as mayor Di Blasio spoke. This was in poor taste in my opinion. Now the media is focusing on this instead of the life of Detective Ramos. These officers should get suspended in my opinion. They should have waited until both officers were laid to rest in order to continue their childish behavior.

In any event, the ceremony was amazing.  I have never seen anything like it in regards to a police officer ceremony.  There was even a fly over with helicopters in formation. Over 400 officers on motorcycles lead the procession to the cemetery. With the exception of the back-turning cops, the ceremony was dignified and gave a respectful and solemn farewell to the Puerto Rican officer who was assasinated just for being NYPD.  Kudos to each speaker and the "pastors" who did an excellent job using their words to comfort us all.  Kudos to the organizers both at Christ Tabernacle and the NYPD.

Thank you Detective Rafael Ramos for your dedication and service. You will not be forgotten.  May God bless your soul and give you the rest you deserve. You have made Christ proud for as He said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)"

Some images from the funeral:

Source:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Slain-NYPD-Officer-Rafael-Ramos-Funeral-Mayor-Bill-de-Blasio-Vice-President-Joe-Biden-286920041.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_NYBrand

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/26/nypd-rafael-ramos-chaplain_n_6382584.html?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000055

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/funeral-slain-nypd-officer-rafael-ramos-gallery-1.2057982?pmSlide=1.2057903

Inauguration 2013

President Barack Hussein Obama just took the Presidential Oath for the second time.  He swore on the Bibles of both President Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr whose day America celebrates today.

It was a historic day for all Americans despite political affiliation.  Puerto Rican Sonia Sotomayor, swore in Vice-President Biden making her the first Latina to do so.



The ceremonies were not as illustrious as in 2008 due to budget restrictions, nevertheless, the historicity of the event is enough.  The mention of God and prayer were used throughout the ceremony showing the importance of God and Faith in the United States of America.

The rhetoric was the same; talk of freedom and reminders of what America is supposed to be.  However, in this inauguration, the mentioning of "Gay rights" and so-called "Gay marriage" was included as part of the "road to a better free union."

This is an indicator that President Obama will push the LGBT agenda on the American people.  Religious freedom is now up in the air.

Former Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan was booed by the crowd when introduced.  President Clinton and others were cheered.  There is no doubt that the crowd were mostly Democrat, liberal and progressive.

The inauguration is a moment of pride for all Americans despite who they vote for.  In this ceremony, we are reminded that the power rests in the people.  We have no Queen who sits comfortably on a throne using the wealth of the people, nor do we have a dictator who pushes for equality of goods while enjoying a lavish lifestyle.  We have a President who we elect from among ourselves to lead us.  A President who does not have absolute power, but enough of it to get things done when possible.

May God bless President Barack Obama, and may He guide him to make the right decisions that will protect all human life, from conception to natural death and the common good of all without distorting the family and marriage.


Here are some photos:

Speech

Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:

Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth. The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a Republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed.

For more than two hundred years, we have.

Through blood drawn by lash and blood drawn by sword, we learned that no union founded on the principles of liberty and equality could survive half-slave and half-free. We made ourselves anew, and vowed to move forward together.

Together, we determined that a modern economy requires railroads and highways to speed travel and commerce; schools and colleges to train our workers.

Together, we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play.

Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune.

Through it all, we have never relinquished our skepticism of central authority, nor have we succumbed to the fiction that all society’s ills can be cured through government alone. Our celebration of initiative and enterprise; our insistence on hard work and personal responsibility, are constants in our character.

But we have always understood that when times change, so must we; that fidelity to our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges; that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action. For the American people can no more meet the demands of today’s world by acting alone than American soldiers could have met the forces of fascism or communism with muskets and militias. No single person can train all the math and science teachers we’ll need to equip our children for the future, or build the roads and networks and research labs that will bring new jobs and businesses to our shores. Now, more than ever, we must do these things together, as one nation, and one people.

This generation of Americans has been tested by crises that steeled our resolve and proved our resilience. A decade of war is now ending. An economic recovery has begun. America’s possibilities are limitless, for we possess all the qualities that this world without boundaries demands: youth and drive; diversity and openness; an endless capacity for risk and a gift for reinvention. My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together.

For we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it. We believe that America’s prosperity must rest upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class. We know that America thrives when every person can find independence and pride in their work; when the wages of honest labor liberate families from the brink of hardship. We are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American, she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God but also in our own.

We understand that outworn programs are inadequate to the needs of our time. We must harness new ideas and technology to remake our government, revamp our tax code, reform our schools, and empower our citizens with the skills they need to work harder, learn more, and reach higher. But while the means will change, our purpose endures: a nation that rewards the effort and determination of every single American. That is what this moment requires. That is what will give real meaning to our creed.

We, the people, still believe that every citizen deserves a basic measure of security and dignity. We must make the hard choices to reduce the cost of health care and the size of our deficit. But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future. For we remember the lessons of our past, when twilight years were spent in poverty, and parents of a child with a disability had nowhere to turn. We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us, at any time, may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. The commitments we make to each other – through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security – these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.

We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries – we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure – our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.

We, the people, still believe that enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war. Our brave men and women in uniform, tempered by the flames of battle, are unmatched in skill and courage. Our citizens, seared by the memory of those we have lost, know too well the price that is paid for liberty. The knowledge of their sacrifice will keep us forever vigilant against those who would do us harm. But we are also heirs to those who won the peace and not just the war, who turned sworn enemies into the surest of friends, and we must carry those lessons into this time as well.

We will defend our people and uphold our values through strength of arms and rule of law. We will show the courage to try and resolve our differences with other nations peacefully – not because we are naïve about the dangers we face, but because engagement can more durably lift suspicion and fear. America will remain the anchor of strong alliances in every corner of the globe; and we will renew those institutions that extend our capacity to manage crisis abroad, for no one has a greater stake in a peaceful world than its most powerful nation. We will support democracy from Asia to Africa; from the Americas to the Middle East, because our interests and our conscience compel us to act on behalf of those who long for freedom. And we must be a source of hope to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice – not out of mere charity, but because peace in our time requires the constant advance of those principles that our common creed describes: tolerance and opportunity; human dignity and justice.

We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.

It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm.

That is our generation’s task – to make these words, these rights, these values – of Life, and Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – real for every American. Being true to our founding documents does not require us to agree on every contour of life; it does not mean we will all define liberty in exactly the same way, or follow the same precise path to happiness. Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time – but it does require us to act in our time.

For now decisions are upon us, and we cannot afford delay. We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate. We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect. We must act, knowing that today’s victories will be only partial, and that it will be up to those who stand here in four years, and forty years, and four hundred years hence to advance the timeless spirit once conferred to us in a spare Philadelphia hall.

My fellow Americans, the oath I have sworn before you today, like the one recited by others who serve in this Capitol, was an oath to God and country, not party or faction – and we must faithfully execute that pledge during the duration of our service. But the words I spoke today are not so different from the oath that is taken each time a soldier signs up for duty, or an immigrant realizes her dream. My oath is not so different from the pledge we all make to the flag that waves above and that fills our hearts with pride.

They are the words of citizens, and they represent our greatest hope.

You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country’s course.

You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time – not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals.

Let each of us now embrace, with solemn duty and awesome joy, what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history, and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom.

Thank you, God Bless you, and may He forever bless these United States of America.

 




Source:


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/obama-post-partisan-promise_n_2490700.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing6%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D259749

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/obama-inauguration-church_n_2519714.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing6%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D259749

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/21/joe-biden-oath-of-office_n_2520742.html

VP debate 2012

Tonight we had the Vice Presidential debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan.  

The debate was moderated by Martha Raddatz of ABC news.  At first, the debate seemed to be going smoothly until Biden was constantly smirking, laughing and being condescending towards Ryan.

Biden came across as an arrogant ageist who constantly interrupted Ryan when it was Ryan's turn to speak.  In fact, Biden interrupted Ryan over 80 times!   Raddatz seemed to have control of the debate but was also cutting off Ryan while Ryan spoke.  At times it seemed like Biden and Raddatz were teaming up against Ryan.  

Most of the debate focused on foreign policy.  Biden spoke with exasperation while Ryan was calm and collective.  Ryan cornered Biden on the White House's response to the attacks in Libya and a few other issues while Biden got Ryan on a letter Ryan sent him requesting stimulus funds.  Towards the end, both candidates were asked about their faith and abortion.  Both Ryan and Biden are Catholics and of course the issue of abortion was brought up by the moderator.

Ryan responded: 

I don’t see how a person can separate their public life from their private life or from their faith. Our faith informs us in everything we do. My faith informs me about how to take care of the vulnerable, about how to make sure that people have a chance in life.
Now, you want to ask basically why I’m pro-life? It’s not simply because of my Catholic faith. That’s a factor, of course, but it’s also because of reason and science. You know, I think about 10 1/2 years ago, my wife Janna and I went to Mercy Hospital in Janesville where I was born for our seven-week ultrasound for our firstborn child, and we saw that heartbeat. Our little baby was in the shape of a bean, and to this day, we have nicknamed our firstborn child, Liza, “Bean.” (Chuckles.)
Now, I believe that life begins at conception.
That’s why -- those are the reasons why I’m pro-life.
Now, I understand this is a difficult issue. And I respect people who don’t agree with me on this. But the policy of a Romney administration will be to oppose abortion with the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.
What troubles me more is how this administration has handled all of these issues. Look at what they’re doing through “Obamacare” with respect to assaulting the religious liberties of this country. They’re infringing upon our first freedom, the freedom of religion, by infringing on Catholic charities, Catholic churches, Catholic hospitals. Our church should not have to sue our federal government to maintain their religious -- religious liberties.
And with respect to abortion, the Democratic Party used to say they want it to be safe, legal and rare. Now they support it without restriction and with taxpayer funding, taxpayer funding in “Obamacare,” taxpayer funding with foreign aid. The vice president himself went to China and said that he sympathized or wouldn’t second- guess their one-child policy of forced abortions and sterilizations. That, to me, is pretty extreme.

Biden then followed stating:

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: My religion defines who I am. And I’ve been a practicing Catholic my whole life. And it has particularly informed my social doctrine. Catholic social doctrine talks about taking care of those who -- who can’t take care of themselves, people who need help.
With regard to -- with regard to abortion, I accept my church’s position on abortion as a -- what we call de fide (doctrine ?). Life begins at conception. That’s the church’s judgment. I accept it in my personal life.
But I refuse to impose it on equally devout Christians and Muslims and Jews and -- I just refuse to impose that on others, unlike my friend here, the congressman.
I -- I do not believe that -- that we have a right to tell other people that women, they -- they can’t control their body. It’s a decision between them and their doctor, in my view. And the Supreme Court -- I’m not going to interfere with that.
With regard to the assault on the Catholic Church, let me make it absolutely clear. No religious institution, Catholic or otherwise, including Catholic Social Services, Georgetown Hospital, Mercy -- any hospital -- none has to either refer contraception. None has to pay for contraception. None has to be a vehicle to get contraception in any insurance policy they provide. That is a fact. That is a fact.
Now, with regard to the way in which the -- we differ, my friend says that he -- well, I guess he accepts Governor Romney’s position now, because in the past he has argued that there was -- there’s rape and forcible rape. He’s argued that, in the case of rape or incest, it was still -- it would be a crime to engage in having an abortion. I just fundamentally disagree with my friend.

The exchanged continued for a bit:

REP. RYAN: All I’m saying is if you believe that life begins at conception, that therefore doesn’t change the definition of life. That’s a principle. The policy of a Romney administration is to oppose abortion with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. Now, I’ve got to take issue with the Catholic Church and religious liberty.

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: You have, on the issue of Catholic social doctrine, taken issue.
REP. RYAN: If they -- if they agree with you, then why would they keep -- why would they keep suing you? It’s a distinction without a difference.

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: (Chuckles.)

MS. RADDATZ: I want to go back to the abortion question here. If the Romney-Ryan ticket is elected, should those who believe that abortion should remain legal be worried?

REP. RYAN: We don’t think that unelected judges should make this decision; that people, through their elected representatives and reaching a consensus in society through the democratic process, should make this determination.

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: The court -- the next president will get one or two Supreme Court nominees. That’s how close Roe v. Wade is.
Just ask yourself: With Robert Bork being the chief adviser on the court for -- for Mr. Romney, who do you think he’s likely to appoint? Do you think he’s likely to appoint someone like Scalia or someone else on the court, far right, that would outlaw Planned -- excuse me -- outlaw abortion? I suspect that would happen.
I guarantee you that will not happen. We picked two people. We picked people who are open-minded. They’ve been good justices. So keep an eye on the Supreme Court --

REP. RYAN: Was there a litmus test on them?

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: There was no litmus test. We picked people who had an open mind, did not come with an agenda.

Both Biden and Ryan did a good job during the debate.  At first, most networks and polls proclaimed the debate a tie; however, polls are now showing that Ryan won the debate.   Perhaps this response is due to Ryan's composure and responses.  Biden's smirks and condescending attitude were very rude and demonstrated a very angry individual.  This perhaps turned off many voters.     

He kind of looked like the Grinch.  

I applaud Rep. Ryan for being professional, keeping his calm and responding directly to the issues despite the interruptions from both Biden and the moderator.  I also liked his response regarding faith, but do not like that he favors abortion in cases of incest, rape, etc.  Abortion must be outlawed completely.  Life must be respected and protected.  Focus should be given to protect women from incest and rape.  Research in medicine must better provide techniques to prevent problematic pregnancies that endanger both mother and child.

Biden's response on faith and abortion was horrible.  Nowhere does it say that faith and governing cannot mix.  Faith draws us up to God who is the author of morality.  Without morals, a leader cannot lead.  All presidents relied on God, Faith, Prayer, even the Bible to make decisions.  This is no way contradicts the Constitution.    

Moreover, Biden claims that he cannot "impose" his Catholic beliefs on abortion on the people; however, abortion is not religious doctrine.   Abortion deals with the killing of a human being.  This is a social-civil issue, not a religious one per se.  No society should tolerate murder.  This is why we have laws.   Laws against the killing of human beings at any stage of development are not based on religious doctrine.   Biden seems to not get this.  

His sophistry would make sense if a president or vice president wrote laws telling Americans to be baptized or pray to Mary.  However, ending abortion and protecting human life is not a religious doctrine.  The protection of ALL citizens is expected to be enforced by leaders.  

                       Defending human life is not an imposition of religious beliefs!

Biden laughs and smirks during debate

While Biden did way better than Obama in this debate, his behavior was totally unprofessional.  The United States of America is going through hard times.  This is not a laughing matter.  Biden obviously does not know the seriousness of being the vice president.  

Ryan was calm and collective, but needed to be a bit more forceful like Romney was in the debate against Obama.  He needed to be more assertive and not let Biden or even the moderation interrupt him and prevent him from speaking his mind when it was his turn to do so.  


Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/11/vice-presidential-debate_n_1960019.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/11/2012-polls_n_1957189.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/decision2012/2012-vice-presidential-debate-vice-president-biden-and-rep-paul-ryans-remarks-in-danville-ky-on-oct11-running-transcript/2012/10/11/a5167f1e-13cd-11e2-ba83-a7a396e6b2a7_story.html

 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/us/politics/full-transcript-of-the-vice-presidential-debate.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/11/biden-attacks-with-grin-but-how-will-it-play/

Democratic National Convention

This week the Democratic party has its national convention which presented the issues it would focus on and also presented their nomination for the presidential election year 2012.

Like with the Republican convention, the Democratic one was filled with lots of enthusiasm, attacks to the other side, and promises.

However, the convention took more of a progressive tone.  The convention was pretty much about Abortion.  Most speakers spoke of a "woman's right," "woman's choice, "woman's bodily autonomy" and so forth.  One of the most disturbing parts was when God and Jerusalem were booed by delegates.  

The First Lady, Michelle Obama spoke of her husband, their life as a couple and their struggles to pay for college tuition.  Other speakers such as John Kerry defended Obama's leadership while former president Bill Clinton attempted to exonorate Obama from the situation America is in now.

He claimed Obama inherited a big mess that no one - not even him - could fix in 4 years.  He mocked Republicans, spoke about his own success as president and claimed Romney and Republicans are wrong about the economy and how to fix it.
So-called "Gay marriage" was also spoken about as well as other social issues.

Dissident nun Simone Campbell of the "nuns on the bus" campaign called the GOP's economic plan, "immoral" and voiced support to "Obamacare."  Campbell is under the Vatican's radar for attempting to make religious life into a social service institution that disregards Church teaching.

Sandra Fluke, a 31 year old college student who had some time in the media due to her demands that tax payers pay for her birth control was given the prime time slot to speak in.  As expected, her speech was radical feminist rhetoric demanding "reproductive rights," contraception and equality.

Vice president Joe Biden spoke about Obama as his friend and strong leader.  He claimed Obama is courageous, makes tough decisions and knows the problems Americans are facing because he faced them himself.  He credited Obama for eliminating Osama Bin Laden and for saving the automobile industry.


Finally, Obama himself spoke and surprisingly quoted Scripture.  He spoke about times changing and that he needs more time to fix things.  The hope and change rhetoric of 2008 is now hope and faith.

Obama also spoke about his supposed accomplishments in office and presented Romney and the Republicans as the backward party looking to go back into the past.

Cardinal Dolan then said the final prayer.  CNN and MSNBC did not show this, only Fox.  Dolan's prayer was the counter argument to the convention's rhetoric.  In it, he prayed for the unborn and religious freedom. He mentioned "nature's God" and that America is "under God."

The convention was interesting to watch but a scary reminder that the Democratic party is becoming a party that advocates for immorality, death and perversion.  The booing of God is a strong message that nothing moral will come from this party if it continues down this path.  



Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/jennifer-granholm-speech-_n_1863124.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing6%7Cdl2%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D202199

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/john-kerry-speech-_n_1852684.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing6%7Cdl2%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D202199

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/09/06/dem-delegates-steam-over-move-to-restore-god-jerusalem-to-platform/?cmpid=prn_aol&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing6%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D202222

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/obama-democratic-convention-speech_n_1849102.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing6%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D202222

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-america-problems-solved-032217826--election.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/sister-simone-campbell-nun-from-the-bus-calls-gop-budget-immoral/2012/09/06/d815e19c-f867-11e1-a93b-7185e3f88849_story.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/cardinal-dolan-benediction-rnc-dnc_n_1861440.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular