The Hiller Instinct: VP Debate Preview

The vice-presidential candidates are just like the Red Sox--they're not in the World Series, but this debate is the playoffs...so the stage is big enough for reputations to be re-written, ruined and rescued:

Tip one for Biden: Do not insert foot in mouth. Biden has eaten his shoe before, for example, with this not-very-helpful-to-Barack Obama praise for Hillary Clinton: "She's easily qualified to be Vice President of the United States of America. And quite frankly maybe she would have been a better pick than me," Biden said.

Tip number two is connected: be gracious, no matter what you're thinking.

Don't lecture and don't condescend...which you are capable of:..."This is gong to be a very very skillful debater, and I'm going to have to do an awful lot of hard work to figure out how to handle it." Biden said.

Tip three is remember the first two: be smart and don't outsmart yourself.

Now, Governor Palin. If you're not a little nervous, you're not human. Tonight you'll need style and substance to succeed and you must do better job of proving you're qualified:  "You know, I'm the new energy, the new face, the new ideas and he's got the experience based on many many years in the senate and voters are going to have a choice there of what it is that they want in these next four years," Palin said.

Tip number two: some bait for Biden.

You can win this debate if Biden loses it...and you may--repeat--may...be able to provoke him. Just a thought. Tip three is target Obama. That's where you can help your running mate most, who's pulling for you. McCain: "I think the criticism and the attacks have been unprecedented. She'll be just fine, she'll do fine tonight."

Expectations may be lower for Sarah Palin, but she's going to have do more than just show up...and I'd say a lot more. Because Plain's credibility, and the Republican ticket's credibility, are on the line tonight. While Joe Biden has a lot less to lose.

I'm Andy Hiller and that's my instinct.

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