Kristy's Blog

The old raising then lowering technique?

CNN Prediction

As Joe Biden settles into debate prep mode this week ahead of Thursday night’s Vice-Presidential debate in St. Louis, campaign aides are actively playing up Sarah Palin’s debating skills. Biden’s spokesman called Palin “a leviathan of forensics,” a classic example of the campaign tactic of raising the expectations of their opponent and lowering their own.

“She’s very skilled and she’ll be well-prepared,” said Barack Obama’s chief strategist David Axelrod Sunday night, flying with Biden back to Delaware to help him get ready.

“As you saw at the convention she can be very good. So, I think it would be foolish to assume that this isn’t going to be a really challenging debate. We’re preparing for that, on that assumption.”

Personally, I think they’re sharpening the knives. The Saturday Night Live writing crew is probably salivating. I intend to pop popcorn to watch the debate.