Its Debatable...

Boxing and debates; we love the drama behind 'em, we love the sight of two long time foes being on stage (or in a ring) together. We love the idea of them face to face to solve their differences right then and there for the world to see.  We love to bare witness to the big hit or the tough question (so long as Olberman is not on moderating duty) that makes the fighter wobbly and the debater uncomfortable.

Both debates and fights become fodder for a lot of conversation  leading up to the event and its an even bigger opportunity for analysis directly following.

We are a competitively driven society.  I imagine its a big reason we love sports, various challenges and even game shows. We live vicariously through these athletes and contestants who are competing for pride, money, prize or glory.

We love to see somebody win and somebody lose.  We sit there watching very closely for that line or soundbite that's akin to a knockout punch. Depending on who is the recipient of said "punch", the audience either churns uncomfortably or is consumed with giddiness.

The only problem with the afore-mentioned scenarios?

In this day and age boxers are rarely fighters.  More often then not, they are technically sound, precise and safe boxers. As a result these matches rarely end in a decisive knockout punch and fans rarely get to see the fight the brawl or blood they crave.

Unfortunately the same can be said for debaters. I can't speak for the way debates were handled during the days of Alexander Hamilton, James Polk and John Tyler ( I imagine guns were involved), but debates these days are a lot more reserved, calculated and safe.  We all talk and fantasize about the one liners and soundbites of some of the most memorable debates we have had since they were televised, but when we look closely at it, how often do they really happen?

Just last night, a movie was brought to my attention, Roshomon.  A movie in which a number of people all witnessed the same murder and all have divergent opinions on exactly what they saw.

In the modern day of spin and counter spin both sides claim victory for every line, every question and every debate.  As for us? we glean from it what we choose. More often than not, if we liked a candidate before the debate we will like them after the debate and vice versa.

Now that I have convinced you that debates are essentially meaningless, forget everything I have just said. Thursdays debate between both vice presidential candidates is lined up to be a decisive one.  There will be a clear cut winner and loser.  If Sarah Palin can hold her own and keep the debate at a stalemate, she wins. If on the other hand she has a Katie Curric moment she loses.

So....when all is said and done, will she win?

well....I guess its debatable.