"You're no Jack Kennedy"

[SeanOhio]

What was the effect of Bentsen's line in 1988? I was only four, so I don't remember anything from that particular debate. In C-SPAN re-broadcasts, Bentsen clearly knocked Quayle off-guard. But what effect did it have in the post-debate spin?

[eleny]

1. It was a sensation but not enough to win the election

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Zippo.

Because VP debates don't matter. Still, it can't hurt that Edwards will kick some major ass tonight.

[charlie]

3. It had a lot of people wondering

Why isn't this guy at the top of the ticket, instead of flaccid, ineffectual Dukakis?

[Buck Rabbit]

4. It proved a smashing victory in the VP debate means squat.

Well, maybe not squat. It did stop the annoying twerp from ever again comparing himself to JFK, so that was useful.

[Ravenseye]

5. I want a Haig in 88 T shirt...

..how funny would that be!?!

[genius]

6. It was the most memorable line in any of the debates.

[cally]

7. I think this debate may mean more than

usual for VP debates. If Edwards dominates it will keep the momemtum going. Still, that line by Bentsen had little effect. It got played much but had little impact on the outcome. What I recently found out is that Bentsen was not a friend of Kennedy's. The line was used for political impact. And yes, Dems are actually politically savvy enough to spin news cycles.

[SeanOhio]

8. Wow

Interesting analysis. I always thought it was a high-drama moment.