A new ABC News/Washington Post poll suggests that it just takes longer for some Americans to figure things out than others. And, heading into the only vice presidential debate, Sarah Palin is getting figured out. Now we know why the McCain campaign has kept her in purdah.
In advance of her debate against Joe Biden on Thursday, Palin now looks more like a drag than a boost to the GOP ticket: Thirty-two percent of registered voters say her selection makes them less likely to support John McCain for president, up from 19 percent last month…
Just 35 percent say Palin has the experience it takes to serve effectively as president, down a dozen points since early September; 60 percent think not, up 15. And just 46 percent think Palin “understands complex issues,” while 49 percent think she doesn’t — a poor assessment on this most basic qualification.
Biden, on the other hand, is doing great.
Biden’s ratings starkly contrast Palin’s: Seventy-five percent say he understands complex issues, 70 percent say he has suitable experience to take over as president if necessary and just 13 percent say his selection makes them less apt to support Barack Obama.
Even though Palin said, “It’s time that a normal Joe six-pack American is finally represented in the position of vice presidency,” (which begs the question of how a witchcraft-believing fundamentalist can be a six-pack drinker) people seem to think Joe Biden is that guy.
Palin does have one better rating, for her common touch: Fifty-eight percent of registered voters think she understands the problems of people like them. But as many, 57 percent, say the same of Biden.
