Palin as Game Show Host? Contestant? Ubetcha, wink-wink.

Politico has their post debate opinion making page up. Thought the following was illuminating for the double whammy nature of the business/financial unreality that we're living through--ya'know, that sense that some are seeing a completely different color sky than we are, doggone-it.

Jay Timmons is EVP of the National Association of Manufacturers. Fair enough. But read this, ostensibly from a business person -- yeah, the folks whom we're told are about serious approaches to problem solving cuz they're measured by plans, execution and results...

Jay Timmons, National Association of Manufacturers:

Most came into this debate believing that Gov. Palin would be respectable but not particularly effective. They also assumed Sen. Biden would use his considerable experience to show that he understood the challenges of America - and the potential solutions - better than his opponent. But neither met those expectations.

Gov. Palin connected with voters in a very direct manner. She "cut to the chase" and spoke in a way that real people in the real world understand. Her common-sense view of how to solve the problems we face as a nation will resonate.

She was also prepared, which most pundits did not expect, particularly after the Couric interviews. To the surprise of many, her answers on foreign policy were passionate and insightful.

Sen. Biden, while quite knowledgeable, was steeped in Washington-speak. And Americans aren't particularly enamored by that these days.

To be sure, he knew his facts. But so do most politicians who have been around a while. For instance, not too many voters will understand what a "MRAP" or "madrassa" is.

While Obama likely had a slight advantage last week in the presidential debate, Palin clearly struck a chord with everyday Americans and will likely be considered the "winner" by those who watched.

Once the media finishes their "analysis," however, the perception of who "won" may be different in the minds of those who did not watch than those who did.

Her common-sense view of how to solve the problems we face as a nation will resonate.... her answers on foreign policy were passionate and insightful.

I dunno, Jay. I get the "common sense" bit in the sense that she tossed out lots of just-folks homilies. But where were the solutions you mention? As Biden said, "I still haven't heard a plan." I guess "Loving Israel " could be considered passionate, but somehow freaking out Jordan, Syria et al with the "build our Embassy in Jerusalem" doesn't seem particulalry insightful or useful. It's actually a pretty inflamatory and problematic "answer."

All in all a weird set of non-answers to questions from Ifill that Palin chose to ignore. "Government is not the answer" went one sentence followed 5 sentences later by "We will provide the massive oversight [of the bailout] that Americans demand." And who, if not government, is behind that massive oversight, not to mention the bailout itself--The Boy Scouts of America?

Yeah, lots of weird rhetorical devices and a relentless example of GOPAC media training; Divert the question, assert your "shield issue", pivot onto your talking points, create contrast, question motive of your opponent with a smile, release with your shield issue. © Newt Gingrich

But let's get back to Jay Timmons. Does his critique seem a tad gushy, maybe giddily credulous for a hard-nosed business guy? Seems a bit. Wonder why...

From the bio page

Jay Timmons is the Executive Vice President of the National Association of Manufacturers. He oversees all policy development, communications, government relations and advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and around the country to advance the NAM agenda for jobs and economic growth in America.

During the 2004 election cycle, Timmons served as Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. In this capacity, Timmons was a member of the Senate Republican Leadership staff, advising Senators and their senior aides on policy and campaign issues.

Timmons was Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator George Allen from 2001 to 2002. There he managed the office and the legislative priorities of the Senator, who served as Chairman of the U.S. Senate High Tech Task Force and as a member of the Commerce, Small Business and Foreign Affairs Committees. From 1994 to 1998, Timmons served as then-Governor Allen’s Chief of Staff, the youngest person in Virginia history to hold the position.

Previously, Timmons had also served as Allen’s Chief of Staff in the U.S. House from 1991 to 1993 and held senior management posts in Allen’s campaigns. He has been a staffer for the White House Conference, the RNC, Rep. Alex McMillen (R-NC), and Governor-Elect Jim Martin (R-NC).

Ahh, Funny, but Jay didn't mention expanding the role and power of VP as being counter to the constitution. Maybe he just thought it was "common sense."