A Functional Analysis of the 2008 Vice Presidential Debate: Biden versus Palin

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Abstract

Selection of Governor Palin as Senator McCain's running mate generated tremendous interest: For the first time more voters watched the vice presidential debate than the presidential clashes. This paper reports a functional analysis of the 2008 vice presidential debates. Acclaims were more common than attacks and defenses were least common. Policy was discussed more frequently in this debate than character. The incumbent party candidate acclaimed more, and attacked less, than the challenger party candidate.

Authors

• William Benoit, Ohio University

• Jayne Henson, University of Missouri, Columbia