Billings, Cummings respond to VP debate

Following Thursday night’s debate between Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden and Republican candidate Sarah Palin, PolitickerME.com contacted a Republican and a Democrat in the state for their response.

Lawyer and Republican activist Dan Billings said the following about the debate in an e-mail:

“It was a great night for Governor Palin.  She more than held her own with a man who has spent his whole adult life in the United States Senate while demonstrating the personality and common touch that makes her different from the Washington insiders.”

Outgoing Maine House Speaker Glenn Cummings (D-Portland) said in a phone interview that he thought Palin was “way out of her league” and her remarks were scripted.

She used “clichés and spin for substantive policy,” Cummings said. “I’m actually confused if her vice presidency (bid) is a comedy or a tragedy.”

Cummings said she dodged certain questions, such as one on a health care tax and a deadline for withdrawing troops in Iraq.

“She said openly that they’re looking to help, and they’re not looking for more of the same,” Cummings said. “But she perpetuated the same Bush policies, the same ones Sen. (John) McCain supports.”