Paul Ryan Beats Blustering Buffoon Joe Biden in Vice Presidential Debate

I knew right away that Vice President Biden was going bully his way through the debate, looking to shut down Paul Ryan as a punk upstart without the credibility to challenge an alpha vice president. He scored only on the bullying part.

Like the first presidential debate, I wasn't so sure my instinct would be fully shared by the chattering classes of the Democrat-Media-Complex. But the results are coming in: Ryan won the debate. He remained cool and collected, knowledgeable on the issues, and got a couple of zingers in edgewise when Biden wasn't shouting down the entire production, including moderator Martha Raddatz.

AoSHQ has the big headline: "Ryan Wins CNN's Poll of Undecided Likely Voters, 48-44%Also Wins on Likability, Ryan 53% Biden 43% AP Poll: Ryan 51%, Biden 43%." And at CNN, "CNN Poll on debate winner: Ryan 48%, Biden 44%" (via Memeorandum).

And here's Mark Tapscott at Instapundit, "VEEP DEBATE THOUGHTS":

Vice-President Joey Giggles did himself no favors with constant laughing at Ryan, and may have done his boss some damage with his condescending finger-pointing and shouting at moderator. And Rep. Paul Ryan displayed an admirable level of composure, equanimity and grace under pressure.

Also from Michael Barone, "Thoughts on the vice presidential debate":

Joe Biden appealed to Democratic partisans, firing them up by attacking and, even more often, smirking at Paul Ryan’s arguments. But smirks only work when your audience starts off agreeing with you. That would be the case with strong Democratic partisans, but it’s not at all that clear that it appeals to Independents, or to those who are undecided or moveable. He was trying to dismiss Ryan’s arguments as ridiculous, in line with Democratic talking points that no rational person could possibly agree with him, but I think that only works with people who are already convinced. He may have increased Democratic voters’ enthusiasm—down in the dumps after Barack Obama’s performance eight days ago—but he didn’t do much in the way of converting those who are not already converted.

More at that link.

And Robert Stacy McCain reports, "PAUL RYAN SCORES CRUSHING VICTORY OVER BIDEN IN DEBATE."

Now over at Twitchy, "Why so serious? Biden’s debate grimace creeps out, angers viewers," and "Who’s sighing now? Joe Biden 2012 = Al Gore 2000?"

Also, "Chris Wallace on Joe Biden: I have never seen such a disrespectful debater," and "Biden lies: ‘We weren’t told they wanted more security’ in Benghazi."

Between the bullying and smirks, topped off with Ryan's cool demeanor, the post-debate spin is only going to get worse for Team Obama.

Bottom Line: Paul Ryan more than exceeded expectations. It's a big win for the GOP ticket and will keep the Romney momentum alive. More than ever, folks will say the race is Romney's to lose.

(Expect updates...)

Ed Driscoll links at Instapundit. Thanks!