Thursday night's Vice Presidential debate is likely going to be remembered more for VP Biden's disrespectful behavior than it will for the issues discussed by the two candidates.
By most accounts Republican VP nominee Congressman Paul Ryan came across energetic, but polite. Not the same is being said about VP Joe Biden.
The vice president was seen grinning and laughing during Ryan's answers, at times dismissing Ryan's points as "impossible" and "malarkey."
After the debate Republicans were quick to pounce on Biden's poise.
"You almost can't blame Joe Biden for being so unhinged. It must be frustrating to debate when you have a record that is so hard to defend and not a single tangible plan for the second term besides tax hikes," a statement from the Republican National Committee said in drawing attention to notable tweets about Biden's mirth.
A point the RNC drove home by releasing an Internet video showcasing Biden's facial expressions and laughter.
Former Bush spokesman Ari Fleischer took to Twitter to offer his take on VP's performance. Fleischer tweeted, "The contrast between cool Ryan and overbearing Biden really hurts Biden. Biden is too hot - not effective."
Even usually reserved Fox News' Chris Wallace was taken back by Biden's behavior.
Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, added: "SNL will have to devote entire show just to Biden's facial expressions." But Democrats quickly shot down the criticism, casting it as evidence of Republican desperation.
"Twenty-nine days out and they have been peddling this crap, and they don't even have the guts to put their tax plan out. They deserve to be laughed at," Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said.
Obama campaign manager Jim Messina defended Biden, saying he's simply a "happy warrior" for the middle class.
It remains to be seen whether that aspect of Biden's performance will help him, hurt him or be of no concern to voters.
But Jenny Beth Martin of the Tea Party Patriots argued it was worse than just an off-hand smile.
"Our vice president has shown he is an abusive political bully who belittles, mocks, ridicules and laughs at his opponent, the moderator, the viewers and anyone who questions this administration's lack of leadership." Martin said.
Even Democratic strategist Joe Trippi, a Fox News contributor, said he thought Biden may have hurt himself."
"I don't know about the likeability of that smirking ... I found it condescending and overdone," Trippi said.
Thursday night's Vice Presidential debate is likely going to be remembered more for VP Biden's disrespectful behavior than it will for the issues discussed by the two candidates.
