If things get testy, Joe's going to say something along the lines of....

[27inCali]

"You know, I'm maybe a little old fashioned and feel a bit ungentlemanly calling out a lady, but, lady, you're wrong, get your facts straight."

I think he can very easily counterbalance whatever negative vibes he may find necessary between him and Palin by being particularly courteous and complimentative towards Gwen Ifill. Kinda kills any sexism bullshit from the git go.

I think he needs to point out the clear fact that he's got a better record on women's issues than she does. (there is something inherently weird about that which will catch people's attention).

He also needs to take advantage being more familiar with McCain's record and positions than she is, not directly point it out, but mention a few more esoteric McCain positions in ways that beg a response from her (i.e. drag her to the deep end of the pool).

If she accuses him of something, just let it go and don't start getting caught in explaining why this or that roll call vote in the Senate shouldn't technically count, just say "Senate inside baseball" and move to the point he wants to make.

[polichick]

1. I LOVE that line - it's just right! All good points.

[napi21]

2. That might work if he changes the second "lady" to Sarah.

It would fall flat if he said "...calling out a lady, but, LADY". A slight change to "...calling out a lady, but Sarah, you've got your facts wrong" would work just fine!

[27inCali]

7. you're right

the second 'lady' is too irreverent and demeaning.

I was thinking in purely phonetic terms at that point, -that the repetition would provide a kind of hook (it's the songwriter in me).

I'm sure he's been working on a few different lines with the same purpose in mind, i.e. to caveat into an attack without sounding too brusk or ungentlemanly.

[Gregorian]

3. That's pretty good. I can hear his voice.

I think you're right on. I'm just praying that Palin is crying a river when it's over. It's funny how I'm actually more concerned about this debate than the presidential.

Come on, Joe!

[texastoast]

4. I would be pissed

I would call her Governor Palin.

[CakeGrrl]

5. Agreed. I'd never refer to her by anything other than "Governor Palin". n/t

[MarkInCA]

6. I think gender should not be part of it

The absolute worse thing he could do is even hint that she's a lady and he's a man. There is so much else to go after her about, he wouldn't need to. Besides the repubs would jump on it and fly.

[27inCali]

8. that would be the best option

I am assuming that she will go out of her way to interject it one way or another (even if subtly) since it's pretty much the only defense she'll have to cover her obvious lack of knowledge.

[MarkInCA]

9. I wouldn't put it past her, good point n/t