When we kicked Hezbollah out

Michael J Totten wants to know when we kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon.

In Thursday night’s vice presidential debate between Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin, Biden said the strangest and most ill-informed thing I have ever heard about Lebanon in my life. “When we kicked — along with France, we kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon, I said and Barack said, “Move NATO forces in there. Fill the vacuum, because if you don’t know — if you don’t, Hezbollah will control it.” Now what’s happened? Hezbollah is a legitimate part of the government in the country immediately to the north of Israel.” [Emphasis added.]

What on Earth is he talking about? The United States and France may have kicked Hezbollah out of Lebanon in an alternate universe, but nothing even remotely like that ever happened in this one.

Is it the ego-factor that caused both Obama and McCain to pick such idiots to balance their tickets? I mean, wasn't there anyone more qualified than the gaffe-machine and the hockey mom? Country first anybody? Hope, change...anybody? Anybody???

Debate reactions

I thought Palin did well, much better than expected. She was on her game, coherent--still without any real substance, but at least presenting her case well.

Biden seemed tired, fumbled more--probably a bit taken aback by Palin's strength.

Still....I doubt it will be enough to cinch up the campaign for the Republicans. It may re-rally the base, but I doubt it will do anything else...

The Upcoming Debate

My psychic prediction: Biden will come off as condescending, mean-spirited, and generally knowledgeable. Obama fans will love him.

Palin will come across as out-of-her-league, unqualified, and spirited. McCain fans will love her.

Independents, though, that remains to be seen. I think indies went for Obama in this last one. Judging by Palin's meteoric collapse, Biden will likely be the favorite this time around, too.