We've teamed up with our friends over at theSkimm to bring you some at-a-glance (and surprisingly funny) debate-prep primers, so you can be as informed as possible, watching the circus that is the 2012 election unfold. Read on and be sure to check out theSkimm's site, and sign up for its newsletters for a daily dose of news at an (entertaining) glance.
THE STORY: The one and only vice-presidential debate is tonight at 9 p.m. ET. VP Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan will square off to defend their respective work-husbands.
THE PRE-SHOW: The brief moment when the candidates are backstage praying or hyperventilating, letting the camera focus on the front row of the audience to show the wives. The last presidential debate started off with an awkward handshake/hug/lean display of affection between Michelle Obama and Ann Romney. Tonight, it’s Dr. Jill Biden and Janna Ryan’s turn to face off. We’re game to see how this plays out. Just don’t expect any helmet hair or outfits from the "pantsuits that travel well" collection.
Let’s handicap the greeting with some info about the women in front of the men at the podium:
Dr. Jill Biden — “Dr. B,” as her students call her, is a teacher at a community college. She is one of the few second ladies to keep her day job, which she loves almost as much as her work with military families that she does along with Michelle (as in Obama — they’re tight). Jill is a mom to three kids and grandmother to five but still makes the occasional off-color joke, including one of the nude shade when she gestured that the VP is well endowed at a campaign event, recently. Also, girlfriend has legs for days and picks brightly colored outfits that make the most of them. Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it...tastefully, of course.
Janna Ryan — Paul’s wife is no stranger to politics, even though this is her husband’s first run on the big ticket. She comes from a politically active (Democrat! Ahem, something caught in our throat) family and is from a small town in Oklahoma, so she knows folks. Janna moved to the big city, D.C., and became a lobbyist. She’s now a stay-at-home mom with three adorable kids. Oh, and although she wore a $169 Talbots dress to the Republican National Convention (and wore it well), she’s a millionaire. She is a year older than Mr. Ryan, which we enjoy. #babycougar
WHERE'S THIS GOING DOWN?: Danville, Kentucky at Centre College. Kentucky is REALLY excited.
WHERE CAN I WATCH?: All the major networks and cable news channels will have it. Don't worry, it's only an hour and a half, and you can still tweet and Tumblr your way through it.
IS THERE A THEME?: Officially, no. Unofficially, it's "save my candidate" night. Biden is tasked with making up for Obama's underwhelming performance last week. Ryan is charged with solidifying and building off Romney's newfound boost. One poll may lie, but three don't... Last week's debate changed the race dynamic. Although one debate does not a president make.
Photo: Courtesy of whitehouse.gov and paulryan.house.gov