What’s the format for this debate? Standing at podiums? Town hall? Sitting at a table?
I’m having trouble imagining a situation in which Biden could come across as bullying. Biden can be gregarious, but he’s not hostile. He’s not a Gingrich-type politician. So unless, for whatever reason, he’s shouting at Ryan whilst his younger opponent is suppressing tears, nobody is going to accuse Biden of being too aggressive. I’ll go even further and say that if Ryan comes across as a shrinking violet, the audience won’t be extending him any pity. They’ll be wondering why he isn’t able to adequately defend his positions.
However, I agree with you that Ryan could come across as an all-American* boy*, which is exactly the kind of thing that will reflect poorly on him in a debate against an elder statesman.
American Gladiators pugil-stick combat, hopefully.
Pugil-stick? Did you google that, or make it up?
Neither. There was a UK “reboot” of AG in the early nineties (just called Gladiators) and that’s what they were called. I assumed the name was used in AG too. We can call them giant cotton buds of war if you like.
Paddy-fight-sticks is my preferred nomenclature. And I got Biden for $40.
People were speculating that Biden would come out looking like a bully against little ol’ Palin too. He didn’t. I really doubt he’ll look like a bully against Ryan.
Biden will get off a real zinger.
“Young man, I knew Jack Kennedy. And…wait, no I didn’t.” 
Let me help you out there.
“Let’s get ready to RRRRRUUUUUUMMBLE…”
Watching ABC. Martha Raddatz is the moderator.
Basically, they just said it’s a tight race, critical debate. Let’s go!
First question (Libya), totally dodged by Biden.
Ryan’s not doing an better on the answering the question.
5 minutes in and I already want to punch Ryan in the face.
Ah, Biden just did.
True.
“We’d do what Obama did, but we’d do it sooner and more…better.”
Biden: “Malarky”. Heh.
Indeed.
Damn, Joe!
I’m hearing echos of FDR. “We will do it better…” said in a really snarky voice.
Ryan says we can’t afford to cut defense funding.
Why he voted for it is anyone’s guess.