jbulger@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - The Public Broadcasting Service's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer recently sought the opinion of a local debate expert regarding the performances of vice-presidential hopefuls Sarah Palin and Joseph Biden.

Michael Schultz said Palin's political inexperience was evident, juxtaposed against Biden's command of facts. But Schultz will not cast a vote for either candidate on Nov. 4.

He won't be 18 until December.

PBS contacted Century High School's debate coach to see if Schultz, a senior on the team, would offer a critique. Schultz said the offer was likely premised on his showing in the 2008 National Forensic League National Speech Tournament Public Forum Debate. Schultz and his partner, Tom Delahante, placed fifth in the duo interpretation competition this June.

"I'm pretty sure that they picked me because they wanted to get a different demographic," he said.

Schultz and his coach and several team members watched Thursday's debate, analyzing the performances and taking notes. They filmed a video clip immediately following the debate that was sent to PBS. Schultz then went home and wrote his critique and e-mailed it to his coach, who forwarded it to on to PBS. The analysis was posted on the NewsHour's site by noon Friday, along with a photograph of Schultz and a short biography.

"Palin's speeches were relatively unremarkable but effective, filled with simple colloquialisms and generic expressions," Schultz wrote in his critique. "This approach made the governor seem informal. Biden rested at the other end of the spectrum, with a very formal approach and speeches filled with facts rather than banter."

Schultz's final determination? A solid victory for Biden, based upon the strictures

of formal debate. But he recognized that Palin likely scored points with many voters.

"People that are looking for an intelligent person that is ready to lead would definitely be convinced by Biden because he … portrayed those qualities in the debate," he said. "Somebody who is just looking for somebody who is more down-to-earth with the American average Joe Citizen would maybe be more swayed by Palin."

Schultz's high-visibility opinion grabbed the attention of his high school's administration.

"They actually announced it over the intercom today, so that was pretty cool," he said. "It's still shocking to go on to the Web site and see my face there and know my opinion is being read by thousands of people."

To read the complete text of Schultz's commentary, go to www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/speakout/us/july-dec08/vpdebate1_1003.html.