Vice President Joe Biden, often laughing, and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, R-Wis., sparred for 90 lively minutes on Thursday in Kentucky, on the war on terror, Social Security, abortion, and a wide range of serious topics confronting the nation.

Before the bruises started to show, both sides appeared to claim victory.

How did Floridians see the contest?

Gov. Rick Scott

"Another debate, another clear reason for Floridians to vote for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan. Tonight Paul Ryan offered a clear and distinct choice between the pro-jobs plan of Mitt Romney, or more of the same failed policies that have choked America's economy for the past four years."

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston

“From tax plans to foreign policy, Paul Ryan can't offer a single specific about his and Romney's plans.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi

Paul Ryan “is doing a great job discussing the Romney-Ryan pro-growth plan calmly and confidently.”

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry

"Paul Ryan showed America tonight that the condition of our economy is no laughing matter, and that he'll approach the job seriously. On everything from foreign policy to the economy, Paul Ryan proved he is worthy of being vice president of the United States."

Mark Hollis, Florida House Democrats press secretary

“After tonight, who could possibly be both an undecided and likely voter?”

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland

“Someone should have told the VP there is nothing funny about an Iranian nuke.”

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach

“A democratic friend just texted me that she thought Biden was doing well ... guess she's comparing him to the president -- not Paul Ryan”

Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island,

“Joe Biden = Al Gore debate of 2000. How can he smile and smirk thru these serious issues? Downright bizarre”

Florida Sen. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami

“Clearly the one thing Biden and his team didn't do ANY prep for was a split screen.”

Florida Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland

“Agree! “@MotherJones: Our perspective: There were two winners tonight. Martha Raddatz ... and the American viewer! Great.”

John Stemberger, President of Florida Family Policy Council,

“Calling Paul Ryan "my friend" is phony collegiality. Friends don't disrespect by habitually interrupting and patronizing.”

Joy Reid, the Reid Report

“Ryan needs to try and wade out of the weeds and debate the guy next to him. He looks like a kid debating his dad.”

Roger Stone, Miami Beach-based GOP consultant

“Biden may have gotten his choppers from George Washington.”

Nicole Sandler, Coral Springs radio host

“The wingnuts are all complaining about Biden's rudeness. Because they are such polite, well-mannered people.”

Crowley Report

“Slight edge to Biden ... Ryan can look smug and I think that hurts him more than Biden's constant laughing”

Marc Caputo, The Miami Herald

“CNN viewer calls Biden a "buffoon." Other kind've agrees, but knocks Ryan for not answering questions.”

"The malarky files: Who will say "tomfoolery" and "shenanigans" at the next debate?"



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.