As part of our continuing coverage of this monumental election, we’re bringing you our fair and balanced report on tonight’s Vice Presidential debate between Daisy and Toadsworth. The only debate scheduled between the two, this was seen by many as an important step for both contenders. This was where the pair could discuss their own ideas as well as solidify the platforms of their respective parties. Daisy played up her executive experience - from her entry into politics as the mayor of Frappe Snowland to her big move to governing the frigid Snow Cap galaxy - as Toadsworth relayed his long history serving the Mushroom Kingdom as the chairman of the Squad To Ally Regions committee, which seeks to unite disparate levels of the kingdom into a single world.

The stage was set for the two would-be Veeps. The chance to bolster support for their partners and prove to the public who was best suited for the job was here.

The debate covered a variety of topics, from domestic issues like the proposed and subsequently stalled government bailout of financial institutions Birdo Mac and Rosalina Mae to foreign issues concerning the war in the Valley of Bowser. Both candidates reiterated their parties’ positions while attacking the opponent’s plans, surprising no one. However, a few interesting comments from the two veep hopefuls perked up the otherwise by-the-books debate.

While speaking on the subject of the kingdom’s recent energy crisis, which has seen prices at the Kart gas pumps spike, Daisy was clear about her ticket’s stance on off-shore Yoshi’s Island drilling, stating, “Yes, Mario does support this. The chant is ‘drill, baby, drill.’ And that’s what we hear all across this kingdom in our rallies because people are so hungry for those domestic sources of energy to be tapped into.”

Toadsworth was quick to criticize the plan, offering, “Mario is against funding alternative fire flower and hammer energy sources and thinks, I guess, the only answer is drill, drill, drill.” He continued, saying, “Drill we must, but it will take 10 years for one drop of Kart oil to come out of any of the wells that are going to begun to be drilled. In the meantime, we’re all going to be in real trouble and what will happen to all the baby Yoshis if their delicious berry fruits are soaked in oil?”

One place where the duo held some common ground was on the issue of foreign policy, specifically the kingdom’s battle against Bowser and the increasing tension with Ganondorf.

While in agreeance that both posed immense threats to security, Daisy said, “A Triforce-armed Ganondorf is so extremely dangerous to consider. He cannot be allowed to acquire the Triforce and usurp the King of Red Lions period,” she warned. “The Mushroom Kingdom is in jeopardy of course if we’re dealing with Ganondorf as the dictator of Hyrule.”

Eventually, the discussion drifted towards Mario’s perceived status as a “maverick” and how that would translate if elected president. Daisy was quick to support her running mate’s independence. “People aren’t looking for more of the same. They are looking for change. And Mario has been the consummate maverick over all these years. He doesn’t let brick walls get in his way; he smashes through them,” Daisy said.

“Look, the maverick — let’s talk about the maverick Mario is,” said Toadsworth, “and, again, I love the Pisan. He’s been a maverick on some issues, but he has been no maverick on the things that matter to people’s lives. His visit to the Beanbean Kingdom put us a half a trillion coins in debt this year and over three trillion coins in debt since he decided to build a Bullet Bill defense shield in space. He has not been a maverick in providing health care for people. He has voted against — he voted including another 3.6 million young toads in coverage of the existing health care plan. Who does he think he is - Doctor Mario?” Toadsworth concluded, “So maverick he is not on the important, critical issues that affect the everyday people who live on the great Donut Plains or the residents of Dire, Dire Docks who’ve felt the pinch in their coin purse.”

The debate ended with both candidates seemingly on equal footing. Pundits and spinsters claimed that Daisy, the underdog, did much better than expected, though the grizzled veteran Toadsworth ultimately won. How will this translate at the polls on November 4th? Your guess is as good as ours.

The 2nd Presidential debate is scheduled for next Tuesday, October 7th and will take on a town hall format. Look forward to our coverage, and remember, come Election Day, you have the power to Thwomp The Vote!