Joe Biden Commands the Facts over Paul Ryan in Debate: VIDEO

What are everyone's thoughts on the debate?

Who won? Joe Biden? Paul Ryan? Martha Raddatz?

A bunch of clips, via TPM, AFTER THE JUMP...

IMHO Martha Raddatz did an amazing job driving this debate. Biden took control when he needed to. The pundits are trying to sell it as a "draw" but you can't argue with the facts, and Biden didn't allow Ryan a moment to maintain the Romney campaign's falsehoods. Biden's smiles and laughing may have bothered some but they also made him come across more human and authentic, while Ryan's demeanor was stuck in a board room.

On the 47%, taxes, and the stimulus.

Biden calls "malarkey" on defense cuts. Ryan claims Biden is "under duress" talking about Medicare.

Biden calls out Ryan "Jack Kennedy" comment on taxes, joust on Libya.

On Social Security privatization.

Towleroad Talking Points: National Coming Out Day

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Paul Ryan pumps for his debate tonight!

BY SAM GREISMAN

A look back at today's top stories

ELECTION 2012

Paul Ryan and Joe Biden square off tonight in the one and only Vice-Presidential debate of the election season. In anticipation the Obama camp has released a video documenting the various ways in which Ryan has bent the truth. Rachel Maddow stopped by Ellen yesterday to talk about the election and marriage equality, as well as Jersey Shore and Prince Harry. 

As we approach November it's time to start counting electoral votes. But what happens if each side ends up with 269? It could happen. 

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WINGNUTTERY

The NFL has been a hotbed of pro-gay and anti-gay activity lately. Well now we can add Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes to the list of players who have made public statements regarding homosexuality after this insensitive tweet. Speaking of idiotic statements, a "pro-family" extremist recently stated that Astronaut Sally Ride likely lived a shorter life because she was gay. For lack of a better response; whatever!

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ENTERTAINMENT

If you feel like you haven't seen enough of Matt Bomer's baby blue eyes on your TV lately, don't fret! He is coming to "The New Normal" soon. Also take a listen to a bit of Kylie Minoque's new orchestral album. 

Check The Onion's spot on lampoon of the TED Talks!

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TRUTH, HEALTH, and WEALTH

In case anyone forgot, today is National Coming Out Day. So don't be afraid to speak the truth and be brave! Speaking of public service announcements if you are HIV positive, New York has an important message for you about meningitis. 

On a happier note Ryan Andresen, the Boy Scout denied a badge because he is gay, appeared on Ellen today and she gave him a big fat check!

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VIDEO OF THE DAY

Maybe if I looked like this with my shirt off I could solve a Rubik's Cube really fast too. 

Jim Lehrer Takes Control: VIDEO

Jim Lehrer grows a pair. A big pair.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

(via the daily what)

Seeking Empathy, Straight Christian Posed as Gay for a Year: VIDEO

Timothy Kurek grew up a devout Christian, projecting the beliefs he was taught, that homosexuality was a sin, onto others. Until one day a friend confessed to him that her family had disowned her for being gay.

Kurek has written a book about how he "found Jesus" by getting to know what it was like to walk in a gay man's shoes, he tells ABC News:

"I feel God really kicked me in the gut," he said. "She was crying in my arms and instead of being there for her, I was thinking about all the arguments to convert her."

Kurek's reaction ate away at him, and he wondered what it felt like to be gay and so alone. So even though Kurek identifies as straight, he embarked on what one religious writer called "spiritual espionage." He would live like a gay man for a year.

"It finally clicked," he said. "I needed to empathize and understand."

Now 26 and no longer homophobic, Kurek writes about his journey -- one that included hanging out in gay bars and facing the disappointment of his family and rejection of his friends -- in his memoir, "The Cross in the Closet."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

There's more of his story at the ABC News site.

Watch More News Videos at ABC | 2012 Presidential Election | Entertainment & Celebrity News

'Girls' Creator Lena Dunham Endorses Obama, Marriage Equality

Lena Dunham, creator and star of the HBO series Girls, tweeted her support for Obama and marriage equality last night via an Instagram photo, saying "I'm voting because I want to party at my sister's future wedding #ForAll".

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1228

DAVID HOCKNEY: His coming out story.

HAMSTER WHEEL: Man hopes to cross the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland.

THE REAL BEARS: What if they really drank all that soda?

FACEPLANTS: The ultimate compilation.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.