Biden's smirks, Ryan's thirst: Web weighs in on VP debate Vice President Joe Biden played the role of attack dog in the vice presidential debate to try to calm down Democratic supporters who were upset over President Obama's performance last week. Meanwhile, Paul Ryan embraced the old "do no harm" strategy. You didn't need a television to get a readout on the performance of the vice presidential candidates Thursday night, so long as there was Internet access. Social media reaction during the one-and-only debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan captured each person's body tics and zingers. The Twitter handle @LaughinJoeBiden emerged within minutes of the debate and noted every time the vice president guffawed or smirked at a comment by his Republican opponent. "Laughin Joe" attracted more than 8,000 followers by the end of the night. Another handle, @BidenSmirk, also quickly appeared online after the debate began. John Gress / Reuters Joe Biden laughing and smirking quickly generated Web comment. Social media also featured an exchange of photos and animated GIFs of Biden laughing, smirking, and throwing up his hands. Biden's two mentions of the Irish description "malarkey" began a Twitter hashtag that immediately began to trend nationally. "I actually happen to have "malarkey" in the drinking game! Oh geez..." tweeted political blogger and Wonkette founder Ana Marie Cox. Jeff Haynes / Reuters "Malarkey" began a Twitter hashtag after the vice president invoked the term. And while the vice president definitely generated the most lively online response, he wasn't necessarily the definitive victor of the debate, according to online pundits. Who was? The person refilling Ryan's water glass. Online observers noted how often the Republican drank from his frosted tumbler. Pool / Getty Images Paul Ryan's frequent sips of water drew wide Web comment. The parody handle @PaulRyanGosling tweeted: "Hey girl, I'm not taking nervous sips of water, I'm drinking every time Biden laughs at me." David Goldman / AP The phrases "no apology" and "Egyptian people" were clearly visible among Biden's notes. Another photograph that circulated during the evening was a photograph of Biden holding the hand written notes he had taken. A close-up of his scribbles detailed a list that included "no apology," and "Egyptian people." It wasn't clear if Biden meant to broadcast his notes. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow discusses the Democratic reaction to Joe Biden's performance and the sharp jabs he delivered to Paul Ryan, saying that the vice president used laughter to cast doubt on the validity of the GOP candidate's remarks. More: Real-time buzz: The Biden-Ryan showdown Biden plays aggressor in debate as Ryan argues GOP case Video: Watch the entire debate