The Vice-Presidential debate was, in terms of pure politics, far more fulfilling and substanative than the Presidential debate last week. Spirited at moments, including Edward's attempt to bring the Vice President's gay daughter to bear on the Federal Marriage issue, both candidates remained composed and solidly on message.
The Vice President displayed expertise on the Administration's policies, his opponents record in the Senate, and his formidable experience through three decades of American politics. His monotone, albeit refined, manner was a refreshing contrast to the President's performance last week. Losing to the Senator on any aesthetic scale, the elder candidate came across as mature, eloquent, and stable.
Sitting across from the graying Cheney, Senator Edwards appeared slightly boyish. Where Cheney took the upper hand in this debate was his reaction to Edwards' attacks--especially on Iraq. Showing little emotion, he calmly waited for his turn and then responded to the charge of taking America into the wrong war with informed confidence. Envisioning Iraq in the context of the greater war on terrorism, e.g. rogue states are likely avenues for terrorists to obtain WMDs, he illustrated what Republicans had hoped to hear last week.
Edwards' mention of Cheney's gay daughter undoubtedly struck a chord with the Vice President because of statements Cheney had made in the past that suggest he may support gay marriage. Cheney answered by explaining that the President makes policy and that he supports his President. When Edwards attempted to back him into a corner, he simply thanked the Senator for the kind words about his family.
I hope to write more tomorrow.
The New York Times > Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
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