Does anyone think that the debate between Cheney and Edwards Tuesday...

[terrya]

is as important as the debates between Bush and Kerry? Since, let's face it, Cheney is really running things at Bushco?

[mhr]

1. Actually It Is More Important

There has been a virtual coverage blackout of Edwards by the national media.

Why, because he is young, energetic and smart. The complete antithesis of Cheney.

The debate Tuesday evening will display this distinction very clearly to the voters.

[sendero]

2. It's hard to say...

... I doubt it will get anywhere near the viewership of the first debate.

One thing I am confident of - Edwards will be all over Cheney like a cheap suit. Cheney simply cannot possibly have the debate chops that a seasoned trial lawyer has.

[Frances]

3. I think the biggie is next Thursday

But the Tuesday night debate is very important.

If we can have a split screen with Edwards and Cheney the way we did with Kerry and Edwards, the Dems will get another boost. After all, Cheney's ugly soul shows on his face.

As time has passed, I think the thing that is sinking Bush is his face. We are all accustomed to being told what a nice guy and what a strong leader he is. The debates showed the face of a whiny, spoiled brat kid.

[terrya]

5. A split screen would do wonders.

There is no possible way anyone can make Dick Cheney appear "warm" or "likable". This man is a ruthless, power hungry tool of the oil and energy interests. A black corporate soul through and through.

And John Edwards is such a positive, sunny person. A split screen would be perfect to show the comparisons between the two.

I think it would be great for Edwards to bring up points from the "Two Americas" speech he used to great advantage during the primaries.

[AlCzervik]

4. Cheney will ignore Edwards imo

and try and stick it to Kerry. I think Edwards will be all over Cheney and Bush. I am really looking foward to their debate. Cheney's going to look like pure evil compared to Edwards.

[MADem]

6. I spent many hours with Cheney

...over the course of nearly a week back when he was SECDEF. Unlike the weecowboy, Cheney can be very personable--dare I say lighthearted and funny--in an intimate setting. That is why the chat around the table format benefits him. Now, if he had his WIFE with him, that would be interesting (I have never heard such carping and sniping between long married people in my life--she dished it out, he took it, and snarled under his breath--I kid you not--we are talking "interfering with my comfort level" bitching back and forth).

Here's what I think--you are not going to see that DR DOOM Cheney that you see on the TV soundbites. You are going to see Grampa Cheney, the guy who thinks gay marriage is a states' rights issue, who is avuncular, who can smile with both sides of his face. It's the same guy who showed up to debate Lieberman in 00...that is who you will see. The snarling fuckwad version is too scary, unless you are talking to the brainwashed masses.

Edwards will look young and fresh next to him. He can overcome the "youth and inexperience" charge by reminding everyone how old he actually is, reiterating his background, and WOW-ing everyone with his command of the facts, as well as his vision. Neither one of the BC04 cretins have any VISION, other than a vision of a world where Americans are now hated, where we line up like sheep to be searched, poked and prodded because we are all guilty or suspect, and we dare not leave their shores for fear of being killed or kidnapped.

[Frances]

7. Good post

I think I (and Lieberman) were surprised at how "nice" Cheney was in the last debate.

I think Edwards will not find this debate easy if they sit at a table the way Lieberman and Cheney did.

I think Cheney will be prepared to defend Halliburton. Edwards will have to work hard to make the case that Cheney is looking after Cheney and not Americans.