I thought it was way out of line for Edwards to mention Cheney's private family life like he did. I think it was meant to in part throw the man off and weaken his resolve.
- - Didn't work.
It was a slap at conservatism because the concensus is Republicans are against gay marriage. It was like see how hypocritical Republicans are. But it backfired, cause it generated sympathy for Cheney and made Edwards look small and mean. Publically talking about a family's private business; big nono.