Cheney creamed Edwards: Hugh Hewitt says Kerry's team upset his Senate record was exposed

Hey Kerry - were ya watching the debate? Were ya proud of the lil' fella? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Is that the gesture BC made when he said he did not have sexual relations with that woman, ms. Lewinsky?

No. That was an accusatory finger-point.

What we're talking about is the pointing thumb in closed fist gesture that makes the person look like they're trying to fly a remote control airplane or something.

Anyone not giving this one to Cheney is on crack. Cheney won this beyond any doubt. All this rhetoric about a "tie" is just Dem spin to do damage control.

I must say, I feel a bit of embarassment about something. I use to be in the camp that thought Bush should have found another VP.

No way. I was wrong. Cheney earned the spot 100% with his awesome performance tonight.

"One of the most powerful things Cheney did was not speaking or responding when it wasn't necessary. An amazing trait in a politician. He was simply awesome.

Gwen was also a very fair and firm moderator. She did a great job."

Cheney was absolutely masterful tonight. He did not try to fill up his time with words. He said what was needed and passed on the rest of his time.

On the gay marriage question he thanked Edwards for his comment on Cheney's family and passed on any further discussion. IMHO Edwards was rude and invasive on his comments on Cheney's family. He assumed a familiarity that he did not have. Cheney was gracious to a rude man. His subtle displeasure was seen in his not following up on the topic.

Agreed on Gwen. I was pleasantly surprised by how even her questions were. She was a lot better than Lehrer. I think that the negative feed back from the Internet on Lehrer's bias may have sharpened her up a bit.

Mr Sol

"One Cheney zinger Hewitt doesn't mention: After recounting all the votes Edwards has missed, "I preside over the Senate every Tuesday, and tonight is the first time I've met you". Ouch!!!"

WAA-HOO! I shouted when Cheney let that line go. Cheney can be so dry and understated sometimes but he is in perfect control of his delivery. When he wants to he can come right up and smack one between the eyes with a blow that stuns his opponent. That was a withering comment and Edwards did look stunned.

I am plenty proud of our VP. He had Edwards pinned to the mat without breaking a sweat.

Mr Sol

From www.hughhewitt.com:

Vice Presidential Debate Scorecard

Round No.

Question

Cheney

Edwards

Ifill

Camera Shot

1
To Cheney: bremer speech?Rumsfeld speech?
Thanks Case Western. It is important to look at all developments in Iraq in context of global war on terror. Go after terrorrists and satte sponsors. And create democracies afterwards so thatthese states would not again become a state harbor. Saddam had been a state sponsor, Abu Nidal/suicide bombers $, relationships with Al Qaeda --Tenet's testimony. The effort that we have mounted focused on possibility that this was the most likely nexus between terrorists and WMD. What we did in Iraq was exactly the right thing to do. The world is far safer today.
Response: I am confident we will get the jon done
B

Tanks CWU. "You are still not being straight with the American people. You continue to tell the American people that things are going well in Iraq. Talks aboiut rising losses in Iraq. Our men and women have been heroic. And it is not just me that see a mess in Iraq. Cites McCain. Hagel and Lugar. Whta Baul Bremer said yesterday was not enough troops. No plan. No alliance. We need a fresh start. We need to speed up everything.
Edwards: There is no connection between 9/11 and Saddam. new CIA report coming
A

2
Would you have left Saddam in power
Senator has his facts wrong. No connection between 9/11 and Saddam, but there is a connection between Saddam and terror. They have a very limited view on hwo to use American troops. Brings up global test. A track record that goes back to the 1970s. 1980s votes against military votes. A little tought talk cannot obscure a record of 30 years. Wouldn't aggressively pursue the war on terror.

Key resonse, going after Kerry's record. Set up for Bush speech tomorrrow
A

He needed to be taken out in the right way, meaning that we would have been prepared, that we would have known there was no WMD. We went into Afghanistan. Right decision. We had Osma, and he got away.
Listen carefully to VBeep: There is no connection between Saddam and 9/11.
A

3
Osama --plan to capture him
We have never let up on OBL. We have captured or killed thopusands of Al Qaeda. I'm confident that eventually we will get him. The key to success is to keep it up. Edwards, six months ago, announced warlords were about totake over. Here we are 4 days away from a democratic election. Good solid answer charting progress there. "Major, major progress.

"They got it wrong. When we had OBL cornered, they turned it over to warlords." "These distoritions are contuing."
What John Kerry said about the global test is that we will kill terrorists, he will defend this country, he said no veto power. But the reality is "no veto" was said."
Edwards attacks progress in Afghnaistan. Bad move. Didn't answer global test directly. Didn't define it.
D

4
global test, Senator Edwards
Talks about Iraqi casualties. Corrects him on cost. Jabs on not voting. Allies forgiving $80 billion in Iraqi debt. Nice show of facts. You also ahve as ituation where you talk abvout credibility, but hard to convey credibility when you vote for war and then campaign against it. You are not credible on Iraq because of the enormous incosnistencies...There is no indiciation whatsoever that John Kerry would be serious. Talking tough in a campaign cannot obscure a 30 year record/

A

Edwards doesn't answer. Just doesn't answer. Says we have to tell the truth. To Americans. To world. A fillibuster. Finishes with a "no control" promise

B

5
John Kerry dangerous
He doesn't have the qualifications to be C-in-C. I am not challenging Kerry's patriotism We have never done so. We question his judgment. His judgment is flawed. 1984 senate campaign conducted on weapon cut backs. Voted against Gulf War in 1991. The problem we have if you look at his recoird he doesn't ddisplay the qualities of someone who has conviction. Votes for war and against the $87. A response to Howard Dean. They in effect they would cast an anti-war vote. If they couldn't stand up to pressures Howard Dean presented , how can they stand up to al Qaeda.
Response: If we want to win the war on terror, it is pretty clear the choice is George Bush
homerun

A long record doesn't add up to judgment. John Kerry has voted for teh military appropriations etc..Wrong move here, to bring up Cheney's Pentagoin service...Doesn't answer on $87...

Edwards on talking points. OK, but not responsive.
B

6
What about the French and the Germans? They say they won't come.
Wow. VP beats him around the ears. "The troops wouldn't havewhat they have today if you had your way." Talks about the coaltion.

Classic example: He won't count the contributions of our Iraqi allies. For you to demean their sacrifice. It is indeed demeaning. You cannot succeed in this effort if you will not recognize their contributions...
This is a kety exchange. Cheney is ticked off. Shows well
A

Talking points ending in "Success breeds cooperation." Mentions no body armor

Well spoken, but not responsive.
All style, lousy substance
Good questions from start to here by Ifell. Well done. Both candidates look good.

7
Intelligence?
I ask an awful lot of questions and CIA spokesman said they have not yet reached the bottom line on relationship between Saddam and Zarqawi. Talks about Zarqawi. "He set up shop in Baghdad..ricin shop..know he's still in Baghdad today..he beheads hostages. He's a terrorist. He was in Baghdad before the war, and after the war, andwe have to deal with him by taking him out and that's what we will do.
A

Talking points: "Inconsistent with what we see on television." Mentions beheadings. Bombings. With JFK as president, we are committed to all of the reforms of 9/11 Commission.
Eloquent but repititious.

8
Sanctions on Iran
Cheney explains previous stance on unilateral sanctions and the changing circumstances. Good answer, but tough quuestion. Edwards has an opening here. Too many acroynms. Too complex. Addresses North Korea as well. Good move. Five days after we captured SAaddam, Qaddafi surrendered his nuclear materials. Great close to a weak start. Shut down Khan network

Cheney whiffs on the response. But Ifill should have followed with another question as this was a personal attack
C

VP talsk about Zarqawi being associated with Al Qaeda.

How many countries are we going to invade?
BIG MISTAKE
Will Cheney go for it?
Mentions Haliburton again.
B

9
Israel
Go Dick. Turns his 90 seconds into attack on Edwards "Senator Gone" First time I ever met you is when you walked on the stage tonight. Ouch.

Saddam connection to suicide bombers. Srong answer, especially after pushing Edwards around.
A

Trial lawyer emoting. Does this work? I don't think so, but maybe viewers like that.

That was a distortion of my record. I am surprised to hear him talk about records. House vote against Head Start? Meals on Wheels oh no!
B

10
Census bureau as the biggest poor city
We need to address fundamental questions. We need to get people jobs. To do that we have to make America the best place in America to do business. Litigation cost. Adequate medical care.

Zeroes in oneduction. First class public schools. President's first leg priority was "no Child" Ted Kennedy on board.
Too much on education without enough passion.
C
Response: Defends tax cuts No Child Medicare reform. Dems promised prescription drug benefits. President got it done. Dropped 5 million from rolls. He tells a good story using old data. We have added 1.7 million jobs to the economy
B

In the time that they have been in office 1.6 million private sector jobs have been lost. 1 out of 2 children are now living in poverty in Cleveland. 4,000,000 more Americans have fallen into poverty. First presidency in 70 years not to have created jobs. We have to do better. They are for outsourcing jobs.

Strong attack on BushCheney.
A
Edwards says "millions" have lost jobs. Mess in Iraq. I don't thinkt he country can take four more years of this..
Overreach.
C
You two are pretty well off? Bad editorial comment of no relevance to helping Cleveland

11
Tax hikes limited, how can you cut deficit in half?
The Kerry record on taxes is one basically of voting for tax increases 98 times. Fundamental philosophical difference. KerryEdwards approach is to raise taxes. Fundamental difference of opinion. Top bracket is small business bracket. 900,000 small business will be hit by their proposal because 7 out of 10 jobs come from these folks. WEe don't want to tax them Quotes Edwards from primary. Tax cuts will be permanent.

Great answer A

Starts out by not answering. Here's what we will do: Roll back tax cuts for people who make over $200,000 a year. Give additional tax cuts to middle class.

Opening for the Veep?
We need to get rid of bureaucratic spending in Washington. Supervisory level emploees? Heh. Loopholes. Not an answer

12
gay marriage/ with follow up
ok answer, but what else couldbe expected, as th epResident and VP disagree? This question should come to the president. Missed opportunity to slam judicial activism strongly

C
Follow up:
Thansk senator for words about family
C
Media will focus on this exchange because of the VP's discomfort. The focus will help Bush-Cheney, though media won't get that right away. The protection of marriage amendment is popular beyond 70% whenever it gets a vote. Kerry Edwards sees no problem. Voters do.

Partnership benefits. No constitutional amendment. Marriage for man and woman.

Treacly answer.
We believe marriage is between a man and a woman.
Edwards going on to long. Should have left it alone, but makes it clear that Kerry Edwards oppose constitutional amendment
We shouldn't be talking about this
D

13
John Edwards part of trial lawyer problem
I am not familiar with his cases. My concern is what has happened to our medical care system. Tells story about New Mexico and OB/GYN docs. Another increase in malpractice rates. One doctor indicated that her rates are so high that she won't take high risk patients. Devastating impact in a lot of communities. mentions Wyoming. We think it can be fixed and needs to be fixed. Need to cap non-economic advantages and limit awards of trial attorneys. Great detailed answer. Senator Kerry has voted ten times against reform.

A
Haymaker to Edwards' chin on the $600,000 of dodged medicare taxes on trial award

I am rpoud of the work I did againstr big HMOs, insurance companies. John Kerry and I have a plan. Detai;s a blah blah blah pie in the sky plan.

D

Edwards has no response. Looked a little stung, and falls back on Haliburton

14
AIDS among African American women, not abroad
Solid response. Recounts spending initiative, and authentic acknowledgement that he didn't know about Gwen's assertion

C

Same answer as Cheney

C
Very odd question in that it tried to take Africa/Asia off the table

15
What qualifies Edwards to be a heartbeat away
(not a good smirk)I think the important thing in picking a VP differs in what different president's need. I was to be a member of the team and that's what I have done. From the perspective of the nation our relationship has worked, and it has done so because I don't have any further political ambitions. My agenda is his agenda. (Touche.) It is a very significant responsibility --a moment's notice. Most important consideration

I clearly believe that George W Bush would be a nbetter C-in-C. He's done it for four yeasr. He understands GWOT. reaches from US to Jakarta. President has the special qualities you need. Not convinced that Kerry does.
A

American people want to know that you are telling the truth.Mentions world travel. Talking points. I don't claim to have the long political resume of the VP but we have plans

The most important thing I have learned is about John Kerry troops in battle, prosecutor, 100,000 new cops...does this work with people? I don't think so.
C

16
Differences between you and Edwards
More similarities in our story. I have heard Senator's Edward's and we have the same thing/ My grandfather didn't go to college. Ticket as an electrician in an union. been hospitalized without insurance.
But with respect to our careers, I made a choice for publci service.
I am absolutely convinced that the threat we face now, a terrorist in a city with a nuke, is very real. I feel very strongly that the significane of 9/11 cannot be underestimated. Force us to think in new ways. Some peopel say we should wait to get attacked to use force.
Very strong advocate of going after the terrorist.
A+++

We were attacked, but we were not attacked by Saddam. We need to be offensive. Once again lead strong coalitions where they are.
John Kerry made clear that we will do that and we will do it aggressively BUT there are things that need to be done...
OK but weak. Missed chance to tell personal story?
B

17
Flip flopping
Cheney responds:

I can think of a lot of words to describe Senator Kerry's response on Iraq and consistent isn't one of them.
Bingo. Lays it out. Home run. Edwards threw it high and over the plate.

First of all, John Kerry has been completely consistent about Iraq --ERROR! NOT BELIEVABLE-- brings up Bremer again (Nice work Paul, though I doubt this really connects with average Americans.

Accuses Bush/Cheney of flip flops on 9/11 Commission, Homeland Security
Big opportunity for Cheney...
Bad mistake here. Money clip for tomorrow on the radio show.

18
Deeply divided electorate?
We would have liked to reach across the aisle, as the president did in Texas. Lots f support for the Ptriot Act, No Child. Continue to try and work it. I remember from my earlier service whenthings were much different. We used to be able to do more, and I am nit sutre why. The change in majority/minority status has been hard for both sides to adjust to. Important for us to try. Need support from the other side of the aisle. mentioned Zell Miller, so there are some Dems, and hopefully in second term we will see improvem,ent

B Didn't mention Dacshle obstructionism
Response: Good little laugh. Mentions Medicre reform bill. Good close.

Edwarsd says "we can do better than that." Goes to health care. Not respoinsive.

Edwards has looked good throughout, very collected, but non responsive often. Shoudl have stayed on the Bush/Chenet toughness...blew a chance but still looke dgood.
B
Response:
"They had a choice. Canada drugs? Weird way to end. In a wartime election, what's he thinking?

19
Closing statements
Thanks. Privilehe to serve. Cut taxes. Added 1.7 million jobs. Won';t be happy until all who want to work can have a job. Access to medical care, schools, preserve social securityu. Worked for four presidents, saw two up close. Saw 9/11. Midst of a conflict unlike we have never known. That threat is placing a special responsibility on all of you. The only viable option for winning is the one the president has chosen. Proud that we stand up democraticially elected governemts in both places. This is the task of our generation. Overall outcome depends on the president and he is up to it.
Very strong close. A

Thanks. here comes the "young and growing upstory." Glow of the television. Learning math on television to get a better job in the mill. I was hopeful. I could get a college education. "Here's the truth>' Light is flickering. VP and President don't see it, butyou do.
Empty chair for loved one serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. So those chairs will be filed again? Cut and run.
hrumian close: The power to fight for you.

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Thanks Solar Wind. Glad to see that someone else picked up on that too. Very powerful technique.

Agreed on the family issue and his response. He's a solid guy, like all the folks from that part of the country. Doesn't say much but what is said has weight.

All the best.

That gesture was a mainstay of JFK's (the original JFK). I feel that the imitation JKF (the one we are presently enduring) has studied him extensively and tried to copy just about everything about him. Edwards is monkey-see monkey do--doing as Kerry does.

I think some of the comics are not old enough to remember seeing JFK using the gesture.

NAOMI! NAOMI! NAOMI!

WHAT'S A GLOBAL TEST?

"Mary Beth Cahill looked stricken"

Yes she did .. LOL! And then she said that Cheney was "mean and grumpy" .. when in fact it was Cahill who looked mean and grumpy! Poor thing!!

Edwards near invisible record in the United States Senate

John Edwards, the political equivalent of breast implants, was smoked last night by one cool, concise customer, Dick Cheney!

One of the most powerful things Cheney did was not speaking or responding when it wasn't necessary. An amazing trait in a politician. He was simply awesome.

Agreed. I was proud to be a Republican last night.

Anyone not giving this one to Cheney is on crack. Cheney won this beyond any doubt. All this rhetoric about a "tie" is just Dem spin to do damage control.

I must say, I feel a bit of embarrassment about something.

You are right about "the crack". Cheney ripped Edwards to pieces, very quietly and with great precision, I may add.

But I am embarrassed that on FoxNews' poll on the debate, Edwards is shown as the winner by around 10 points. That's embarrassing!

Cheney was the clear King of the debate

Local news in Boston is pretending there was no debate last night. News coverage barely mentioning it at all. That tells me that the Dems lost Big Time. They can't bring themselves to say that. They can't spin it as a draw. So they say nothing, and hope it goes away.

John Edwards, the political equivalent of breast implants

I have to disagree. Breast implants consistently stand firm. They are favorites in the popular polls. Also, their popularity easily crosses party lines. And, to quote the late John Candy, in his remarks to a lady character in a movie who was showing off her new breasts, "They are fun for the whole family."

Unlike John Edwards, breast implants can stand close scrutiny in the naked light of day and receive high marks. They also don't require as many handlers.

bump

"Also, VP Cheney was gracious enough to let slide the snide comment that referred to his daughter."

Cheney's "Thank you," was absolute class!

Edwards looked stricken at that and you could see from his eyes he knew he made a terrible error.

Speaking of which.....Wasn't Dow one of the companies that Edwards help ruin with the "breast implants cause cancer" junk science cases?

Vice Presidential Debate Scorecard
Round No.	Question	Cheney	Edwards	Ifill	Camera Shot
1	To Cheney: bremer speech?Rumsfeld speech?	Thanks Case Western. It is important to look at all developments in Iraq in context of global war on terror. Go after terrorrists and satte sponsors. And create democracies afterwards so thatthese states would not again become a state harbor. Saddam had been a state sponsor, Abu Nidal/suicide bombers $, relationships with Al Qaeda --Tenet's testimony. The effort that we have mounted focused on possibility that this was the most likely nexus between terrorists and WMD. What we did in Iraq was exactly the right thing to do. The world is far safer today. Response: I am confident we will get the jon done B	Tanks CWU. "You are still not being straight with the American people. You continue to tell the American people that things are going well in Iraq. Talks aboiut rising losses in Iraq. Our men and women have been heroic. And it is not just me that see a mess in Iraq. Cites McCain. Hagel and Lugar. Whta Baul Bremer said yesterday was not enough troops. No plan. No alliance. We need a fresh start. We need to speed up everything. Edwards: There is no connection between 9/11 and Saddam. new CIA report coming A
2	Would you have left Saddam in power	Senator has his facts wrong. No connection between 9/11 and Saddam, but there is a connection between Saddam and terror. They have a very limited view on hwo to use American troops. Brings up global test. A track record that goes back to the 1970s. 1980s votes against military votes. A little tought talk cannot obscure a record of 30 years. Wouldn't aggressively pursue the war on terror. Key resonse, going after Kerry's record. Set up for Bush speech tomorrrow A	He needed to be taken out in the right way, meaning that we would have been prepared, that we would have known there was no WMD. We went into Afghanistan. Right decision. We had Osma, and he got away. Listen carefully to VBeep: There is no connection between Saddam and 9/11. A
3	Osama --plan to capture him	We have never let up on OBL. We have captured or killed thopusands of Al Qaeda. I'm confident that eventually we will get him. The key to success is to keep it up. Edwards, six months ago, announced warlords were about totake over. Here we are 4 days away from a democratic election. Good solid answer charting progress there. "Major, major progress.	"They got it wrong. When we had OBL cornered, they turned it over to warlords." "These distoritions are contuing." What John Kerry said about the global test is that we will kill terrorists, he will defend this country, he said no veto power. But the reality is "no veto" was said." Edwards attacks progress in Afghnaistan. Bad move. Didn't answer global test directly. Didn't define it. D
4	global test, Senator Edwards	Talks about Iraqi casualties. Corrects him on cost. Jabs on not voting. Allies forgiving $80 billion in Iraqi debt. Nice show of facts. You also ahve as ituation where you talk abvout credibility, but hard to convey credibility when you vote for war and then campaign against it. You are not credible on Iraq because of the enormous incosnistencies...There is no indiciation whatsoever that John Kerry would be serious. Talking tough in a campaign cannot obscure a 30 year record/ A	Edwards doesn't answer. Just doesn't answer. Says we have to tell the truth. To Americans. To world. A fillibuster. Finishes with a "no control" promise B
5	John Kerry dangerous	He doesn't have the qualifications to be C-in-C. I am not challenging Kerry's patriotism We have never done so. We question his judgment. His judgment is flawed. 1984 senate campaign conducted on weapon cut backs. Voted against Gulf War in 1991. The problem we have if you look at his recoird he doesn't ddisplay the qualities of someone who has conviction. Votes for war and against the $87. A response to Howard Dean. They in effect they would cast an anti-war vote. If they couldn't stand up to pressures Howard Dean presented , how can they stand up to al Qaeda. Response: If we want to win the war on terror, it is pretty clear the choice is George Bush homerun	A long record doesn't add up to judgment. John Kerry has voted for teh military appropriations etc..Wrong move here, to bring up Cheney's Pentagoin service...Doesn't answer on $87... Edwards on talking points. OK, but not responsive. B
6	What about the French and the Germans? They say they won't come.	Wow. VP beats him around the ears. "The troops wouldn't havewhat they have today if you had your way." Talks about the coaltion. Classic example: He won't count the contributions of our Iraqi allies. For you to demean their sacrifice. It is indeed demeaning. You cannot succeed in this effort if you will not recognize their contributions... This is a kety exchange. Cheney is ticked off. Shows well A	Talking points ending in "Success breeds cooperation." Mentions no body armor Well spoken, but not responsive. All style, lousy substance		Good questions from start to here by Ifell. Well done. Both candidates look good.
7	Intelligence?	I ask an awful lot of questions and CIA spokesman said they have not yet reached the bottom line on relationship between Saddam and Zarqawi. Talks about Zarqawi. "He set up shop in Baghdad..ricin shop..know he's still in Baghdad today..he beheads hostages. He's a terrorist. He was in Baghdad before the war, and after the war, andwe have to deal with him by taking him out and that's what we will do. A	Talking points: "Inconsistent with what we see on television." Mentions beheadings. Bombings. With JFK as president, we are committed to all of the reforms of 9/11 Commission. Eloquent but repititious.
8	Sanctions on Iran	Cheney explains previous stance on unilateral sanctions and the changing circumstances. Good answer, but tough quuestion. Edwards has an opening here. Too many acroynms. Too complex. Addresses North Korea as well. Good move. Five days after we captured SAaddam, Qaddafi surrendered his nuclear materials. Great close to a weak start. Shut down Khan network Cheney whiffs on the response. But Ifill should have followed with another question as this was a personal attack C	VP talsk about Zarqawi being associated with Al Qaeda. How many countries are we going to invade? BIG MISTAKE Will Cheney go for it? Mentions Haliburton again. B
9	Israel	Go Dick. Turns his 90 seconds into attack on Edwards "Senator Gone" First time I ever met you is when you walked on the stage tonight. Ouch. Saddam connection to suicide bombers. Srong answer, especially after pushing Edwards around. A	Trial lawyer emoting. Does this work? I don't think so, but maybe viewers like that. That was a distortion of my record. I am surprised to hear him talk about records. House vote against Head Start? Meals on Wheels oh no! B
10	Census bureau as the biggest poor city	We need to address fundamental questions. We need to get people jobs. To do that we have to make America the best place in America to do business. Litigation cost. Adequate medical care. Zeroes in oneduction. First class public schools. President's first leg priority was "no Child" Ted Kennedy on board. Too much on education without enough passion. C Response: Defends tax cuts No Child Medicare reform. Dems promised prescription drug benefits. President got it done. Dropped 5 million from rolls. He tells a good story using old data. We have added 1.7 million jobs to the economy B	In the time that they have been in office 1.6 million private sector jobs have been lost. 1 out of 2 children are now living in poverty in Cleveland. 4,000,000 more Americans have fallen into poverty. First presidency in 70 years not to have created jobs. We have to do better. They are for outsourcing jobs. Strong attack on BushCheney. A Edwards says "millions" have lost jobs. Mess in Iraq. I don't thinkt he country can take four more years of this.. Overreach. C		You two are pretty well off? Bad editorial comment of no relevance to helping Cleveland
11	Tax hikes limited, how can you cut deficit in half?	The Kerry record on taxes is one basically of voting for tax increases 98 times. Fundamental philosophical difference. KerryEdwards approach is to raise taxes. Fundamental difference of opinion. Top bracket is small business bracket. 900,000 small business will be hit by their proposal because 7 out of 10 jobs come from these folks. WEe don't want to tax them Quotes Edwards from primary. Tax cuts will be permanent. Great answer A	Starts out by not answering. Here's what we will do: Roll back tax cuts for people who make over $200,000 a year. Give additional tax cuts to middle class. Opening for the Veep? We need to get rid of bureaucratic spending in Washington. Supervisory level emploees? Heh. Loopholes. Not an answer
12	gay marriage/ with follow up	ok answer, but what else couldbe expected, as th epResident and VP disagree? This question should come to the president. Missed opportunity to slam judicial activism strongly C Follow up: Thansk senator for words about family C Media will focus on this exchange because of the VP's discomfort. The focus will help Bush-Cheney, though media won't get that right away. The protection of marriage amendment is popular beyond 70% whenever it gets a vote. Kerry Edwards sees no problem. Voters do.	Partnership benefits. No constitutional amendment. Marriage for man and woman. Treacly answer. We believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Edwards going on to long. Should have left it alone, but makes it clear that Kerry Edwards oppose constitutional amendment We shouldn't be talking about this D
13	John Edwards part of trial lawyer problem	I am not familiar with his cases. My concern is what has happened to our medical care system. Tells story about New Mexico and OB/GYN docs. Another increase in malpractice rates. One doctor indicated that her rates are so high that she won't take high risk patients. Devastating impact in a lot of communities. mentions Wyoming. We think it can be fixed and needs to be fixed. Need to cap non-economic advantages and limit awards of trial attorneys. Great detailed answer. Senator Kerry has voted ten times against reform. A Haymaker to Edwards' chin on the $600,000 of dodged medicare taxes on trial award	I am rpoud of the work I did againstr big HMOs, insurance companies. John Kerry and I have a plan. Detai;s a blah blah blah pie in the sky plan. D Edwards has no response. Looked a little stung, and falls back on Haliburton
14	AIDS among African American women, not abroad	Solid response. Recounts spending initiative, and authentic acknowledgement that he didn't know about Gwen's assertion C	Same answer as Cheney C		Very odd question in that it tried to take Africa/Asia off the table
15	What qualifies Edwards to be a heartbeat away	(not a good smirk)I think the important thing in picking a VP differs in what different president's need. I was to be a member of the team and that's what I have done. From the perspective of the nation our relationship has worked, and it has done so because I don't have any further political ambitions. My agenda is his agenda. (Touche.) It is a very significant responsibility --a moment's notice. Most important consideration I clearly believe that George W Bush would be a nbetter C-in-C. He's done it for four yeasr. He understands GWOT. reaches from US to Jakarta. President has the special qualities you need. Not convinced that Kerry does. A	American people want to know that you are telling the truth.Mentions world travel. Talking points. I don't claim to have the long political resume of the VP but we have plans The most important thing I have learned is about John Kerry troops in battle, prosecutor, 100,000 new cops...does this work with people? I don't think so. C
16	Differences between you and Edwards	More similarities in our story. I have heard Senator's Edward's and we have the same thing/ My grandfather didn't go to college. Ticket as an electrician in an union. been hospitalized without insurance. But with respect to our careers, I made a choice for publci service. I am absolutely convinced that the threat we face now, a terrorist in a city with a nuke, is very real. I feel very strongly that the significane of 9/11 cannot be underestimated. Force us to think in new ways. Some peopel say we should wait to get attacked to use force. Very strong advocate of going after the terrorist. A+++	We were attacked, but we were not attacked by Saddam. We need to be offensive. Once again lead strong coalitions where they are. John Kerry made clear that we will do that and we will do it aggressively BUT there are things that need to be done... OK but weak. Missed chance to tell personal story? B
17	Flip flopping	Cheney responds: I can think of a lot of words to describe Senator Kerry's response on Iraq and consistent isn't one of them. Bingo. Lays it out. Home run. Edwards threw it high and over the plate.	First of all, John Kerry has been completely consistent about Iraq --ERROR! NOT BELIEVABLE-- brings up Bremer again (Nice work Paul, though I doubt this really connects with average Americans. Accuses Bush/Cheney of flip flops on 9/11 Commission, Homeland Security Big opportunity for Cheney... Bad mistake here. Money clip for tomorrow on the radio show.
18	Deeply divided electorate?	We would have liked to reach across the aisle, as the president did in Texas. Lots f support for the Ptriot Act, No Child. Continue to try and work it. I remember from my earlier service whenthings were much different. We used to be able to do more, and I am nit sutre why. The change in majority/minority status has been hard for both sides to adjust to. Important for us to try. Need support from the other side of the aisle. mentioned Zell Miller, so there are some Dems, and hopefully in second term we will see improvem,ent B Didn't mention Dacshle obstructionism Response: Good little laugh. Mentions Medicre reform bill. Good close.	Edwarsd says "we can do better than that." Goes to health care. Not respoinsive. Edwards has looked good throughout, very collected, but non responsive often. Shoudl have stayed on the Bush/Chenet toughness...blew a chance but still looke dgood. B Response: "They had a choice. Canada drugs? Weird way to end. In a wartime election, what's he thinking?
19	Closing statements	Thanks. Privilehe to serve. Cut taxes. Added 1.7 million jobs. Won';t be happy until all who want to work can have a job. Access to medical care, schools, preserve social securityu. Worked for four presidents, saw two up close. Saw 9/11. Midst of a conflict unlike we have never known. That threat is placing a special responsibility on all of you. The only viable option for winning is the one the president has chosen. Proud that we stand up democraticially elected governemts in both places. This is the task of our generation. Overall outcome depends on the president and he is up to it. Very strong close. A	Thanks. here comes the "young and growing upstory." Glow of the television. Learning math on television to get a better job in the mill. I was hopeful. I could get a college education. "Here's the truth>' Light is flickering. VP and President don't see it, butyou do. Empty chair for loved one serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. So those chairs will be filed again? Cut and run. hrumian close: The power to fight for you.