The Official CNB VP Debate Review -- (Yes, I stayed awake)

Kerry went first last time, so Cheney goes first this time. You may note that this version mixes quotes and commentary -- this is free, you know, so you are getting your money's worth.

A lot of folks have already taken both sides to task for making exaggerated statements, so CNB is solely hitting what CNB found to be the high points (the best review, per usual, is at the soon-to-be-overwhelmed Factcheck.org). CNB's crack investigative staff found not much mention of how both candidates often seemed unable (or unwilling, more likely) to answer the question actually asked of them (and each noted his opponent's fault in doing so). An official transcript may be found here.

Cheney:

1. "I have not suggested there's a connection between Iraq and 9/11." Are you kidding? You referred to Iraq as "the geographic base of the terrorists who have had us under assault now for many years, BUT MOST ESPECIALLY ON 9/11." (emphasis added). For further help, see a prior CNB.
2. Directing folks to Factcheck. com rather than Factcheck.org was priceless, especially because it has the headline of "Why we must not re-elect President Bush" (is Cheney trying to tell us something??). By the way, the reason you sent folks to Factcheck.org (to say that charges against Halliburton are false) was incorrect - the article says that you don't benefit personally from Halliburton/KBR's work in Iraq. Still good for you, but not your point.
3. "[T]here's no indication at all that John Kerry has the conviction to successfully carry through on the war on terror." This from the guy whose boss felt it necessary to make clear that he knew who attacked us on 9-11 -- a fact of which you may wish to take note, Mr. VP (see #1, above).
4. "What we did in Iraq was exactly the right thing to do. If I had it to recommend all over again, I would recommend exactly the same course of action. " Showing conviction is one thing, but that seems a bit bull-headed, especially in light of the comments of Bremer, Lugar, and Hagel.
5. "And Senator, frankly, you have a record in the Senate that's not very distinguished." A bit harsh, though you are Dick Cheney. Not quite "You're no Jack Kennedy" but you got your point across to the first-term Senator.

Edwards:

1. Switch to decaf. Really. You tend to gesticulate as if you are on fire.
2. Don't use the $200 billion number for Iraq after Kerry gets called for using it last week. I know you guys read polls, but don't you flip to the editorial section also?
3. "While they were on the ground fighting, they lobbied the Congress to cut their combat pay." This is like the VA benefits issue -- not giving as much an increase as some would like does not equal cutting. Be careful with stuff like that.
4. "There are Republican leaders, like John McCain, like Richard Lugar, like Chuck Hagel, who have said Iraq is a mess and it's getting worse. " Nice shot. You reading the CNB? Somebody has to. Leave a comment next time.
5. "He voted against funding for Meals on Wheels for seniors. He voted against a holiday for Martin Luther King."Ouch.

All in all, this one was a draw. Cheney kept his cool, and was able to articulate his position much better than his boss [although what he thought would be his best shot -- "The first time I ever met you was when you walked on the stage tonight" -- was proven false, even on FoxNews]. Edwards was more amiable, if a bit filled with nervous energy, and personable. Frankly, both had good and bad points.