- The Democratic challenger, reprising his career as a trial lawyer, challenged Cheney mercilessly, as if prosecuting a cagey and possibly untruthful defendant, all the while charming the jury -- the viewing public -- with a winning smile. The Republican incumbent, obviously disdainful of the prosecutor, responded by questioning the prosecutor's credentials, as if lecturing a dense student.
…
Edwards grinned easily and gestured demonstratively, joking at times with moderator Gwen Ifill and speaking plainly; only a slight tremor in his hand at the debate's start betrayed his nerves. Cheney, elbows on the table, hands clasped, was generally unsmiling and at times stern, delivering his barbs at Edwards acidly.
…
If Cheney drew blood in questioning Kerry's credibility, Edwards clearly infuriated the vice president when he repeatedly raised the subject of Halliburton, Cheney's former employer. The Democrat frequently raised the topic of "no-bid" contracts for Halliburton, and investigations into wrongdoing by the company.
Cheney, given 30 seconds to respond, was incensed. "I'd like to respond, Gwen, but it's going to take more than 30 seconds," he said. Told that was all he had, Cheney bitterly branded Edwards's charge a "smoke screen" with "no substance."
…
Parrying Cheney's characterization of Kerry's votes against many defense programs, Edwards recalled Cheney's own legislative record -- voting against Meals on Wheels, a Martin Luther King holiday and a resolution in support of Nelson Mandela. "Mr. Vice President," Edwards said at one point, "I don't think the country can take four more years of this kind of experience."
No comments:
Post a Comment