I noticed this omission on Cheney's part as well. It seemed blatant to me but I know as well as anyone that people see what they want to see.
As for going for the jugular, I think Edwards was in a tough spot and Cheney had an advantage. If Edwards got too strident, then Cheney could say that he didn't have the self-control for needed to hold high office, to deal with the stress it confers without mercy nor to maintain diplomatic behavior with political adversaries. Cheney also has that "I'm grandfatherly, isn't that reassuring in these oh-so-scary-times" image. I think he relied on it being a factor and stayed polite in order not to violate that image.
I do feel more negative about Cheney and the way he comes off in public. I wonder how he feels when he watches Bush (attempt to) speak. I get the strong impression that if Cheney gave a speech and was immediately followed by Bush, Bush's obvious in-articulation would look even worse than it already does.
Dems are always loathe to fight dirty. Because they want to appeal to underdogs, to the "little guys" they can't look like the bullies who already make the "little guys" suffer. Republicans don't worry because by and large they are bullies and know how well bullies succeed. They also use petty bribery (read: tax cuts) which works with an ease that I continually find appalling.
I'm hoping that Friday night's debate on domestic policy can really bring home how Bush is hurting the middle class in this country. I expect to hear him drone on about No Child Left Behind and tax cuts for 90 minutes. Between all the stammering, that is.
Re: Draw!
As for going for the jugular, I think Edwards was in a tough spot and Cheney had an advantage. If Edwards got too strident, then Cheney could say that he didn't have the self-control for needed to hold high office, to deal with the stress it confers without mercy nor to maintain diplomatic behavior with political adversaries.
Cheney also has that "I'm grandfatherly, isn't that reassuring in these oh-so-scary-times" image. I think he relied on it being a factor and stayed polite in order not to violate that image.
I do feel more negative about Cheney and the way he comes off in public. I wonder how he feels when he watches Bush (attempt to) speak. I get the strong impression that if Cheney gave a speech and was immediately followed by Bush, Bush's obvious in-articulation would look even worse than it already does.
Dems are always loathe to fight dirty. Because they want to appeal to underdogs, to the "little guys" they can't look like the bullies who already make the "little guys" suffer. Republicans don't worry because by and large they are bullies and know how well bullies succeed. They also use petty bribery (read: tax cuts) which works with an ease that I continually find appalling.
I'm hoping that Friday night's debate on domestic policy can really bring home how Bush is hurting the middle class in this country. I expect to hear him drone on about No Child Left Behind and tax cuts for 90 minutes. Between all the stammering, that is.