cheney should be pres, not bush.
You act like he isn't.....
I call this one a tie. Cheney started strong, but when Edwards got into the end and started with they said this ..... and did this .... and said this .... and did this .... I think he really made up a lot of ground.
If Cheney made points on the attendance record, Edwards made them all back when he asked if we had ever seen America more divided.
I think the 2 main factors here are the format and the perception of the candidates.
Format:
Cheney gains tons of points by having this as a seated debate. He is an older guy, very stern and gruff looking and rather low energy - so being seated, he can play the 'elder statesman' role to the fullest.
Edwards is a young guy and a trial lawyer, in some cases he came off as being 'hyper'. You could tell he wanted to jump up and shout "objection your honor!" A stand up debate would benefit his youth and energy a lot.
Perception:
Cheney loses some points b/c he just looks like a mean SOB. He really looks like an old white guy. To some people that is not a benefit. He comes off as your dad, the judge, bank president, etc.
Edwards was chosen b/c he reminds people of the JFK days in the Democratic party. He's young, wealthy, successful..... he lost some points b/c of his overall lack of political experience. In some cases this may not be a bad thing. He comes off as a cool guy.
Cheney is old school DOD money. He is a career politiican who has used his political influence to great personal gain in the private sector.
Edwards is a trial lawyer. A very successful trial lawyer. Atticus Finch was a trial lawyer as well.
ain: 
