Classy Get-Together

Seated comfortably at a curved desk with the moderator, the vice presidential candidates conducted their own 90-minute debate Thursday night, one that at times was more coherent and illuminating--and good-natured-- than Tuesday night’s more biting exchanges between Al Gore and George W. Bush.

Democratic Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut and former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney generally reiterated the policy positions of their ticket leaders. That was no surprise: One of their major goals was to reinforce the key messages of each campaign. But candidates for vice president are often expected to be the attack dogs of campaigns. On Thursday night, Lieberman and Cheney conducted their discourse in relaxed, conversational tones without trying to catch each other off guard or constantly interrupting each other. “Classy,” one analyst said. It was indeed.

This in part was the result of the informal venue, sitting just a few feet from each other and moderator Bernard Shaw. On Tuesday in Boston, Gore and Bush stood at podiums, but they will use the seated format in their debate next week. Shaw allowed the running mates plenty of time to respond to questions and rebut responses. In turn, the candidates did not abuse the time flexibility by trying to slip in a final word on each question.

Political experts say that vice presidential debates have very little effect on the outcome of presidential elections. But there is value in voters seeing the running mates side by side. Those who watched Thursday’s debate from Danville, Ky., at least should come away confident that both Lieberman and Cheney are experienced and able. There is comfort in knowing that each is well qualified to become president should that become necessary.