The Cheney-Lieberman debate

Few Americans vote for a president based on who the running mate is. A vice president is like a co-pilot. Most Americans merely want to feel confident that, if need be, the No. 2 candidate can fly the plane. Judging from Thursday night's debate in Danville, Kentucky, both Democrat Joseph Lieberman and Republican Richard Cheney have their pilot's wings.

Both revealed themselves to be up to the task of leadership. Lieberman's years in a variety of public offices, including the U.S. Senate, and Cheney's resume, which includes Congress and various posts in the Ford and Bush administrations, have prepared them well to lead.

The debate was in contrast to some past contests when the candidates went at each other like attack dogs. The late-night comedians may have found the debate boring, but Americans seeking insight into how each ticket might lead this nation were well- served.

-- The Chicago Sun-Times