October 5, 2000 -- Few fireworks ignited in the only vice presidential debate of the season, when Republican Dick Cheney and Democrat Joe Lieberman jousted over military readiness, foreign policy and spending the budget surplus. They began their 90-minute session in Kentucky foreswearing attacks, and they generally kept their word.

Both the former defense secretary and the Connecticut Senator have backgrounds in world affairs, which took up much of the debate moderated by CNN's Bernard Shaw. Cheney denounced Democratic candidate Vice President Al Gore for neglecting of the military, and promised more of the same should he be elected to the White House. Lieberman defended U.S. troops as unparalled, and he charged Republican candidate George W. Bush's budget with short-changing new weapons programs.

Gay Rights
In confessions unusual to the forum, both Cheney and Lieberman admitted they could not decide on whether all rights should be extended to homosexuals. Cheney said it was not a "slam dunk" and that there should be no federal policy on the subject but that states should rule. Lieberman said his "mind is open" to ideas for reconciling non-discrimination with traditional values. Listen as the candidates talk gay rights.

Yugoslavia
The two men hailed the popular revolt in Yugoslavia. But Lieberman was quick to point out the Republicans called U.S. involvement in the Balkans "overreaching," while Cheney chided Gore for having "poo-pooed" Bush's call to get Russia to pressure Belgrade. Cheney said U.S. troops should be deployed only as warriors, and Lieberman defended the current administration's peacekeeping missions in places like Yugoslavia. Listen to the exchange.

The Middle East
Lieberman, an orthodox Jew, said he was "truly pained" by the recent bloodshed in Israel, and said he hoped his friendships there and in the Arab world would give him a "unique role" in achieving Middle East peace. Cheney noted that as former president Bush's defense secretary, he'd helped forge key alliances in the region.

The two clashed over Saddam Hussein's continued thorn in the U.S. side. Cheney blamed the administration for failing to disarm Iraq and said he would give "very serious consideration to military action" against Baghdad. Lieberman cautioned against declaring war during the "heat of the campaign."

Economy, Abortion, Partisanship
The deputies kept on their candidates' messages on energy, Social Security, health care and abortion, sparring over each others' tax cuts and plans for oil exploration. Lieberman vowed to protect abortion rights, while Cheney called for strict limits, but both agreed that the procedure and use of the RU-486 abortion pill should be rare. Listen to the abortion debate.

The only real spontaneous flash came when Lieberman noted that despite all the Republican naysaying, Cheney had done pretty well financially in the past eight years in the business world. "I can see my wife, and I think she's thinking, 'Gee, I wish he would go out into the private sector," Lieberman said. Cheney returned: "Well, I'm going to try to help you do that, Joe." Listen to the exchange.

Listen to an analysis of the debate with NPR host Scott Simon.

Bush and Gore hold their second debate on October 11 and their final round on October 17.

For more on the debate and complete audio archives, check out our Election 2000 Debate section.

Your Turn
What are your thoughts on the conventions, the candidates, and the campaigns? Check out our discussion area.