WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- US Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John Edwards faced each other Tuesday night in the vice presidential debate in Case Western Reserve University, Ohio,five days after the first presidential debate.

    The debate started with a question for Cheney on Iraq.

    Tightening polls after the first US presidential debate last Thursday could make Tuesday night's showdown, which was once presumed to be a sideshow to the presidential race, assume critical importance.

    The two sides could debate all issues, ranging from foreign policy to domestic issues, in the 90 minutes' debate. Enditem