I think this was a Kennedy-Nixon in '60 moment

[ZombieNixon]

The young-looking, energetic senator going head to head with the evil jerk of a vice president. Only thing is, Cheney didn't pull a flop-sweat. Or if he did, we didn't get to see it. That aside, in the age of TV, Edwards' looks are a definite advantage. People take their first impressions from body language. Edwards was open, he addressed the cameras or the audience and he looked polite and not annoyed when confronted with criticism. Cheney was slumped over the table, he always addressed Ifill, not the audience...and of course the fear mongering. I can't hear you, sir, could you please talk out of the other side of your mouth? Edwards' appearance formed preconceptions in people's minds, and since he appeared like the kind of guy who would listem to them, they are more likely to listen to him. A listen to the C-SPAN call-in would verify this.