Wayne State University history professor Mel Small, author of the book \"The Presidency of Richard Nixon,\" said the recent Vice-Presidential debate could be seen in two ways: on the substance of the arguments made and on each candidate\'s presence. He said Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards scored well on many argumentative points, particularly where the war in Iraq was concerned, and was well backed up by statistics." Vice President Dick Cheney "looked much more commanding" in terms of style points.