Democratic Hopefuls Clash on Middle East, Iraq

As he did in last week's debate, Lieberman led the charge against Dean, attacking him for saying the United States should not take sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said the former Vermont governor would end more than five decades of U.S. support for Israel.

"Howard Dean's statements break a 50-year record in which presidents, Republican and Democrat, members of Congress of both parties, have supported our relationship with Israel based on shared values and common strategic interests," Lieberman said.

Dean said he recognized the special relationship between the United States and Israel but Washington needed to become a credible negotiator in the region.

"We need to be trusted by both sides," he said, adding that his position on Israel was no different than the one held by former President Bill Clinton . "Not right," Lieberman interrupted him.

"We do not gain strength as a negotiator if we compromise on support of Israel," said Lieberman, who is Jewish. Dean responded: "We need peace. It doesn't help, Joe, to demagogue this issue."

The debate, broadcast live nationally on Fox News cable channel, was interrupted five times by shouting protesters backing controversial perennial candidate Lyndon Larouche.

EL - Amazingly, out of ten positions I now agree with Larouche on three. This is only a money making venture for Larouche, he would be unable to take the oath of office as a convicted felon.