Allen, Webb Quarrel Over War in Iraq, Bush Policies

Webb repeated a statement he had made earlier in the week, in which he expressed regret "to the extent that my writing subjected women . . . to undue hardship." On the show, he said he regretted writing that the Naval Academy is "a horny woman's dream," adding that "if I were a, you know, a more mature individual, I wouldn't have written" that.

But he declined to go further, even after Russert said he had received a letter from one of the women indicating that Webb's statement was not good enough.

Russert then turned his attention to Allen, quizzing him on his opposition to allowing women as cadets at Virginia Military Institute and later turning to the senator's comments to a Webb volunteer of Indian descent on the campaign trail last month.

Russert aired the video of Allen calling Webb volunteer S.R. Sidarth "macaca" and of welcoming him "to the real world of Virginia."

Allen again apologized, calling the comments "a mistake." He said the word "macaca" was "just made up" and added, "There was no racial or ethnic intent to slur anyone."

Russert also asked Allen about having once displayed a Confederate flag and a noose. Allen said he had once seen the Confederate flag as a symbol of heritage and regional pride but now sees it as hateful.

"Through the years, I've learned and I've grown," he said.

The candidates will meet again today at a luncheon debate hosted by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

Russert closed the show on a light note, asking both men whether they thought their habit of chewing tobacco made them good role models for children.

Allen conceded that it probably did not. Webb noted that he doesn't chew at public events and added, "We all have our vices."