DENVER -- In the first of two televised weekend debates, Senate candidates Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall traded barbs about misrepresenting each other's positions but also outlined their differing views on health care and Social Security.

Schaffer, a Republican and former congressman for Colorado, and Udall, a Democrat representing Colorado's 2nd District, are seeking the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Wayne Allard.

In a debate that aired Saturday on KWGN in Denver, Udall said he has voted for reducing taxes for small businesses and families. He characterized Schaffer as agreeing with Newt Gingrich's idea that Medicare "can wither on the vine."

Schaffer fired back that he suggested no such thing on Medicare, then suggested Udall's tactics were what the public finds is wrong in Washington.

On Social Security, Udall said he opposes privatization. He said Social Security can be strengthened by shoring up the nation's finances, in part by ending the war in Iraq, allowing presidential line-item vetoes and ending a system of earmarks.

Schaffer denied he favors privatization and said the Social Security trust fund should be able to grow faster. One idea is to allow money in the fund to be put into individualized, directed, managed accounts, he said.

Schaffer said that to reduce health care costs, the tort system should be reformed to prevent abuse of malpractice lawsuits, among other ideas. Udall supports expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program in the short term but also pursuing comprehensive reform.

The debate was taped last week.

Today, the candidates will debate before a national audience on NBC's "Meet The Press" from Washington.

The debate is part of a "Meet the Press" series on hot Senate races. It's moderated by former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw and will be shown at 9 a.m. today on Channel 9.