Cheney Appears on Meet the Press

For the first time in three years, Vice-President Dick Cheney made an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press. The majority of questions asked by the show’s host, Tim Russert, had to do with national security and the global war on terror. Cheney, ironically enough, slipped past the questions with the gracefulness of a ballet dancer. Russert restated the same basic question, which dealt with the war on terror, several times. Every time he got the same answer from Cheney. Russert was able to show the disconnect between the views of Dick Cheney and the views of the American people.
Russert first demonstrated this disconnect by displaying a recent survey that concluded 54% of Americans think the war in Iraq is creating more terrorists, while only 15% feel it’s eliminating terrorists. Cheney responded by saying, “I can’t buy that.”
Throughout the interview, Cheney stressed the importance of the war in Iraq as just a single front in a global war on terror. Russert proceeded to show him a survey asking Americans “Is the war in Iraq part of the War on Terror.” 53% of Americans said it was not. Cheney only said, “I beg to differ.”
Russert kept inquiring on why Cheney’s views differed so greatly from the people’s. He said only 39% of Americans thought the war in Iraq was worth it. Cheney said, “Well, Tim, people are obviously frustrated.” Apparently, the thought has yet to cross his mind that the war in Iraq might not be worth it.
Russert asked about a statement Cheney made the last time he was on the show. Cheney had said, “My belief is that we will, in fact be greeted as liberators.” Russert asked on 2003 show, “If your analysis is not correct, and we aren’t treated as liberators, but as conquerors, and the Iraqis begin to resist, particularly in Baghdad, do you think the American people are prepared for a long, costly, bloody battle, with significant American casualties?” Cheney simply said, “I don’t think it is likely to unfold that way.”
Had the Vice-President not even considered the consequences of the war not going as planned? Again, Cheney showed a deep disconnection, between not only his thoughts and the American people’s, but also his thoughts and reality.
Russert then put Cheney on the defense by asking him about Scooter Libby. Russert asked, “Do you think the President should pardon Scooter Libby?” Cheney responded, “I’ve said all I’m going to say on the subject, Tim.” Russert rephrased his question and Cheney responded with the same thing, word for word.
Russert ended by asking Cheney if he had been hunting since his accident. Cheney said, “No, sir, that was the end of the season.” The following conversation pursued:
Russert: Should I be relieved you didn’t bring your shotgun in today?

Cheney: Ah, I wouldn’t worry about that, you’re not in season.

Russert: Mr. Vice-President, I hope I never am.