Think Progress

CAUGHT ON TAPE: Cheney Claims Vice President Is ‘An Important Part’ Of Executive Branch

New evidence bolsters the case that Vice President Cheney himself considers his office to be part of the executive branch (except when he is attempting to avoid accountability and oversight).

Yesterday, ThinkProgress noted Cheney’s claim in 2001 that a congressional probe into his energy task force “would unconstitutionally interfere with the functioning of the executive branch.” Today, a White House video emerged showing Cheney acknowledging:

It’s really a function of the last 50 years or so that the vice president’s become an important part of the administration of the executive branch.

Watch it:

[flv http://video.thinkprogress.org/2007/06/vpexectshor.320.240.flv]

UPDATE: It’s worth noting that Politico’s Mike Allen published an article today claiming that Cheney’s office has “thrown in the towel” and will no longer argue that the VP’s office is not part of the executive branch. As emptywheel and Kagro X explain, this is simply not true.

Digg It!




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115 Responses to “CAUGHT ON TAPE: Cheney Claims Vice President Is ‘An Important Part’ Of Executive Branch”

  1. recoveringcatholic Says:

    These bastards have no shame.


  2. Flaco Says:

    That's my V.P.


  3. JG Says:

    So, the vice-presidency IS an important part of the executive branch, AND the vice-presidency ISN'T a part of the executive branch.. Oh.., now I get it! Thanks for explaining that and clearing that up.


  4. Namtillaku Says:

    "Up in the Senate, where I have a ceremonial office as well."

    -Dick Cheney


  5. mark Says:

    nice...


  6. Zappatero Says:

    "Where I have a ceremonial office" in the Senate.

    HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!


  7. Not Canadian Says:

    I still maintain that the Dick will retire due to health problems before this begins to totally collapse around him.

    Or die. It's what old people do, they die.


  8. marcus robinson Says:

    The mindless idiots who vote republican understand exactly what Dick head just. People who think for themselves are sratching their heads and saying "Am I to believe what I hear and see with my own eyes?"


  9. Spudge_Boy Says:

    "You're a lying sack of crap. You're a lying sack of crap. You're a lying stinking bubbling scheming sack of liquid crap." blink blink


  10. Spudge_Boy Says:

    That’s my V.P.

    Comment by Flaco — June 27, 2007 @ 2:02 pm

    Yep, yours all your and nobody else's, because he doesn't work in the United States government according to him.


  11. unbelievable Says:

    Cut his funding until he complies with the order.


  12. JG Says:

    It's a verbal slight of hand. You just keep saying something different and people are so busy trying to figure out what you are saying that they aren't watching what you are doing.


  13. spit take Says:

    The Dick Cheney: "The Office of the Vice-President is not part of the executive branch."

    TP: "But we have videotape of you saying that it is part of the executive branch."

    The Dick Cheney: "Oh... well, I think that is an unserious thing to say, to accuse me of lying, and it endangers our troops who are in harm's way."


  14. Kay Says:

    Ahem... : "This is where most of the crimes are committed"


  15. Jeff Weeks Says:

    Just another example of the worst administration in the history of our Country! What they need now is for Ann Coulter to spin and justify. Maybe Fox News can explain this flip flopping. Well maybe Oliver North can give Vice President Cheney a tip when explaining this so he can say I do not recall.


  16. VerbalKint Says:

    The lying is just pro forma for Cheney. He doesn't expect anyone to believe what he says. Even his supporters don't believe him. It is like a tobacco company executive saying that smoking doesn't cause lung cancer.


  17. Kay Says:

    Instead of blabbering on about frickin' Parisite Hilton : why isn't CNN bringing this to light?


  18. FunMe Says:

    The focus should be ..... cheney!

    He is more dangerous than Rove.

    Go after him Democrats, and DO NOT lose momentum.

    Democracy is more important than these FASCIST freak of nature like cheney.


  19. missmolly Says:

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Is there ANYBODY who sees Cheney as a man of honor and integrity now that he is completely exposed for the lying weasel he is? Oh wait -- there IS Jonah Goldberg......


  20. JG Says:

    I honestly think Cheney is inwardly laughing at everyone. He knows that nobody is going to really do anything and he believes nobody can touch him. Whenever I see him talking I always get the sense he finds this all humerous.


  21. veritas Says:

    What a lying piece of crap! This thug has refined the deceitful art of lying to unprecedented proportions. Get rid of him - he's contaminating this country. Surely, there's enough impeachable offenses and lies to do so now. Cut his funds and kick his sorry butt out the door.


  22. veritas Says:

    JG: Assuming that what you say is accurate, where is the honor and dignity in this individual? Where is the sense of responsibility which should come with the turf of VeeP? If you are correct, then he never should have been in this position in the first place....which makes the case ever so more dramatically now that he needs to go - immediately!


  23. Not Canadian Says:

    Instead of blabbering on about frickin’ Parisite Hilton : why isn’t CNN bringing this to light?

    Comment by Kay

    I've given up on relying on others to inform me, when there's many more outlets for keeping up-to-date on current events than the IDIOT BOX.

    News isn't fact until it's aged a while. And that's why the written word is usually more reliable when delivering the news.


  24. need to vote Says:

    I think Dickie is right, the Vice Presidents Office is not part of the Executive Office. I don't think it is part of the Legeslative branch either. It belongs to Halliburton. Simple and explains everything


  25. Think Prostate Says:

    "have no shame?", "lying sack"

    I've asked this before, but I've never got any good answers.

    Why do you expect them to "feel shame" or not to lie/cheat/steal? It's what they do best. It's what makes them money. It's what helps them to gain more power. Money, power and influence. Those things matter the most.


  26. veritas Says:

    And I believe a prosecutor would see what he is claiming now as a bold faced lie....which is an impeachable offense. Either way, one of these two sides of Cheney's schizoid coin is a lie. Either way, we have video proof of him lying....IMPEACHMENT IS NOW A FOREGONE CONCLUSION.


  27. ::: Says:

    all the smirking = A coup took place 6 years ago stupid American people...


  28. veritas Says:

    #27 When Halliburton was awarded their "highly illegal/no bid contract" (by Cheney), he broke the law. What's more, he provided evidence that this entire administration is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Big Oil. Nothing "executive" has been going on there, that's becoming clear. Get rid of both of these buffoons before they succeed in tanking this country as they both go down the tubes.


  29. Spudge_Boy Says:

    Instead of blabbering on about frickin’ Parisite Hilton : why isn’t CNN bringing this to light?

    Comment by Kay — June 27, 2007 @ 2:13 pm

    Well, that is simple.

    As a liberal news outlet, CNN likes to cover-up for conservatives.


  30. veritas Says:

    #30 You're absolutely right. The "coup on this democracy" began 6 years ago.....and was "in the works" with the Republican Congress for 6 years before that. Plenty of time for demons to do their dirtywork.


  31. veritas Says:

    Let the Impeachment Marches Begin!


  32. danielk Says:

    Who's the bolshevik hippie in the portrait behind him?


  33. Perry Logan Says:

    Clinton did this, too, you know. This is Bill Clinton's fault.


  34. John Says:

    doesn't this all depend on what the meaning of the word "is" is?


  35. IgnoranceIsNotBliss Says:

    Politico has this update (not that I totally trust politico): http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0607/4679.html


  36. veritas Says:

    Kay: The best thing I ever did for myself was to stop watching mainstream news. It was a continuing source of frustration when I realized that everything the public hears and sees has been "sanitized" by the Bush Propaganda Team. Don't believe a word you hear any longer. Do your own research and draw your own conclusions. The internet has become THE source for timely news (and accurate news) so don't bother with the moronic blather any longer.

    All anyone has to do is to read the actual source material which is generally 24 to 48 hours ahead of the sycophantic media whores and then wait for their rendition of it. Often it's almost unrecognizable in that it's content has been altered, facts intentionally omitted, and edited out the whazoo.

    Why subject yourself to such a futile exercise?


  37. me Says:

    #30 You’re absolutely right. The “coup on this democracy” began 6 years ago…..and was “in the works” with the Republican Congress for 6 years before that. Plenty of time for demons to do their dirtywork.

    i believe the coup goes back just a little bit farther. that would be the day they killed our president John F. Kennedy.


  38. veritas Says:

    #28 And this is precisely why we are swiftly becoming a "third world country". This country is the poster child for overt hypocrisy at this point.


  39. GSD Says:

    Remember when Bill Clinton asking what the meaning of the word " is is" caused rage on the Bush/Coulter Republican Kool-Aid Drinking Genocide Endorsing Domestic Spying Election Stealing Black Voter Caging Religious Sham Right?

    Now Deadeye Dick Cheney can claim the Veep's office is not part of the executive branch and the Republican Lemmings yell "Amen!".

    Funny stuff.

    -GSD


  40. need to vote Says:

    The problem is the Demo-cowards are afraid and won't do anything. They were elected to office about 6 months ago, and now have approval ratings lower than Georgie Bush (can't seem to call him president). Even after the people are coming to realize that the an executive branch, and everone related to it is made up of morans, the dumbest people, criminals, traitors, liers and a bunch of people willing to sell us to the highest bidder. I can't wait to become Northern Mexico. Or maybe see some of those secret rituals the executive branch performs.


  41. John Says:

    Dick Cheney isn't above the law, HE IS THE LAW ... because he is the Vice President and YOU ARE NOT.


  42. veritas Says:

    #40....and the "they" in your scenario (JFK) is none other than Bush 41....funny how he's been involved in both JFK and 911, isn't it? Check out the newly-released photo from the archives taken out in front of the school book depository the day JFK was murdered....and guess who is out front leaning against the building?? You got it! Guess who was head of the CIA at the time?? You got it! Guess who was instrumental in the coverup?? You got it!

    As they say: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Wake up, America!


  43. NDS Says:

    Dear Blogosphere,

    Stop trying to prove that Dick is in the Executive Branch. Of course he is. That is like trying to reprove gravity. His word isn't proof of anything... nor does it change anything... the only thing that matters is his compliance with the law.


  44. veritas Says:

    The Dems need to get their ducks in a row and/or grow some quick cajones or they will be SOL before the 08 election - just like the sick, twisted group of thugs the GOP is parading before us.

    Michael Boomberg's dramatic switch to Independent was the harbinger of things to come.


  45. Kay Says:

    I truly believe that past 6.5 years it has been the Darth Administration. Bush is an Alcoholic Puppet that is the Mouthpiece for this Evil Piece of Sh*t. (Dead-Eye Dick)

    It's amazes me to no end how this Lying Piece of Crap with all of his deferrments asks men & women to sacrifice their lives for WHAT?


  46. JG Says:

    JG: Assuming that what you say is accurate, where is the honor and dignity in this individual? Where is the sense of responsibility which should come with the turf of VeeP? If you are correct, then he never should have been in this position in the first place….which makes the case ever so more dramatically now that he needs to go - immediately!

    Agreed!!
    He should have gone a long time ago. He has no honor or character. I really don't think he cares about any of that. It is all about power, influence and money. I don't even know where his loyalties lie.
    I think a lot of his actions are about gathering more power to the executive. I think he has been planning this for a lot of years. He wants the executive branch to be all powerful and not accountable to anyone. He works in the shadows and has no respect for the constitution. He is a dangerous man in a powerful position. He really needs to go.


  47. JG Says:

    I'll say it again.. Read "VICE" by Lou Dubose and Jake Bernstein.


  48. J. Lewd Says:

    The "man's" hypocrisy should be rewarded with a public caning. Truly, he is the Antichrist.


  49. Not Canadian Says:

    Dick Cheney isn’t above the law, HE IS THE LAW … because he is the Vice President and YOU ARE NOT.

    Comment by John

    How do you blog online from inside your out-house?

    AMAZING!


  50. Pete Bogs Says:

    he would probably say it's a "part" of the executive branch, but not an "agency," which I think is the word used in the EO... they he'll talk about what the meaning of "is" is...


  51. Zimzone Says:

    Once a VP named Dick,
    Had charges that would not stick.

    He changed his position,
    Got some more ammunition

    (Insert last line here)


  52. DOES IT MATTER Says:

    HIS TIME IS UP! THE BAE SCANDAL AT HIS DOOR STEP ALONG W/THE REST OF THE BS WILL EVENTUALLY DAMN HIM LESS HIS FAKE HEART HAS PITY ON THE POOR BASTARD


  53. DM Says:

    The involvement of the VP in the affairs of the White House has never been an issue of constitutional powers, but political alignment -- you see, once upon the time the VP was the guy who came in second for President, and only in the Carter administration did the Veep even get an office in the White House.


  54. John Says:

    Cheney's claim/attempt not to belong in the Executive Branch calls to mind a slight twist on a famous quote from The Usual Suspects:

    "The greatest trick the Dick ever pulled was convincing the world that he didn't exist."

    Think on that one for a moment or two.


  55. werenotgonnatakeit Says:

    The GOP is commiting political suicide blocking the Democrats from removing these slimeballs. We threw Clinton under the bus for lying about his shwantz, it's time for Republicans to do the same for the good of the country. They're lying about EVERYTHING.


  56. Pete Bogs Says:

    in this clip, I keep expecting Cheney to go into a spiel about affordable life insurance... then again, why would he want anyone to have THAT?


  57. shane Says:

    i believe the coup goes back just a little bit farther. that would be the day they killed our president John F. Kennedy.

    Comment by me

    Me too. And somebody should subpoena Bush Sr.


  58. Kay Says:

    Once a VP named Dick,
    Had charges that would not stick.

    He changed his position,
    Got some more ammunition

    With gun pointed, click
    his pea-sized heart refused to tick.


  59. nolo Says:

    okay -- this guy clearly has
    a big hat -- and has very, very
    dangerous cattle
    !

    yep -- it is dick cheney!

    take a look; do click to enlarge!


  60. JG Says:

    Dick Cheney isn’t above the law, HE IS THE LAW … because he is the Vice President and YOU ARE NOT.- Comment by John

    Here you go:
    http://clerkkids.house.gov/laws/bill_veto_override.html
    How Laws Are Made

    I just looked through here and nowhere did I see a reference to Dick CHeney BEING the law...


  61. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Gee, don't you just LOVE video tape?


  62. JMOHR Says:

    I spent many years as a government litigator and in-house counsel for a large defense contractor. I always heard complaints concerning over regulation. Too many arcane rules to cover every aspect and possible meaning of the laws and regulations. However, the corporate and Republicans make such detailed regulations necessary. These groups tend to be overly legalistic attempting to twist any ambiguity (real or imagined) into the proverbial hole through which to drive a truck. This continually forces the government to react with more and more detailed regulations. Now many people would say that common sense and noting the spirit and purpose of the law should make interpretation relatively easy. However, I am reminded of a case I once litigated concerning a food service contract in which the contractor with a straight face argued that a constructive change took place under the contract since it was required to make sandwiches. The contract contained several general definitions. The one for food did not include sandwhiches as an example.

    Common sense, the contemporaneous interpretation and practice of prior administrations and the manifest purpose of dividing duties between the executive branch and the legislative branch with President of the Senate as a side duty of the Vice President should have settled the issue. Leave it to the Republicans to turn this into a major issue like so many others that will turn our system of laws into a morass in which any argument will create litigation and further complicate legislation.


  63. BARTLEBEE Says:

    “The greatest trick the Dick ever pulled was convincing the world that he didn’t exist.”

    Comment by John — June 27, 2007 @ 2:39 pm

    I don't ned a moment to think on that one. That one was good.


  64. Kay Says:

    Me too. And somebody should subpoena Bush Sr.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------
    But, the Bastard will just start sobbing and crying.
    Oh, heck.

    let's do it.


  65. spit take Says:

    # 59 -- that's exactly why I'm torn on this. Of course, for the good of the nation, Dick should go, and should go straight to prison. But as the '08 presidential race looms, Republic chances improve with every extra foot of space they can put between them and this corrupt and incompetent regime. With BushCo firmly in place, it becomes more of a certainty each month that the Democratic candidate will win the White House.

    I have to balance the amount of damage they can do in the next eighteen months (a lot, I'm guessing) against the dangers of another four years of psychotic Republic rule.

    I'm leaning toward weathering the next eighteen months and burying the Republic "majority" for good in November '08.

    I am, of course, not factoring in the emotional satisfaction that a Cheney downfall would bring.


  66. spit take Says:

    My bad -- I meant #58.


  67. John Says:

    #63: glad to see you have such a developed sense of how the world works.


  68. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Dick Cheney isn’t above the law, HE IS THE LAW … because he is the Vice President and YOU ARE NOT.

    Comment by John — June 27, 2007 @ 2:27 pm

    Really? Allow me to illuminate you with some facts presented on a level comprable to that statement.

    Constitution: The Three Branches of Government:

    Delegates at the Constitutional Convention also wanted to divide power within the federal government.

    They did not want these powers to be controlled by just one man or one group.

    The delegates were afraid that if a small group received too much power, the United States would wind up under the rule of another dictator or tyrant.

    From CONGRESS FOR KIDS

    http://congressforkids.net/ Constitution_threebranches.htm


  69. John Says:

    sorry, my attempt at humor did not come across properly on paper. I was taking a Cheney quote and trying to be sarcastic. guess sarcasm can be difficult in writing.


  70. toasterhead Says:

    Now now now he never said the the Vice Presidency was part of the Executive Branch. He said it's part of the administration of the Executive Branch. That's very different. Very very different.


  71. BARTLEBEE Says:


    To avoid the risk of dictatorship or tyranny, the group divided the new government into three parts, or branches:

    The executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

    By creating three branches of government, the delegates built a “check and balance” system into the Constitution.

    This system was built so that no one branch of our government could become too powerful.

    CONGRESS for KIDS

    http://congressforkids.net/ Constitution_threebranches.htm


  72. BARTLEBEE Says:

    No, I knew you were being sarcastic John, thats why I didn't criticize you, jus the statement. I was sort of "playing along".


  73. BARTLEBEE Says:

    I just can't help but swing at a slow pitch.


  74. John Says:

    got it.


  75. BARTLEBEE Says:

    He said it’s part of the administration of the Executive Branch. That’s very different. Very very different.

    Comment by toasterhead — June 27, 2007 @ 2:57 pm

    Really?

    Very different ay?

    So if you manage a Burger King, you don't work for Burger King?

    If you are the President or Vice President of Ford Motor Company, you are not a member of Ford Motor Company?

    Hmmmmm....


  76. Karim Says:

    Like a kid with his hand in the damn cookie jar.


  77. Mr. Bush Goes To Hell Says:

    EVERYONE know Dick Cheney is a LIAR, and so a TRAITOR TO THE USA

    For some reason, they are scared to do so; MAYBE they will be labeled "TRAITOR" or "UNPATRIOTIC" if they dare to do so...

    Nonetheless,

    Dick Cheney as well as George W. Bush are LIARS, WAR CRIMINALS, and TRAITORS to the USA and EVERY decent, human ideal it EVER stood for.


  78. John Says:

    i think he is being sarcastic too. see what i mean?


  79. War4Sale Says:

    Yes, but that was before Cheney had formed DICK US:

    The Department Illustrating Cheney's Kontempt for the United States.


  80. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Executive Branch: Headed by the president. The president carries out federal laws and recommends new ones, directs national defense and foreign policy, and performs ceremonial duties. Powers include directing government, commanding the Armed Forces, dealing with international powers, acting as chief law enforcement officer, and vetoing laws.

    Legislative Branch: Headed by Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The main task of these two bodies is to make the laws. Its powers include passing laws, originating spending bills (House), impeaching officials (Senate), and approving treaties (Senate).

    Judicial Branch: Headed by the Supreme Court. Its powers include interpreting the Constitution, reviewing laws, and deciding cases involving states’ rights

    From CONGRESS for KIDS

    http://congressforkids.net/Constitution_threebranches.htm


  81. Fed the Fcuk Up! Says:

    You know, this is looking more and more like children in a candy store in awe of all the shiny stuff and hyperactively excited about the possibility of indulging in some of the treats.

    Problem is that the children are supposed to be adults out shopping for food and necessities and that their diversion to the candy store is a selfish pursuit to satisfy their perverse and distorted desires.

    Remember the Iraq Genocide Project that you all support through complicit enabling? You know, that thing that murders, tortures, and oppresses innocent people and is wasting resources that we have no money to pay for so we're mortgaging our CHILDREN's future to invent the funds?

    But "progressives" don't care about this in the least. (well, not until September that is).

    Nope. The "progressive" attention is focused on soap opera-ish drama and story lines whose only potential is to tarnish or taint the image of public figures whose public opinion ratings are in the 20 percentile or LESS. Sweet looking and shiny little morsels that "progressives" just cannot resist pursuing in hopes of grabbing just a little taste of revenge.

    All the while the murder and atrocities committed by ALL AMERICANS through their representatives and agents continues unabated.

    Progressive indeed.


  82. BARTLEBEE Says:

    Here.

    I have prepared a test for any right wing throwbacks who still don't understand that the President, and the Vice President are part of the Executive branch.

    If you are still that inbred stupid, please take the following "pop quiz".

    You can find it at the following URL

    https://www.quizlab.com/secured/authenticate_limited.cfm

    The log in name is 2COOL4SKOOL

    The password is LAMEBRAIN

    When you log in click on “ CURRENT ASSIGNMENTS” to take the quiz.

    Enjoy.


  83. John Says:

    table for bitter.


  84. Katie Says:

    "That’s my V.P.

    Comment by Flaco"

    Ok, he's yours. Now, please take him and go away!


  85. OxyCon Says:

    I think DICK is cracking under the pressure of having all of his underhanded and illegal activities come to light.
    What else could explain such a lame obfuscation as his "I'm not in the Executive Branch" bullcrap?


  86. Katie Says:

    "The problem is the Demo-cowards are afraid and won’t do anything. They were elected to office about 6 months ago, and now have approval ratings lower than Georgie Bush (can’t seem to call him president). need to vote"

    You know, I am damn sick and tired about everyone saying that the Democrats in Congress has lower ratings than Bush. That is a lie. The truth is that Congress itself has lower ratings than Bush. And that is mainly because the Democrats can't get anything done because the Republics either filibuster them or Bush vetoes them. So, please tell me how the Democrats are supposed to get something done when they have a narrow majority in Congress and slim to none in the Senate (since LIEberman mostly votes with the Republics).

    So, since you seem to know it all, can you please tell us what the Democrats should be doing and how they can accomplish whatever it is? And if you can't come up with anything, please STFU!


  87. swampgas Says:

    and the “they” in your scenario (JFK) is none other than Bush 41…funny how he’s been involved in both JFK and 911, isn’t it? Check out the newly-released photo from the archives taken out in front of the school book depository the day JFK was murdered….and guess who is out front leaning against the building?? You got it! Guess who was head of the CIA at the time?? You got it! Guess who was instrumental in the coverup?? You got it!

    As they say: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Wake up, America!

    Comment by veritas — June 27, 2007 @ 2:27 pm

    GHW "Beef Jerky" Bush was head of the CIA from 1975 to 1977. Otherwise, you are 100% correct. The Bush's, all the way back to Samuel Bush, who in World War 1 was supplying tanks to Germans, to Prescott, who traded with Nazis, GHW Bush with JFK, Panama, Gulf War, and 9/11, to Dumbya himself, the latest incarnation of this mutant family.

    The country never recouped from JFK. There were brief moments during the 60s where society pushed back the War/Hate Machine, but sadly society has been dumbed down by Brainwashed News Media, Hormones in milk and Meat, pesticides in vegetables, Aspartame, Chemtrails, Bad music, Bad movies, bad art, bad literature, Bad TV, pollution, false "debates" about Global Warming, and so many more. I would imagine the first step is to see if we as individuals are being controlled by any of the things that truly brainwash us, and then change them.


  88. Kay Says:

    well said, Katie!


  89. BARTLEBEE Says:

    You know, I am damn sick and tired about everyone saying that the Democrats in Congress has lower ratings than Bush. That is a lie. The truth is that Congress itself has lower ratings than Bush. And that is mainly because the Democrats can’t get anything done because the Republics either filibuster them or Bush vetoes them. !

    Comment by Katie — June 27, 2007 @ 3:22 pm

    Better watch it Katie. That much truth will get the kindergarten keepers in here pretending to be liberals to condemn you for being too mean, lol.

    Seriously though, you said it right.


  90. Fed the Fcuk Up! Says:

    #89,

    The AUMF and Iraq "war" resolution of 2002 can both be revoked with a simple majority (ie; 1/2 of total voting members + 1) vote in congress and cannot be vetoed by the president.

    Is that simple enough?


  91. Jay Randal Says:

    Just impeach Darth Dicky Cheney and be done with him > PERIOD.


  92. frylock Says:

    Cheney is turning America into a Banana Republic. What a Sh#t head.


  93. SGT Higgins Says:

    During the twentieth and twenty-first centuries the vice president's role has evolved into more of an executive branch position, and is usually seen as an integral part of a president's administration. He presides over the Senate only on ceremonial occasions or when a tie-breaking vote may be needed. ------ From Senate.gov's main page.


  94. ForTruth Says:

    This is all decoy, so Karl can work uninterrupted.


  95. PRIMVS INTER PARES Says:

    It is, so... what's your point TP?


  96. swampgas Says:

    It is, so… what’s your point TP?

    Comment by PRIMVS INTER PARES — June 27, 2007 @ 3:59 pm

    And what is your point?

    Here's a question for you...

    How do you benefit as an individual from the Neo-Cons in power?


  97. BARTLEBEE Says:

    It is, so… what’s your point TP?

    Comment by POINTUS INTER ECONTRAS — June 27, 2007 @ 3:59 pm

    We've all seen your point.

    I suggest combing your hair over it, and maybe people will stop laughing at you.


  98. PRIMVS INTER PARES Says:

    FART&PEE, you have been brain-washed by your Muslim masters.


  99. BlueArkansas Says:

    I have to confess that I expected the Antichrist to look completely different. At minimum, I figured he would have a full head of hair...


  100. Brain From Planet Arous Says:

    FART&PEE, you have been brain-washed by your Muslim masters.

    Comment by PRIMVS INTER PARES — June 27, 2007 @ 4:06 pm

    Things getting slow on FreeRepublic and Drudge?


  101. Rufus Says:

    toasterhead makes an excellent point and the same one I would make. Leaving "administration" out of the printed quote is extremely disingenuous. In fact, the video in its entirety seems to paint Cheney as almost genuinely thinking what he so irrationally claims.


  102. bob Says:

    You've misquoted Dick. He said "important part of the administration of the executive branch"


  103. JPV Says:

    HEY! WHERE'S JAKE!!!

    Now that the Vice President finally agrees that he's a part of the Executive Branch, do you still stand behind all the BS comments you made?

    The Office of Vice President is Constitutionally unique in that it is not entirely within the Executive or Legislative branches.

    Comment by Jake — June 21, 2007 @ 11:53 am

    ---

    Executive Order 13292 specifically excludes the Office of Vice President from such oversight. In fact, Sec. 6.1. clearly defines “Agency” to mean any “Executive agency,” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105; any “Military department” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 102; and only other entities within the executive branch that come into the possession of classified information.

    http://www.fas.org/sgp/bush/eoamend.html

    Comment by Jake — June 21, 2007 @ 12:03 pm

    ---

    For the record, the Constitution does NOT clearly define the Vice President as a member of the Executive branch — as for the argument it is because of “Executive Privilege” being invoked, if I gave the President advice (I am not part of either Executive or Legislative branch), the PRESIDENT could assert the Privilege — it doesn’t matter from whom he gets advice.

    Comment by Jake — June 21, 2007 @ 3:39 pm

    ---

    The Office of Vice President is neither EXCLUSIVELY within the Executive branch nor the Legislative Branch. Because of the separation of powers argument, he is not “clearly” under the jurisdiction of the Senate Ethics Committee.

    Comment by Jake — June 21, 2007 @ 3:41 pm

    ---

    The Vice President also casts any tie-breaking vote in the Senate that influences the Congress’s policy for the whole nation, so by that logic, how can he NOT be a part of the Legislative branch? The Constitution does NOT vest any Executive power in the Vice President. Congress can easily stop Cheney by impeaching and convicting him — good luck with that.

    Comment by Jake — June 23, 2007 @ 11:40 pm

    IDIOT!!!


  104. Gregor Samsa Says:

    Branches in the US government according to the brain dead trolls (that would be you, jake):

    Legislative, Judiciary, Executive, & Dick Cheney

    with the last one being the only one not subject to any kind of checks and balances, let alone borne out of the popular vote.

    Idiots (that would be you again, jake).


  105. dave Says:

    seems like someone is herding sheep. americans point out this kind of shit like its a big joke. why dont you actually *do* something about it


  106. Jon P. Says:

    HOOK LINE AND SINKER!

    Hypocrisy at it's best...who better than good old Dick to serve it up.

    Sickening at best...Disgusting puke in my mouth at worst...

    Just a small part of what is to come...

    Can you believe people still fall for this?

    Like a dumb fish eating corn off a hook, slack jawed religious yokels still fall for it....I'm glad I'm not part of the 29% of dumb fish eating corn off a hook.


  107. Nathan Pannbacker Says:

    As head of the Senate, wouldn't Cheney preside over his own impeachment trial?

    It'd be a bit futile, wouldn't it?


  108. Patrick Says:

    Dick Cheney doesn't honestly care what the public thinks of him, he's said it himself.

    Something along the lines of "I don't have to run for office, so that makes it much easier to make decisions the public doesn't agree with."


  109. BARTLEBEE Says:

    FART&PEE, you have been brain-washed by your Muslim masters.

    Comment by ANUS INTER ECONTRAS — June 27, 2007 @ 4:06 pm

    You guys just sort of got screwed on the funny gene, huh?

    I'd try "FARTLEPEE", or "BARTLEBUM", or something that actually fits with the handle.

    It will be much funnier.


  110. PETER PARKER Says:

    I'm glad he doesn't comply with these schmucks whose only purpose is to exploit the situation for election year propaganda. Clinton didn't comply why should Cheney?

    I want nothing more than Americans to continue to be the laughing stock of the world. There is nothing more entertaining than bi partisan politics. Nothing more entertaining than watching sick Americans go after each others throats. Nothing more entertaining than watching the media twist the truth. The 2 party system is great! if I don't like A , I can always vote for B. It's wonderfull to have a choice.

    Since FDR took office, the role of the president has been defined as a dictatorship. I love it when the president creates his own legislature.
    FDR, LBJ , Bill Clinton and now GW Bush. This is great. I can e-mail the president my beef and in a blink of an eye a new executive order is produced. Who needs the senate when we have the president.

    What a great country we are. How did Nebraska ever get away with a Unicameral system. Good thing no other state follows it or else 1/2 of the politicians would be employed and life would suck with no bi-partisan beer fights.

    America. You got to love her. A country where truth is against the law and where lying is a time honored tradition.

    3 cheers for the Democrats, 3 cheers for the Republicans. Let's keep the 3rd parties out and say no to the Unicameral system. We need to ensure that special interests will have their say or $$ in politics.

    I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United Crooks of America.
    and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under disagreement, with liberty and justice for the minority and any other special interest group that enriches our favorite politician.

    Collectivism is the name of the game. Find your group, find your partner and kick up your heels.


  111. rachelle Says:

    ladies and gentlemen, i give you:

    the REAL Tricky Dick!!!


  112. seamus Says:

    Under president pizza á la fellatio we had:
    Twin Towers Trade Center 1993 -- unsuccessful attempt to bring down.Waco Branch Davidian burnout; inhumane, brutal, travesty Oklahoma City Murrah BuildingNot to be outdone, under dubya's first few months in office we got the inside job of 9/11, with nearly 30 times the death toll.I wonder if Will Rogers had half an idea of the extent of it when he observed that there ain't a dime's worth of difference between a Dem and a Repub.They most all dance to the same fiddler.
    http://www.ronpaul2008.com


  113. uaphi Says:

    America, nice place to live IN.


  114. Tom Says:

    For those that talk about Democracy being restored, Democracy is an illusion. It allows exactly what has happened to your country "TO HAPPEN". The founding fathers were against a democracy. America was intended to be a Rebublic. That is fact. In a Republic 99% cant enforce anything onto the remaining 1%. In a Democracy 51% basically control and determine not only their own fate and direction but that of the other 49%. The founding fathers were well aware of this. Its interesting to see I watched a small clip of Americans being asked what kind of political system it was founded on. I think only 1 in 10 were aware that America used to be a Republic, the remainder said Democracy........bzzzzz.....wrong!!! The more you see Democracy in action, the more you see it as a broken system. In a Democracy the rats and greddy bastards rise to the top. You can buy out enough of the media like Rupert Murdoch to control the opinions of an entire population, (Murdoch personally admitted he tried to influence public opinion on Iraq) and it's not just the media.
    Democracy is the slow transfer of wealth. Wealth that trickles uphill to the rich. Bastards whos greed has no end, and no cost is too high as long as the coin turns. When the price is life itself its an especially cheap price, and a bargain. Just as long as its not their life. Americas Democracy has led them to the brink of a Communist style of governing, your losingyour treasured and God given rights by the minute, and you have a Dictator who blatantly stole his Presidency. As for the re-election. I dont know. Im amazed it happened. I thought Americans were more savvy. Maybe they are. There was a lot of electronic voting after all :s


  115. Barb Says:

    Oh Gads, I hope people don't think all 60 year olds think (?) aka slink around like this! Many of us are quite sharp and were on to these guys in 2000 election. Did you vote for them? Did you get suckered in?



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