Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Cheney 'Answers' Obama, Defends Bush Policy

Says he's 'firm proponent' of 'enhanced interrogation program'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 21, 2009 11:38 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Dick Cheney offered an “answer” to President Obama’s national-security speech today, standing up for the policies of the Bush administration and saying he remained “a strong proponent of our enhanced interrogation program,” CNN reports. “In the fight against terrorism,” Cheney said, “there is no middle ground, and half-measures leave you half-exposed,” Politico adds. President Bush aimed to ensure 9/11 wasn’t “a prelude to something worse.”

Acknowledging the pressures on any administration, the former vice president slammed Obama’s plans to close Guantanamo as made with “little deliberation and no plan,” the AP notes.  “When [terrorists] see the American government caught up in arguments about interrogations,” he said, “they see weakness and opportunity.” Obama, Cheney said, should make choices not based on “slogans and campaign rhetoric, but on a truthful telling of history.”

Former Vice President Dick Cheney stops to greet passers-by outside the CBS television studios in Washington, May 10, 2009. Cheney was interviewed on Face the Nation.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney stops to greet passers-by outside the CBS television studios in Washington, May 10, 2009. Cheney was interviewed on "Face the Nation."   (AP Photo)
This photo provided by CBS shows former Vice President Dick Cheney appearing on the CBS news show Face the Nation, May 10, 2009, in Washington.
This photo provided by CBS shows former Vice President Dick Cheney appearing on the CBS news show "Face the Nation," May 10, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo)
This photo provided by CBS shows former Vice President Dick Cheney appearing on the CBS news show Face the Nation, May 10, 2009, in Washington.
This photo provided by CBS shows former Vice President Dick Cheney appearing on the CBS news show "Face the Nation," May 10, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 41 comments
JonmarkP
May 26, 2009 9:01 AM CDT
Anyone who would torture an animal or person is defective - it really is as simple as that. The same goes for those who support torture. If you believe the end justifies the means, you may be an Evangelical who takes every opportunity to lecture others about their morals.
JonmarkP
May 26, 2009 8:55 AM CDT
Cheney to the gallows. I'd pay good money to watch.
Shannonals
May 24, 2009 8:49 AM CDT
What's hilarious is the media is talking to Cheney more now than when he was the Vice President.

 
Bush administration • national security • Dick Cheney • torture • terrorism • homeland security • vice president • harsh interrogation • President Obama

More Newser Stories

Bush Considered Dumping Cheney in '04

Joe Klein: Gulf Spill Is Bush's 2nd Katrina

Condi Rice: Give Obama a Break on Terrorism

CIA Head Was OK With Destroying Torture Tapes

Liz Cheney Thrives as Dad's Attack Dog
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne