Politics? This Was Ali vs. Frazier

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted May 21, 2009 8:41 PM CDT

(Newser) – Today's "televised smackdown" between Obama and Cheney was the "political world's equivalent of Ali-Frazier," writes Dana Milbank in the Washington Post. After the president warned against "fear-mongering," Cheney came out swinging. He "used the word 'attack' 19 times, 'danger' and 'threat' six times apiece, and '9/11' an impressive 27 times. It was as if all the angry thoughts edited out of his speeches by Bush aides over eight years were finally free to tumble forth."

Given their popularity ratings, the president should be the easy victor in this debate, but "for the moment, at least, Obama's intellectual arguments can't match Cheney's visceral rage." Obama "seemed slightly off his game" and mostly "defensive," while Cheney sneered and growled. "It is a serious step to begin unraveling some of the very policies that have kept our people safe since 9/11," he warned. Concludes Milbank: "A swift uppercut to Obama's chin! Nine more 9/11 jabs and Cheney was ready for his rubdown."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Former Vice President Dick Cheney speaks at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, Thursday, May 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

President Barack Obama delivers an address on national security. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

President Barack Obama delivers an address on national security at the National Archives in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

President Barack Obama pauses as he delivers an address on national security at the National Archives in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Even if Cheney can't reverse the new administration's policies, he's building a case for Obama to be blamed if there is a terrorist attack on his watch. - Dana Milbank, Washington Post

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

nick

May 23, 2009 1:57 AM CDT

RavKester: You question Obama's leadership? Have you been asleep for the last 8 years? Flashback: Seven years ago, Bush received ‘Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S.’ memo. And you claim that Bush and Cheney's great leadership kept our Country safe? How so?

ILikeMyDogMoreThnU

May 22, 2009 12:42 PM CDT

Did he just compare Dick Cheney to Frazier? Ummm I think not.

Snarfeh

May 22, 2009 5:19 AM CDT

When I hear Dick talking about 9/11, terrorism and attacks on our country, I can't help but think of the bad guys in 24...the character "Jones Hodges" comes easily to mind which means Rove has to be "Alan Wilson" with Shrubya as the "Charles Logan" of the pack. Biden is "Chloe" due to his propensity to speak out of turn and tactlessly. Too freakin' bad no one is "Jack Bauer"....

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