By: David Bibo
Barton Gellman and Jo Becker are in the middle of a fascinating four-part Washington Post series on the VeeP of VeePs, Richard B. Cheney. The first two parts (yesterday and today) are focused on Cheney’s expansion of presidential power, an activity that has had a tremendous impact in the international security space.
Gellman and Becker explore in depth the differences between the Cheney vice-presidency and those of his predecessors. Where Dan Quayle’s tenure consisted of “this international traveling…this political fundraising…[and] going to the funerals,” Cheney focused his early days on “making up lists of nominees” for such positions as Secretary of Defense, State, and Treasury.
There are too many fascinating aspects to the first two parts to list or quote here. Anyone interested in presidential power, detainee treatment, and how Cheney has changed the notion of the role of the VP possibly forever should take the time to read every word.
Comments 1
How will the Cheney factor affect VP nominations for the 2008 race, I wonder. Given that Cheney’s approval ratings are even lower than Bush’s, might the GOP nominee deliberately choose the anti-Cheney? Someone who will pledge not to meddle? Or maybe it will be the opposite, and candidates will use the beefed up VP role as a reason to choose an international security expert (I hear wildly unsubstantiated rumors about Hillary courting Wes Clark).
Posted 25 Jun 2025 at 4:33 pm ¶Post a Comment