Posted on 05/15/2009 1:18:55 PM PDT by lewisglad
The former vice president's current media blitz begs a question: could he actually be planning a presidential run? Here are 8 signs you might be seeing "Cheney 2012."
Dick Cheney has always insisted he never wanted George W. Bush’s job. Seems unlikely he’d jump into the 2012 presidential fray, right? Not so fast. Cheney has been appearing on television with a frequency typically reserved for presidential aspirants, and if history is any guide (he selected himself for vice president in 2000), humility won't hinder him. Could he be gearing up for a run? Stranger things have happened—Richard Nixon, for example, was Cheney’s equal in provoking liberal ire, and it was eight years between his vice presidency and his presidential win in 1968. The Daily Beast gathers eight clues that Cheney—and his doggedly loyal supporters—are paving the way for his presidential run in 2012.
1. The media blitz
At this point, someone should just give him his own show. The former vice president has been carpet-bombing network news, taking to the airwaves to criticize President Obama every chance he gets. In the past few weeks, he’s spoken with Sean Hannity, Neil Cavuto, Bob Schaeffer, and radio host Scott Hennen. He’s also scheduled to give a major address to the American Enterprise Institute next week. The thrust of his message? “Obama is making us less safe.” It seems like we should expect more of Cheney, not less. “I'm not trying to start any rumors,” wrote Steve Benen at Washington Monthly, “but Cheney is certainly acting like a guy who plans to run for something. He's doing lots of media interviews, cultivating his connection with Limbaugh, attacking the president, and giving at least one speech at a major conservative think tank about his vision for the future.”
2. His old fans are coming out of the woodwork
The New York Sun's editors love Dick Cheney so much that they recently brought their deceased publication briefly back to life, apparently just to praise the idea of a presidential run by the former VP. An infamous Sun editorial in 2007 suggested Cheney run in 2008. And though that didn’t happen, the paper printed a reprise of said editorial last month on its previously defunct Web site, arguing that it made the right call at the time. "Our own view is that Mr. Cheney just might have beaten Mr. Obama, particularly if he had broken with Mr. Bush on the bailout of the banks and the seizure of AIG and Fannie Mae, actions that both Messrs. McCain and Obama backed.” And while the Sun stopped short of endorsing Cheney for 2012, writing instead that "a new generation of leaders" was needed, famed neocon Bill Kristol went all the way this week on his Weekly Standard blog, writing, "Of course, everyone’s first choice for president in 2012 is Dick Cheney." Given his close ties to the Bush administration, it is at least somewhat possible he wasn't being sarcastic.
3. He hasn’t said he’s not running for president
OK, that may not be enough to convince a jury of his peers, but as far as these things go, you’re in it until you say you’re not.
4. There could be a Bush on the ticket
They wouldn’t even have to print new bumper stickers. Speaking about former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on (no surprise) Fox News, Cheney said, “I like Jeb. I think he's a good man. I'd like to see him continue to stay involved politically.” He added, “I'd probably support him for president.” Does Cheney think his best shot would be to hitch his wagon to a Bush’s star, or perhaps, more sinisterly, does he realize the only name less popular than his own—and therefore the easiest to beat in a primary—is Bush?
5. Republicans are too scared to tell him not to
Would you want to stand in Cheney’s way? In a Washington Post article about Republicans’ uneasiness over Cheney’s attacks on the Obama administration, not a single critic would go on the record. “Cheney remains powerful enough that most of his GOP critics are not willing to take him on in public,” the Post wrote. "The fact that most people want to talk [not-for-attribution] shows what a problem it continues to be," said one Republican strategist who talked not-for-attribution. "Cheney continues to be a force among many members of our base, and no one has the standing to show him the door."
6. He’s younger than John McCain
That’s right. Despite his four heart attacks (the first one suffered at age 37) and his geezerly stoop (complete with an inauguration stint in a wheelchair), the former vice president is only 68 years old—four years younger than John McCain. And come 2012, he would be 72, the same age McCain was in 2008.
7. He’s chosen himself before
In 2000, Dick Cheney was appointed to the head of George W. Bush’s vice-presidential search committee. After surveying the field, he chose himself. Over the last eight years, his self-regard has only grown. Which could mean he’s in line to give himself a promotion.
8. It’d probably go better than last time
It’s true that he still lacks a particularly large base of support, but after eight years as vice president, it must be somewhat bigger, right? And, now that he swims in the deep end, he’s shed some of the baggage that prevented his campaign from taking off in 1996. "You have to be a little bit crazy to run for president," Bill Kristol theorized at the time, "and Dick Cheney is a very sane man."
As Chris Matthews always says (so that nothing important care be discussed):
“Are you going to run are you going to run are you going to run are you going to run are you going to run are you going to run are you going to run are you going to run . . .”
I had Dick and Jane in the ‘40s
Why are we pimping a third-rate nothing website whose biggest claim-to-fame is the bloated, barely literate daughter of a failed POTUS candidate? Is there nothing actually worth reading or discussing out there?
He's become the go-to guy for the Republican Party in recent weeks for one simple reason: He has NO political aspirations, so he doesn't have to worry about being delicate or politically correct about anything for political reasons.
I like the old guy, and I think he’d make a good president, but I would bet against his actually jumping in.
He’d have my vote, my time, and loads of my money. Cheney/Palin 2012.
That being said — I think there is almost NO chance of Cheney seeking election. He may well be of better service to the country to join Rush as the wise sages of conservatism. He can be the Republican Party’s Yoda.
SnakeDoc
If there is a terrorist attack on the US..then he would be hands down a winner.
Unless......we all start praying for the miracle healing of his heart so that we may have one more chance, and NOT blow it this time. =)
I think Cheney is just being a good elder statesman, there are few enough of those in the Republican party. The Rs surely need someone with the guts to stand up to the dims policies, defend against the “blame everything on Bush” tenor of the Obama administration, and try to help support our troops by bringing the dims stupidity on the war issues to light.
Wishful thinking...
Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.
BS meter going WAY up.
Chenney will not run for President. He is simply not the kind of man that will lay down and let his character and the TRUTH be steamrollered by the clowns in Odumbo’a administration or the MSM. Chenney knows the facts and has the guts to go out and fight for them. Chenney was never really a “compassionate conservative” like W claimed to be. Chenney is also giving cover for more conservatives individuals to come out and speak their minds. Chenney can, and ENJOYS taking the heat from the MSM! He LOVES playing with these pathetic losers and making them look like the pud knockers they are.
I am PROUD that I voted for Dick Chenney in the past and I would be PROUD to vote for him again!
Not gonna happen. I think he’d like to because he loves his country and KNOWS it needs rescue but his health won’t allow it. Needless to say if he changed his mond I’d be on board in a heart beat! I’d also be on board if Lynne Cheney ran or if Liz found a spot on a ticket.
The media and punditry are too jaded to see why Cheney is doing what he's doing. He's genuinely outraged at the way the Obama administration and Dems have been trashing the reputations of all who served in the Bush administration with their ridiculous claims of war crimes and threats of prosecutions. Seeing no Republican speaking out, certainly not Dubya who couldn't explain his policies when in office, he's doing it himself. Which is just fine by me - Cheney is a better debater and smarter guy than any of the current Republican "leaders" in Washington.
BTTT
His heart isn’t up to snuff to take on a pressure cooker job like the presidency. However, he would get my vote anytime.
Gracious Loser
The election is over. It is time to repair friendships with the other party. Governor Sarah Palin is doing her part to do just that.
The rest of the world cannot understand how after bitter election campaigns American politicians can kiss and make-up.
For instance, Gov. Palin has invited to her great state of Alaska the men who defeated her, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. She has set up a moose hunting trip for their enjoyment and hired three prominent experts in their field to assist them.
Dick Cheney will lead them on the hunt, Ted Kennedy will drive them back to their cabins each evening, and Bill Clinton will entertain their wives and daughters.
What a lady! That Sarah is such a sport and thinks of everything!
Yes he would. I wasn’t commenting on Cheney’s viability, I’d work 40 hours a week on his campaign to get him elected. He’s fast becoming the leader of the American Conservative, and we couldn’t ask for a better one.
I was just comment on the non-existent relevance of The Daily Beast.
I strongly doubt that he will run, but if he did, he’s my guy!
I also think that he would win the nomination if he tried to get it, and would win the election, because without New York City or Los Angeles residents in the electorate, Obama stands no chance!
LOL!! I like your style.
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