Posted on 06/27/2004 9:44:32 AM PDT by kattracks
WASHINGTON (AP) — Majority Leader Bill Frist refused on Sunday to criticize Vice President Dick Cheney for cursing on the floor of the Senate in a confrontation with a Democratic senator.The Tennessee Republican indicated that Cheney's outburst at Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., can be attributed to political passions aroused by the election year. As vice president, Cheney acts as president of the Senate, although the majority leader has more authority over the body's operations.
On Tuesday, as Cheney and the senators gathered in the chamber for a photograph, Leahy struck up a conversation. Cheney challenged the senator about his frequent criticism of Halliburton Co., which Cheney formerly headed. In response, Leahy attacked the White House for not interceding when Leahy and other Democrats were portrayed as prejudiced against Roman Catholics for opposing one of President Bush's judicial nominees.
Cheney shot back an obscenity. He later confirmed to Fox News his use of the obscenity and said he felt better after saying it.
"It's a political season right now, where partisan feelings and emotions have come to the surface itself," Frist said when asked on CNN's "Late Edition" about the comment.
Despite that, he said, the Senate is doing its work well, avoiding gridlock that could result from a lineup of 51 Republicans, 48 Democrats and an independent. "We're delivering for the American people," Frist said.
"With regard to the vice president's comments, I did not hear the comments, did not witness the comments, but clearly they reflect a lot of that emotion," he said. "Without taking one side or the other, a lot of personal feelings are being expressed, and that emotion came out by the vice president, and I'll let the American people judge as to whether or not it was warranted."
Pressed whether he condones the use of such language in the Senate, Frist pointed out that the chamber was not in session at the time, "so I am not going to condone, I am not going to overly criticize the language that people in the -- the language that people use to express themselves."
On Saturday, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said President Bush had no problem with his vice president's language. "It's not an issue with the president," McClellan said.
I would give him a medal.
Looks like the top Republicans have clearly stated it : "That's it, the apology fad stops here!"
Finally!
Very well said!
I think that ''Leaky'' Leahy got his nickname because of his leaking of classified intelligence in the 1980's.
In 1985 he leaked info about phone intercepts of Egyptian President Mubarak. The info had made possible the capture of terrorists associated with the hijacking of the Achille Lauro, but the leak by Leahy cost the life of at least one Egyptian operative.
He also leaked classified info about a secret 1986 effort by the Reagan administration against Kaddhafi in Libya.
Profanity may be cathartic, but the truth (not profanity) is what needs to be said about him and many others in Washington.
are you directing thos comments to me?
Hey Mr. Vice President, you tell 'em!
GREAT BIG BALLS!!!
As an affront to our sensibilities and a clear sign that the country is going in the wrong direction, this should be put right up there alongside Abu Ghraib. I'm sure the media recognizes this imoportant fact.
I think your latest post layeth the smacketh downeth on the candy asses 'round here.
Politics is pugilism. We need to bare-knuckle up and put these scumbags in their place.
The interesting thing about this whole situation: where's John Kerry? TE-HE!
"This remark was made during a private conversation. If you want to blame someone for "corrupting" the children, blame it on Leahy for whining about it and media for reporting it as world shattering news."
Even better, BLAME LEAHY for setting a bad example for children by
BEARING FALSE WITNESS
against the Vice President!
leahy really pi$$$eth me off.
he is like the kid in school that constantly picks a fight with other "good kids" and then runs to the principle, when 'johhny be good' kicks his aarse and bloodies his nose....
"LOOK WHAT JOHNNY DID TO ME, PRINCIPLE STOVERR... Waaaaaa ! Are you gonna send him home, give him whacks, or suspend him? My nose hurts! See it's bleeding!"
"Jeee tiny leahy, I dunno, perhaps I will give him a choclate sundae, because I saw YOU start it all, you little pr$ck!" replies principal stoverr.
Cheney nailed him, and he ran to the press... what a pu$$.
Cheney is a HERO.
exactly right.
Leahy was thrown off the Senate Intelligence Committee in the 80s for leaking a draft report about the Reagan administration's support of the democratic freedom fighters in Nicaragua (Iran-Contra)
Oh, get over yourself.
Oh, get over yourself, too.
Leahy wanted to play kissy-face after stabbing Cheney in the back. Cheney told him what do.
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