In the past, Presidents have used their Vice Presidents as bulldogs to say the tough things that do not necessarily "rise" to the level of dignity that a President should display. The best, and worst, example of this was Spiro Agnew within the Nixon Administration. He did the bare-fisted fighting with the media and the "effete imputent snobs" which Nixon felt he couldn't, as President.
I know Dick Cheney is a man of dignity, but he should be assigned to go around and rub the Democrats' and the media's nose in stories like this. Perhaps he's gearing up for this, taking Kerry and Dems to task a bit this week, but something like what you stated needs to take place. It's long past due.
Yes, It's long past due .. but I still believe the President has a hard time saying ugly things about people .. it's just not who he is.
And .. you're correct .. recently Cheney has been dishing it out pretty heavy. For the first time, I heard Cheney actually mentioning Clinton by name, as Cheney told of all the attacks upon America during the 90's which were never answered.
Since Cheney has begun this attack .. I am hoping it will not stop but will increase until the election.