People who think this way about Cheney have spent more time listening to the media describe him than they have actually listening to Cheney. Ever since Gulf War One I have thought he is exceptionally intelligent and well spoken.
When it comes to the debate between Cheney and Edwards, Cheney will make mincemeat of pretty-boy. The first time I heard Dick Cheney speak,which was many years ago, I turned to my husband and told him I had never heard anyone speak so well, off the cuff. If he had notes you would never have known it. I was thoroughly impressed and followed his career from then on. There is no way Edwards will have a grasp of world affairs, or anything else for that matter, the way Cheney will.
I agree -- Sullivan must not have listened to his eulogy at the state funeral for Reagan- it was VERY personal and not at all darth-like. The Leahy incident I am sure is not the only time the Fbomb has been dropped in our Congress, it just so happens to be reported when it's Cheney. Cheney is not a limelight speaker and he's not a firecracker so everyone assumes he's nefarious. It's ridiculous- he is a fantastic speaker and very intelligent.