Cheney: Obama has 'learned from experience' that Bush was right

The Hill ^ | January, 17, 2011 | Daniel Stauss

[jazusamo]

President Obama has “learned from experience” that some of the Bush administration’s decisions on terrorism issues were necessary, according to former Vice President Dick Cheney.

In his first interview since undergoing major heart surgery last July, Cheney said he thinks Obama has been forced to rethink some of his national security positions now that he sits in the Oval Office.

"I think he's learned that what we did was far more appropriate than he ever gave us credit for while he was a candidate. So I think he's learned from experience. And part of that experience was the Democrats having a terrible showing last election."

Cheney also asserted that Obama has learned that the prison at Guantanamo Bay simply cannot be closed, despite the promises he made while campaigning for the White House.

"I think he's learned that he's not going to be able to close Guantanamo," Cheney said. "That it's — if you didn't have it, you'd have to create one like that. You've got to have some place to put terrorists who are combatants who are bound and determined to try to kill Americans."

Cheney made the comments about Obama in an interview that is set to air Tuesday on NBC’s “Today.” The interview was Cheney's first since before he underwent heart surgery in July. Doctors introduced a device into his heart that pumps blood from the ventricle chamber to his aorta.

The former vice president cited the Obama administration’s expanded use of drones in Pakistan as more evidence of continuity from the policies of the Bush White House.

"As I say, I think he's found it necessary to be more sympathetic to the kinds of things we did," Cheney said. "They've gotten active, for example, with the drone program, using Predator and the Reaper to launch strikes against identified terrorist targets in the various places in the world."

Cheney also weighed in during the interview on the Arizona shooting that left six people dead and injured 13, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.). Cheney was cautious about what role heated political rhetoric played in the shooting.

"I think the event was caused by a deranged individual. And — that's where we ought to look in terms of trying to assess guilt," Cheney said.

But Cheney also said that it was important not to squelch spirited political debate in the shooting’s aftermath.

"I don't think we should anticipate that we can somehow take a system that was designed for political combat, if you will, between the parties, between ideas, between principles and set that aside. I wouldn't want to do that," Cheney said. "That's the heart and soul of our political system. And that's basically a good thing."

Cheney also confirmed an account from President George W. Bush's recently released memoir, “Decision Points,” that he had offered to resign multiple times during his administration.

"I didn't wanna stand in the way if, in fact, that kind of decision would enhance the president's prospects of winning reelection in 2004 when he was up against John Kerry," Cheney said. "And I thought he ought to have the freedom to change anybody he wanted, including me."

[Popman]

As President Bush said when he shook Obama’s hand at the inaugural,”It's all yours now”

Obama in his arrogance probably thought it was a compliment

[jazusamo]

Cheney is one of very few politicians I’d like to meet for a beer and some conversation.

What a pleasure that would be. There's no bs about him, he says it like it is and makes no excuses and has the nation at heart.

[MattinNJ]

Cheney is the man. I still vividly remember him totally and easily dominating Lieberman and Edwards at the Veep debates. It's hard to score a clear victory in those but Cheney won it with ease. In fact, you could tell he was taking it easy on Lieberman because they were friends-right up until Lieberman tried to attack Cheney for making too much money at Haliburton

From memory

Lieberman: You made a lot of money at Haliburton

Cheney: Yes, I did-and I can tell you that the goverment had absolutely nothing to do with it KAPOW

Lieberman: My wife says maybe I should go into the private sector

Cheney: Hey, I am trying to help you Joe PAPOW.

[castlegreyskull]

Obama is incapable of learning. I believe some on his staff learned you can’t close GITMO.

[Catsrus]

I, like Mark Levin, think that Dick Cheney was the best VP we’ve ever had. I love his toughness, even if I don’t agree with all of his positions. He isn’t one to mess with.

I love that look he gave the child-in-chief at the inauguration - priceless!

[jazusamo]

Thanks! That’s hilarious and all true.

[MIchaelTArchangel]

I will be bold enough to correct Dick Cheney. The statment "Obama has learned from experience that Bush was right." is incorrect. The correct version is "Obama has learned from experience that Bush IS right."

[I still care]

He and his wife also gave huge amounts of money to charity while he was vice pres. The media tried very hard not to give them credit for it, but they gave millions.

[Billthedrill]

0bama was a changed man after he started getting the briefings.

[reefdiver]

I hope He gets a heart and lives another 20 years.

[pingman]

If ever there was a prophetic photograph, this is it.

[Radio Free American?]

Good point!

[jazusamo]

I believe you’re right. Though he’d never admit it he realized just how ignorant he was and how dire the situation is.

[MattinNJ]

I cannot wait for his book. It is going to be amazing.

[frposty]

“I don’t think we should anticipate that we can somehow take a system that was designed for political combat, if you will, between the parties, between ideas, between principles and set that aside. I wouldn’t want to do that,” Cheney said. “That’s the heart and soul of our political system. And that’s basically a good thing.”

A great truth!

[rockinqsranch]

“Cheney and Rumsfeld would be a trip!”

Oh yeah. The two of those guys!? THAT would be one “H” of a good time talking to those two.