Cheney blasts "second-rate" Obama nominees

Former Vice President Dick Cheney speaks during the Republican Committee Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at the Little America Hotel in Cheyenne, Wyoming. / AP Photo

CHEYENNE, Wyoming Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Saturday night that President Barack Obama has jeopardized U.S. national security by nominating substandard candidates for key cabinet posts and by degrading the U.S. military.

"The performance now of Barack Obama as he staffs up the national security team for the second term is dismal," Cheney said in comments to about 300 members of the Wyoming Republican Party.

Cheney, a Wyoming native, said it was vital to the nation's national security that "good folks" hold the positions of secretary of state, CIA director and secretary of defense.

"Frankly, what he has appointed are second-rate people," he said.

John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, has been confirmed as secretary of state. CIA designate John Brennan and defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel are still awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation.

• Amid protests, Brennan defends drone program
• Despite delay, WH confident of Hagel's confirmation

Wyoming's two U.S. senators, Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, voted for Kerry's confirmation. Both Enzi and Barrasso gave introductory speeches for Cheney Saturday night.

Cheney said Hagel, a former Nebraska U.S. senator, was chosen because Obama "wants to have a Republican that he can use to take the heat for what he plans to do to the Department of Defense."

He said Obama's plans are to allow severe cuts in U.S. defense spending, which would limit the capability of the U.S. military to respond to future foreign crises well after Obama has left office.

"He is today ... establishing what limitations will be on future presidents," Cheney said.

Cheney noted that the security situation in the Middle East and North Africa has worsened under Obama's watch with Iran actively pursuing nuclear weapons and with turmoil in Egypt, Syria, Mali and elsewhere.

"That part of the world is as dangerous now as it has ever been," he said.

The Obama administration's response has been to pull back U.S. military presence and influence, resulting in rising mistrust of the U.S. from allies such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, he said.

Despite Obama's re-election victory, Cheney said he hopes Republicans can revive their political fortunes by holding to conservative principles.

"I believe we're all going to pull together, work hard, dig in and do what needs to be done," he said.

Cheney, who received a heart transplant about a year ago, appeared fit, although his voice turned hoarse on occasion during his half-hour speech.

[cbs_bull]

How come this first-rate war criminal hasn't been tried and sent to prison or Hell?

[petesidds]

I have no idea.

[stamicrach]

Could it possibly be all of Obama's "nominees" are second rate, because no first rate individuals would want to be associated with the failures of his last term?

For those who don't remember; the last terms nominees were second rate.

Others appointed by Obama were appointed at a time when Congress was not in Session; so they would not have to be vetted by Congress.

Does this tell you anything.??

BTW; I also think Cheney was one of the worst VP's this country ever had.

I honestly believe he was the one who was really "President" during both of GB2's terms; pulling G'S strings; just as Soros and his traitorous ilk are pulling Obama's.!

We have reached the point where; between these two Presidents and Congress; the American people don't stand a chance.!

[me_nz]

As if anyone cares what a third rate puppeteer who pulled the strings for a fourth rate president thinks about anything. If Cheney had any a shred of decency he would have found a huge hole and buried himself in the shame of his and Bushes incompetence and NEVER be heard of again.

[outback_jackson]

Dirty dickie cheney is a legend in his own mind, and needs to evaporate!

[OldTimeTruth]

Dick Cheney "Little drip in a big lake"

[clpennzz]

Anyone else see the resemblance between him and Old Man Potter from It's a Wonderful Life? He and Rumsfeld need to be imprisoned in an "undisclosed location" for the rest of their natural lives.

[rkirchem]

This from a third-rate hack.

[robert1129]

a plea to the media - Please let this old fossil dormant. He has done more than enough harm to the USA. As the article states, both GOP WY Senators voted for Kerry. They will most likely vote for the other two guys also. So much for Cheney's opinions.

[geauxtigersLSU]

Can't someone direct a magnetic ray at Cheney's chest... ?

Please?

It doesn't get any more "second rate" than Dick Cheney.

It was Nietzsche who said, to wit, be careful when you fight monsters lest you become one...

With Dick Cheney at issue, I'll gladly assume the risk.

[VO142857]

Dick himself was a third-rate nominee.