Oct. 2, 2008

VP Candidates Assess Dick Cheney

CBS Evening News: Biden And Palin Answer Katie Couric's Vice-Presidential Questions

  • Play CBS Video Video Biden, Palin On Dick Cheney

    Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin share their thoughts on the best and worst parts of current Vice President Dick Cheney's career. Katie Couric reports.

  • Video Biden, Palin On Past VPs

    Which U.S. vice presidents have impressed Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin? Katie Couric finds out.

  • Video VP Noms On Favorite Movies

    Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin share their favorite movies with Katie Couric.

  • Photo

     (CBS)

(CBS)  Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin have put in some very long days preparing for their Thursday night debate. To give voters a better sense of who these candidates are, and where they stand on a number of issues, CBS News anchor Katie Couric asked Biden and Palin some "Vice Presidential Questions. In this installment, they explain what they think are the best - and worst - things Dick Cheney did as second-in-command.

Click here to read more of what the vice-presidential candidates had to say and see our series, "Presidential Questions."




Katie Couric: What do you think is the best and worst thing that Dick Cheney has done as vice president?

Joe Biden: I'm not being a wise guy here ... that I don't know what he's done. I mean, there's not many things I'd pick that I thought he's done that have been good. But I admire his strength. I admire his willingness to take positions that are completely contrary to popular opinion. But I think that what he's done has been just, I don't think Dick Cheney trusts that the American people can make judgments that are in the interest of the country. But the thing I think he's really, really has done: I think he's done more harm than any other single high elected official in memory in terms of shredding the constitution. You know, condoning torture, pushing torture as a policy. This idea of a unitary executive, meaning the Congress and the people have no power in a time of war, and the president controls everything. I don't have any animus toward Dick Cheney but I really do think his attitude about the constitution and the prosecution of this war has been absolutely wrong.

Sarah Palin: Worst thing, I guess that would have been the duck-hunting accident, where you know, that was an accident. And that I think that was made into a caricature of him. And that was kind of unfortunate.

So, the best thing though, he's shown support, along with George W. Bush, of our troops. And I've been there when George Bush has spoken to families of those who have suffered greatly, those who are serving in the military. I've been there when President Bush has embraced those families and expressed the concern and the sympathy speaking for all of America in those times. And for Dick Cheney to have supported that effort of George Bush's. I respect that.

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Video and Galleries from CBS Evening News

Add a Comment See all 115 Comments
by jimlayton October 2, 2008 7:06 PM PDT
Has Sarah been at any such ceremonies or speeches?
Reply to this comment
by dand222 October 2, 2008 7:41 PM PDT
Show support to the troops? I guess that''s the least he can do, since he and Bush manufactured the *** Iraq war. If she thinks he supports the troops, she should see how he supports his buddies at Haliburton.
Reply to this comment
by chimpyout October 2, 2008 7:44 PM PDT
Cheney is an abomination. Biden continues to be verbose and silly. Whichever way we vote, it''ll be with holding our noses.

After over 200 years, are these respective tickets the best we can do? From the revered great Federalist leaders down to the choice facing us next month?
Reply to this comment
by republic1776 October 2, 2008 7:45 PM PDT
My Boss said today.
"Be Proud, we are a all black company"
He lied!
I am "white"
Should I sue?
Reply to this comment
by mlr_08 October 2, 2008 7:51 PM PDT
Gulliberal: I can provide nothing of substance as to what Palin''s qualifications are, therefore I troll.

Anyone: *posts*

Gulliberal: *quotes & trolls*
Reply to this comment
by dand222 October 2, 2008 7:52 PM PDT
gulliberal

Going back to your bogeyman Clinton, huh? Did you know that the Iraq war started when Bush was commander in chief, or did you forget that minor detail? Is your theory that Clinton went back to the White House, kicked the door down, and put an armlock on Bush to make him manufacture the war?
You republitards are all the same. Is Clinton the cause of your inablity to think also?
Reply to this comment
by lite530 October 2, 2008 7:52 PM PDT
I wouldn''t think anyone would accuse Joe of being wise.
Why would anyone have any interest in his opinion on anything?

Should he ever become Vice President we could stay awake at night trying to imagine his fireside chats.
What a nightmare.
Reply to this comment
by re1979 October 2, 2008 7:57 PM PDT
"Worst thing, I guess that would have been the duck-hunting accident, where you know, that was an accident." Are you serious? I mean are you really being serious in this interview, Sarah? Is this her real answer? Where in the hell did he find this woman? Democrat and Republican politics aside-does this sound like a serious answer?
Reply to this comment
by mlr_08 October 2, 2008 7:57 PM PDT
"We can''t provide specifics as to what makes Palin qualified to be VPOTUS. We cannot find viable excuses for her disastrous interviews. Therefore we attempt to turn the focus from her."

Deflection fails.
Reply to this comment
by re1979 October 2, 2008 7:58 PM PDT
"Worst thing, I guess that would have been the duck-hunting accident, where you know, that was an accident." Are you serious? I mean are you really being serious in this interview, Sarah? Is this her real answer? Where in the hell did he find this woman? Republican and Democratic politics aside-does this sound like a real answer?
Reply to this comment
by wl7bzh October 2, 2008 7:58 PM PDT
You need to wonder if you''ve been in Alaska too long when female politicians start looking good.

You know you''ve been in Alaska too long when you can''t tell the Walruses from the female politicians.

I never had that problem when I was in Alaska because I knew Walruses didn''t dip snuff.
Reply to this comment
by bajajohn1 October 2, 2008 7:59 PM PDT
Sarah is clueless. Cheney was hunting quail.
Reply to this comment
by dand222 October 2, 2008 8:03 PM PDT
So the Iraq war is all Clinton''s fault? This is rich! lol. Tell me republitard, have you been able to tie Clinton to WWII yet? Have your republitard researchers been able to tie him to Christ''s death yet? I got a speeding ticket last month. Can you go to court with me and explain to the judge it was Clinton''s fault? I would greatly appreciate it.
Reply to this comment
by beap3 October 2, 2008 8:11 PM PDT
Worst things Cheney has done to the country -

Biden: eroded the constitution
Palin: a duck hunting accident

So either Palin hasn''t been paying attention - or she thinks the duck hunting accident is worse than erroding the Constitution.
Reply to this comment
by rdishml October 2, 2008 8:17 PM PDT
Sara the mighty hunter doesn''t know a quail from a duck. Cheney shot his friend while QUAIL HUNTING in Texas not DUCK HUNTING as Sara said in tonight''s latest disaster. She''s a fake as a hunter and a vp candidate. Disgusting.
rdishml
Reply to this comment
by ivandrago October 2, 2008 8:19 PM PDT
I guess Palin isn''t considering all the soldiers that Cheney helped get shot in the face. That Cork Soaker. Both of ''em.
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:20 PM PDT
tell the class how barackO was so smart NOT to vote for the Iraq War - then explain to the class how it COULD have never happened, since barackO was still an IL state official at the time of the vote...

Posted by gulliberal
________

You are correct. Obama was in the Illinois State Senate when our Congress gave Bush the green light to invade Iraq. I don''t think anyone is debating this fact. Obama did go on record at the time, however, in stating his opposition to that legislation. It''s unfortunate that there weren''t more Democrats brave enough to vote their convictions.
Reply to this comment
by bagdadshere4 October 2, 2008 8:20 PM PDT
***** Cheney scares the LeftWings and I know they hate him. But he"s an idol to me. I admire his strength on dealing with difficult situations. He"s not only a bords hunter but also a brilliant terrorists hunter. There"s never been so many terrorists in prisoned thanks to Cheney and Bush.
Reply to this comment
by rdishml October 2, 2008 8:20 PM PDT
Sara the mighty hunter doesn''t know a quail from a duck. Cheney shot his friend Whittington while QUAIL HUNTING in Texas not DUCK HUNTING as Sara said in tonight''s latest disaster. She''s a fake as a hunter and a vp candidate. Disgusting.
rdishml
Reply to this comment
by rdishml October 2, 2008 8:20 PM PDT
Sara the mighty hunter doesn''t know a quail from a duck. Cheney shot his friend Whittington while QUAIL HUNTING in Texas not DUCK HUNTING as Sara said in tonight''s latest disaster. She''s a fake as a hunter and a vp candidate. Disgusting.
rdishml
Reply to this comment
by bagdadshere4 October 2, 2008 8:21 PM PDT
***** Cheney scares the LeftWings and I know they hate him. But he"s an idol to me. I admire his strength on dealing with difficult situations. He"s not only a bords hunter but also a brilliant terrorists hunter. There"s never been so many terrorists in prison thanks to Cheney and Bush.
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:24 PM PDT
what is there to debate -- it''''s a FACT!

democrats not brave enough to vote their convictions -that''''s a laugh - when was there a democrat brave to vote any conviction that was preceded by a polling report...?

Posted by gulliberal
_____

Besides simply attacking Democrats, what''s your point?
Reply to this comment
by bagdadshere4 October 2, 2008 8:24 PM PDT
This debate is going to be like watching the Hulk stomping a retardded kid......when it''''s over, the 60% that say she''''s unfit today, will be 86%. (14%ers are those that still think Shrub is a genius)......LMMFAO

Posted by singinrich at 08:21 PM : Oct 02, 2008
************************************************

Your crystal ball has a malfunction stupid. Sarah Palin will wipe the floor with JOE BINlaDEN. JOE BINlaDEN will is the king of gaffe.
Reply to this comment
by rdishml October 2, 2008 8:24 PM PDT
Sara the mighty hunter doesn''t know a quail from a duck. Cheney shot his friend Whittington while QUAIL HUNTING in Texas not DUCK HUNTING as Sara said in tonight''s latest disaster. She''s a fake as a hunter and a vp candidate. Disgusting.
rdishml
Reply to this comment
by mccainhero October 2, 2008 8:25 PM PDT
*** Chaney is a great man and honest, too. As a war hero, he knows what its like to be sent in harms way by politishins so he would never do that unless it was really nesecary for some reason. Lib Biden says VP Chany is eroding the constitution but that is a stupid lib lie. If Sara Pailin were not already so qualified to be president, I would say make VP Chany VP again becuase he has done such a grate job and is second only to Pailin with regard to Repubilicans qualified to be president. God bless yuu for sure, Mr. Chaney. Bite on that lib eleets -- go back to your stupid eastern eleet colledges and get pastier and paler than you already are. Wake up amercans! These libs will take our babies from the romb so there will be more libs than amercans in USA.
Reply to this comment
by antizion October 2, 2008 8:30 PM PDT
I''ll bet her hair is down so you can''t see her ear piece that idiot puppets like Bush wear. Obama will be debating the shadow government that the supreme court ruled illegal but continues to exist.

Revolution, sucession or slavery, your choice.
Reply to this comment
by wevehadenuf October 2, 2008 8:32 PM PDT
How does Katie keep a straight face? *** Cheneys worst thing "as President" was the "duck hunting accident. I don''t think he was on duty. This is the funniest election in all-time history and by far the most possible inept candidate anyone could ever present to us. The more I see the more I can''t believe. This is by far the worst judgement of McDinges.
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:32 PM PDT
you said it best mi amigo - not enough democrats voting their convictions - could not have said it better myself...

try to remember all the way back to the midterm elections...has even ONE minor campaign promise been kept by the democrats???

Posted by gulliberal
______

None, but that''s not entirely the Democrats'' fault, is it? If you know the rules of the Senate, then you know the 51-49 majority the Democrats hold is basically useless. Any legislation they propose, the Republicans block because a minimum 60-40 majority is required to get the bill to the floor for a full vote. Even if they get to that point, Bush finally found his veto pen after rubber stamping all Republican-led legislation his first six years in office.

So, since it seems that you''re blaming the Dems for not having a 60-40 minimum majority in the Senate, I suggest you vote Democrat come November. Fair enough?
Reply to this comment
by mccainhero October 2, 2008 8:34 PM PDT
Thank you gulliberal for showing these libs how stupid there arguments are when held up to the lite of good amercans! They are shore to be running back into the holes from wence they come when they see how overmatched they are by us conservitive real amercans. I have read many of your posts and can say for shore that you and I are of one brain. God bless yuo for shore gulliberal for standing up for the way amercans really think. Wake up amercans! They will take our jobs and replace us with homosexals in India or CHina or New Mexico. They probly don''t even know that Mccain and Pailin is POWs. How can you not vote for someone who was a pow for his countyr? Stupid lib should go back and suck on the teet of your stupid eastern eleet colledge and leave real life to us who suck on the teet of evryday dirt and grime.
Reply to this comment
by thisandthat1 October 2, 2008 8:36 PM PDT
Hey, at least she didn''t get *** Cheney''s duck hunting incident confused with Elmer Fudd''s duck hunting incident. She at least deserves partial credit for that, anyway!
Reply to this comment
by martin9p2 October 2, 2008 8:37 PM PDT
Withing the hour well find out if the GOP ticket is going down tomorrow, or whether it''ll last another week or so. Under these circumstances, if Sarah "ties" in the debate, then Biden wins.
Reply to this comment
by thisandthat1 October 2, 2008 8:37 PM PDT
You can''t type Cheney''s first name on here without getting it "bleeped"! lol
Reply to this comment
by ranakt October 2, 2008 8:39 PM PDT
First of all it was a quail hunt. Not Haliburton''s contracting to Iraq, not the concentration of power in an unprecedented fashion, not the involvement in big oil corruption..nope. hunting accident. amazing.
Reply to this comment
by ahsay1 October 2, 2008 8:40 PM PDT
Two words for Sarah Palins response on *** Cheney...Quack, Quack!*

*how does a quail sound anyway? Whooper-Will?
Reply to this comment
by thisandthat1 October 2, 2008 8:40 PM PDT
Admiral Stockdale (GRIDLOCK!) vs. Sarah Palin .... now, THAT would have been some good television!
Reply to this comment
by October 2, 2008 8:42 PM PDT
Biden answers intelligently, thoughtfully... Palin answers with the dumb "duck hunting" incident, which is irrelevant to Cheney''s work as VP. Then her response to what she thought was good about Cheney was really a glowing remark about Bush instead. She''s just so clueless.
Reply to this comment
by wevehadenuf October 2, 2008 8:43 PM PDT
I am really embarrased for our country having this woman running for VP. It''s funny, but its also very embarassing...
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:43 PM PDT
Can someone please tell me why the Republicans opt for candidates with average or below average intelligence and/or qualifications? George W. Bush was elected because he was "somebody one could sit down and have a beer with."

Ronnie Reagan was elected because he was an old Hollywood actor everybody recognized. Bush Sr. was nothing more than a product of privilege, much like like his son, Doofus. These individuals have really accomplished next to nothing in their lives without having name recognition or being "lucky" enough to be born into a filthy rich family.

Now they''re dumbing down to the lowest common denominator named Barbie Palin.
Reply to this comment
by mccainhero October 2, 2008 8:46 PM PDT
Yes I am Amercan! You are a stupid lib though. I didn''t put the "i" in because like Pres. Mccain I bleive there is no "I" in Amerca. We are a team and county comes first then we do. John mccain was a pow for almost 20 years of his life and then libs say they won''t vote for him because of that. Stupid libs. THey are jelous of sara pailin because she didn''t have to go to some stupid lib eleet colledge back east to get smart and sucessful. SHe learned the hard way from the bottom then worked her way up to the top of it and now will finish it off.
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:47 PM PDT
bring up a topic and let''''s debate - here''''s one: global warming...not too many fossil fuels being burned on earth during the last ice age meltdown was there?

Posted by gulliberal
______

Yeah, let''s just ignore the following facts:

%u2022 Average temperatures have climbed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) around the world since 1880.

%u2022 The rate of warming is increasing. The 20th century''s last two decades were the hottest in 400 years and possibly the warmest for several millennia.

%u2022 The Arctic is feeling the effects the most. Average temperatures in Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia have risen at twice the global average.

%u2022 Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing.

%u2022 Glaciers and mountain snows are rapidly melting.

%u2022 Coral reefs suffered the worst bleaching%u2014or die-off in response to stress%u2014ever recorded in 1998.

Must be just nature''s way of cleaning house, huh, gull?


Reply to this comment
by marshall65 October 2, 2008 8:48 PM PDT
Bravery under fire is only an indication of a person''s determination in many cases. One corporal received an Iron Cross for bravery during a gas attack and he turned out to be quite a monster.
Reply to this comment
by helloall34 October 2, 2008 8:50 PM PDT
OMG, She came up with the duck hunting incident :) ? I can hardly wait for Saturday night live and the late night talk shows :). This is crazy... It would sort-of be fun to keep her around in the spotlight though. Ahh, if only we were living in better times and could afford another dolt.
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:50 PM PDT
who''''s smarter: Bush or Kerry?

PS - Reagan was CA governor for sometime long after his acting days...and long before his presidential run...try to remember, if CA was its own country it would rank top 20 in the world for GDP...

Posted by gulliberal
_____

Barbie pPalin doesn''t like your logic. She oversees the biggest state in the union, don''t you know? Using your rationale, she''s reduced to being executive over only a tiny little 600,000 plus populated state of fishermen and hunters.
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:52 PM PDT
You know whats wrong with you liberals? Ya think yer always right all''''e time.

Posted by donnie7948

_______

Nope, just most of the time. We leave that all-or-nothing, black-or-white kind of thinking to you Republicans.
Reply to this comment
by shoebox119 October 2, 2008 8:54 PM PDT
Goodnight, idiots... it''s time to go watch the slaughter. LOL
Reply to this comment
by gce65 October 2, 2008 8:54 PM PDT
An assessment of *** Cheney? His parents chose the right name.
Reply to this comment
by gce65 October 2, 2008 8:56 PM PDT
Ha! That''s so funny you can''t ever call Cheney by his first name on this comment sight, even though the story does so repeatedly.
Reply to this comment
by mccainhero October 2, 2008 8:56 PM PDT
Thank you donnie. I can see yuou and I are of the same brain. Libs just don''t realize how special john Mccain is. He was one of only a handfull of US pilots to get shot down by some stupid lib third world country and captured and held as pow for 20 years of his life. ANd, even though he finisched at the end of his class at westpoint they still saw how special he was and made him a pilot which is usally kept for only the best students at westpoint.
Reply to this comment
by helloall34 October 2, 2008 9:00 PM PDT
Ahh, *** Cheney... The king of the good-old-boys. Believe what I say without question or you are unpatriotic. Do what I say not what I do. Disagree with me and you are either crazy, a "liberal", an idiot, or a terrorist (and you know what we do to terrorists). The constitution is great when there aren''t problems, but in these "tough times" you''ll have to have faith in me.
Reply to this comment
by vwsd77 October 2, 2008 9:10 PM PDT
This moderator is an IDIOT!!!
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