The Cheney Exit Interview

On "Face The Nation," Vice President Talks About Iraq, Executive Powers, And Why Obama Needs To Keep Gitmo

(CBS)  Cheney said that the actions of the NSA to intercept all Americans' electronic communications, which had been under strict legal parameters, fell under the president's constitutional authority as commander in chief, because of the resolution passed by the Congress immediately after 9/11. Subsequently, after news of the warrantless wiretap program was leaked, Congress modified the existing FISA statue in accordance with the administration's wishes.

While Cheney could not say whether any action by a president in wartime should be considered "legal," he pointed to historic precedents for presidents taking extra-legal measures in order, he said, to protect the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

"If you hark back in our history, you can look at Abraham Lincoln, who suspended the writ of habeas corpus in the middle of the Civil War."

"But nobody thinks that that was legal," Schieffer said.

"Well, no - well, it certainly was, in the sense he wasn't impeached," Cheney said. "And it was a wartime measure that he took that I think today, history says, yes, that was probably a good thing to do."

Cheney said other examples may have crossed a line, such as FDR's internment camps for Japanese-American citizens. "Most people now look back and say that was wrong. But what we did was modest by those comparisons."

Cheney also said everything the White House did was done with the "support and involvement" of the Justice Department. When Schieffer pointed out that some of the orders put out by Justice were flawed, Cheney said, "[Those were] the rules that we had to operate by. And the attorney general of the United States signed off on every single one of those exceptions.

"There have subsequently been some controversies," Cheney admitted. "The Supreme Court's made some decisions that didn't agree with what we did at the time. But what we did was authorized by the legal authorities that were to be the source of that kind of advice."


Detention, Torture and Guantanamo

After 9/11, the Bush administration held prisoners detained around the world in a prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, seemingly outside the purview of the U.S. judicial system. The administration has even admitted that prisoners have been waterboarded, against international laws banning torture. Despite the international outcry against the abuses of prisoners, at Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and elsewhere, Cheney said that he did not feel the administration went too far.

The vice president said that high-level approvals of torture were required because the CIA would otherwise not want to pursue such interrogation methods without a clear understanding of what was authorized and appropriate.

"I'd seen situations before," Cheney said, "where the CIA would get out and undertake an assignment or a mission, and then find that the politicians would all run for the hills. Think Iran-Contra."

"Would you do it again if you had to make those same decisions again?" Schieffer asked.

"I would absolutely do it again, Bob," Cheney said. "I think the loss of life, if there had been further mass casualty attacks against the United States over the last seven-and-a-half years, fully justifies it.

"Think of what would happen if there had been an attack and we hadn't taken any of these measures," Cheney said to Schieffer, "and you'd be sitting here today, you know, grilling me, saying, 'Why didn't you guys do everything you could to stop it? Why didn't you find out what the enemy was planning to do? Why didn't you interfere with the attacks?'"

And to the incoming Obama administration, which has pledged to end what it called unconstitutional practices, Cheney even offered advice: maintain current interrogation policies.

“If [Obama] were to seek my advice - he hasn't, but if he were to seek my advice - I would say, look, before you go out and start to make policy based on the campaign rhetoric we heard last year, what you need to do is to sit down and find out what we've done, find out how we did it, what the justification was for it, what kind of results it's produced, and then make an informed judgment about whether or not you want to keep these things.

"But I would hope he would avoid doing what others have done in the past, which is letting the campaign rhetoric guide his judgment in this absolutely crucial area. We were very careful. We did everything by the book. And in fact, we produced very significant results. And I would hope that for the sake of the nation, that this administration and future administrations will continue those policies.”

On the matter of Guantanamo Bay prison, Cheney said it should remain open because, if the prisoners held there were to be relocated to prisons within the United States, "they immediately fall here to certain legal rights and privileges that will create problems.

"I don't know many congressional districts that are eager to have 200 al Qaeda terrorists deposited on their soil," he added.


Post-Inauguration

Cheney said he had no final commitments beyond January 20, when he will be leaving a government job for about the fifth time, following his work in the Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush 41 administrations.

"I'm looking forward to spending time with the family, obviously," he said. "We've got six grandchildren now, and I always enjoy that. We'll split our time between Washington and Wyoming. Maybe I'll write a book."

---

Read the full "Face the Nation" transcript here.

By CBSNews.com producer David Morgan.

[hollytoledo1]

Good riddance, Satan.

[dburfears]

Cheney thinks that anything the President does is legal so long as he can get away with it.

In other words, it may be wrong, it may be unconstitutional, it may be illegal. However, if the Congress does not have the political will to remove the President, then the President has no obligation to follow the law, follow the Constitution, or do what is right.

So if you murder someone, but you are never prosecuted, then it is OK with Cheney because (in his twisted world) it is "legal".

Cheney is not a man who understands representative government, right and wrong, or the concept of integrity. He is a BLIGHT on American history, and someone who aspiring American leaders should look to as a perfect example of power gone terribly wrong.

[harp1963]

What a disgrace to America.

[dburfears]

Cheney is one of the greatest traitors to the principles of America we have seen in decades. He sees no limit to Presidential power, and thinks the Constitution is whatever he chooses to interpret it as. If this monster had his way, we would be a dictatorship, and the "Party" (GOP) would rule with an iron fist. Liberty? Don''t make Cheney laugh. "Liberty is for puzzys" is his motto.

This man is a traitor, should be tried, and should be shot.

[lemonskink]

What else can this lying piece of *** say? 16 days left until Bush/Cheney escape American justicek that should be meted out. Unfathomable.

http://www.ronnierayjenkins.com/topics/education/The_Ballad_of_Caribou_Barbie/

[nobdysfool]

"There''s no question that the new administration and President Obama are going to have their hands full with a new set of problems"

Yes, Darth Cheney. We have you & the rest of the incompetent Bushey administration to thank for our country in crisis. Job very well done!

[endrepubs]

YOU AND YOUR PRIVATE SECURITY ENTOURAGE CAN GO HIDE IN AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION PERMANENTLY NOW. GO HIDE IN YOUR BUNKER JUST LIKE HITLER DID .

[hsinco-2009]

I didn''t read the article or see the tv show.

He didn''t say to keep Gitmo because he expects to be a prisoner there, by chance, did he?

Maybe if he was waterboraded there he''d sing a different tune.

[hermitdave]

So the chief puppet master is out there lying his *** off again. Sure this band of criminals has been able to prevent another attack on America. It is easy when you a closely involved with the people who did the necessary new Pearl Harbor to allow for the two illegal crusades against the innocent people of two countries. Of course America now has total control of the Afghan drug cartel, and yes the western oil companies that Saddam threw out 39 years ago will thank you and your puppet George in ways the average American will never know.

[docjim6]

Cheney said --the Obama admin. will inherit the Gaza-Israel problem--similar to our inheriting the aftermath of 9-11-01 ! !
Did the cunning criminal spinner forget that that their admin. took office 1-20-01--;& that king George didn''t look too surprised @ Booker elem. school in Florida the morning of 9-11-01 !

[endrepubs]

*** CHENEY - A TRUE AMERICAN COWARD WHO SACRIFICES COUNTLESS LIVES FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL GAIN!!!!!
A COWARD WHO HIDES AND WILL GO NOWHERE NEAR HARMS WAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COWARDLY SERVICE TO OUR NATION. MAY YOU FIND A SPIDER HOLE OF YOUR OWN.

[trillion1]

These @#%^**$# will spend their lives in gilded cages. Not welcome in most of America and unable to leave because of war crime charges waiting outside our borders. Ask rummy what it feels like.

[gce65]

The exit interview 8 years overdue!

Hang this criminal!

[stephenroger]

Being from Australia I am not sure what the duties of a Vice President of the USA are? After reading the article it appears that his responsibilities are security and war. They were the only themes that were questioned. I would have thought that day to day issues such as the USA economy, education, health care, social integration and justice would have been more important to evaluate. Therefore can I be so bold as to say your outgoing Vice President is so rich he doesn''t care about the mundane policies of civil government?
Sorry if I offend anyone.
Your loyal ally down under

[lili5044]

Exit interview can be summed up with one word. LOSER! How long do pace makers last anyway? Just curious..(:

[endrepubs]

BUSH, CHENEY AND ASSOCIATES ARE THE NEW ''BOYS FROM BRAZIL''

[hermitdave]

WELL STEP you are correct Cheney doesn''t worry about anything as mundane as money. He is like George the crusaders daddy. He has no idea what a super market check out counter is. He is more comfortable on the deck of some Sultans YACHT. Remember those billion dollar oil companies and military contractors are going to OWE Uncle Richard and his little nephew Georgie BIG TIME.

[lopezf11]

BUSH, CHENEY AND ASSOCIATES ARE THE NEW ''''BOYS FROM BRAZIL''''


Posted by ENDREPUBS

They''re gay? Do you buy their music?

[nordeck52]

Why is this guy still out there making interviews? Haven''t we heard enough from this windbag the last eight years? Get outta here.

[lopezf11]

WELL STEP you are correct Cheney doesn''''t worry about anything as mundane as money. He is like George the crusaders daddy. He has no idea what a super market check out counter is. He is more comfortable on the deck of some Sultans YACHT. Remember those billion dollar oil companies and military contractors are going to OWE Uncle Richard and his little nephew Georgie BIG TIME.

Posted by hermitdave

Yes, but can you make your payments on time?

[lopezf11]

Why is this guy still out there making interviews? Haven''''t we heard enough from this windbag the last eight years? Get outta here.

Posted by nordeck52

I think you meand "why is he still participating in interviews? He "makes" you shiiite your panties.

[lopezf11]

Exit interview can be summed up with one word. LOSER! How long do pace makers last anyway? Just curious..(:


Posted by lili5044

Everyreadies keep going and going.

[amazedd]

Bye, Hephaestion. And thanx!

[rickstas]

--"This is a guy who had started two wars," [Cheney said of Saddam] "who had killed hundreds of thousands of people, including many of his own, with weapons of mass destruction. It was one of the most despicable regimes of the 20th century. And he thought he could get away with continuing that"--

Sounds like a self-evaluation.

[lopezf11]

--"This is a guy who had started two wars," [Cheney said of Saddam] "who had killed hundreds of thousands of people, including many of his own, with weapons of mass destruction. It was one of the most despicable regimes of the 20th century. And he thought he could get away with continuing that"--

Sounds like a self-evaluation.

Posted by rickstas

Do you mean: autobiography? It''s really a word.

[lopezf11]

The job of Vice-President is to represent the President in Congress.
He is president of the Senate.
He casts a vote when the vote is a tie.
Cheney found a way to subvert the CIA and issue false intelligence reports for the congress.

Posted by MrNrgmizer

And Biden, on his best day, woun''t be clever enough to figure out how.

[rickstas]

Two more weeks and they''ll be one less d-i-c-k around to screw everything up.

[lopezf11]

Two more weeks and they''''ll be one less d-i-c-k around to screw everything up.

Posted by rickstas

Are you moving. . .to Canada?

[endrepubs]

LOPEZF11:
ARE YOU NOT TAKING YOUR MEDS TODAY? NOTHING YOU SAY MAKES SENSE.

[FHMullane]

These two...particularly Chaney made sure they will have it made financially!!!! Good Ridance!!

[lopezf11]

LOPEZF11:
ARE YOU NOT TAKING YOUR MEDS TODAY? NOTHING YOU SAY MAKES SENSE.

Posted by ENDREPUBS

Thank you. I''d hate to be the only one. . .that made sense I mean.

[lopezf11]

These two...particularly Chaney made sure they will have it made financially!!!! Good Ridance!!


Posted by fhmullane

What a great country. How about you, got any money?

[ljc2009]

Rove - oveR

[solarrays247-2009]

Exit interview can be summed up with one word. LOSER! How long do pace makers last anyway? Just curious..(:
Posted by lili5044

Everyreadies keep going and going.
Posted by lopezf11 at 04:30 PM : Jan 04, 2009

lopezf11 is either...one of the following:

1) related to D.i.c.k.head

2) an employee of same

3) a paid shrill for said creep

4) or just having a bad day, and trying to irritate everyone else

;0)

[lopezf11]

Rove - oveR


Posted by LJC2009

Are you the famous Mr. Palindrome?

[mainedoggie]

Cheney, Nazi war criminal. This thug makes me want to puke.

Good riddance *********.

[lopezf11]

lopezf11 is either...one of the following:

1) related to D.i.c.k.head

2) an employee of same

3) a paid shrill for said creep

4) or just having a bad day, and trying to irritate everyone else

;0)


Posted by Solarrays247 at

Yes he is.

[lopezf11]

Cheney, Nazi war criminal. This thug makes me want to puke.

Good riddance *********.


Posted by mainedoggie

I think yours might be leaking.

[solarrays247-2009]

lopezf11 is either...one of the following:

1) related to D.i.c.k.head

2) an employee of same

3) a paid shrill for said creep

4) or just having a bad day, and trying to irritate everyone else

;0)


Posted by Solarrays247 at

Yes he is.

Posted by lopezf11 at 04:50 PM : Jan 04, 2009

Thought so....okay....carry on!!

Didn''t watch it, didn''t read it, couldn''t care less...

[lopezf11]

lopezf11 is either...one of the following:

1) related to D.i.c.k.head

2) an employee of same

3) a paid shrill for said creep

4) or just having a bad day, and trying to irritate everyone else

;0)


Posted by Solarrays247 at

Yes he is.

Posted by lopezf11 at 04:50 PM : Jan 04, 2009

Thought so....okay....carry on!!


Posted by Solarrays247

Aye, aye, sir.

[ljc2009]

%u201CAll the President%u2019s (BUSH) Men%u201D - Always room for one more:

1. Michael Battle
2. Michael %u201CBrownie%u201D Brown
3. Marlow W. Cook
4. Larry Craig
5. Tom Delay
6. George Deutsch
7. Michael Elston
8. Kyle %u201CDusty%u201D Foggo
9. Mark Foley
10. Vito Fossella
11. James S. Gilmore
12. J. Steven Griles
13. Alberto Gonzales
14. Francis Harvey
15. Eric Keroack
16. Lewis %u201CScooter%u201D Libby
17. Paul McNulty
18. William Mercer
19. Harvey Pitt
20. Karl Rove
21. Donald Rumsfeld
22. David Safavian
23. Kyle Sampson
24. Randall Tobias
25. Paul Wolfowitz %u201CGOOD RIDDANCE%u201D

[lopezf11]

%u201CAll the President%u2019s (BUSH) Men%u201D - Always room for one more:

1. Michael Battle
2. Michael %u201CBrownie%u201D Brown
3. Marlow W. Cook
4. Larry Craig
5. Tom Delay
6. George Deutsch
7. Michael Elston
8. Kyle %u201CDusty%u201D Foggo
9. Mark Foley
10. Vito Fossella
11. James S. Gilmore
12. J. Steven Griles
13. Alberto Gonzales
14. Francis Harvey
15. Eric Keroack
16. Lewis %u201CScooter%u201D Libby
17. Paul McNulty
18. William Mercer
19. Harvey Pitt
20. Karl Rove
21. Donald Rumsfeld
22. David Safavian
23. Kyle Sampson
24. Randall Tobias
25. Paul Wolfowitz %u201CGOOD RIDDANCE%u201D


Posted by LJC2009

And Barney?

[beth.cornell]

If we had competent men in the Intelligence Administration that knew what they were doing, then Bush 43 wouldn''t have had any problems with the info on Iraq or anywhere else. We would have done things differently. Bush had no recourse in what he did.

[ljc2009]

GOP%u2026you are under ARREST.

You have the right to remain ignorant.

Anything you say, will continue to be used against you in a "voting booth" :)

You have the right to have former "Bush" Atty. Gen. Gonzales present during questioning.

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you%u2026

On your way OUT of the White House!!!

[rob416]

There is an arrogance about *** Cheney. According to him he can do or say no wrong. In the Face the Nation interview he touts the accomplishments of the Bush Administration, but says little of the failures.
His ideas of accomplishments and the overwhelming majority of the American public are quite different.

Imagine him in the interview saying what his advice is to the incoming President-Elect. The last person Obama needs advice from is *** Cheney. With the Vice president, when someone says up he says down, when someone says right he says left. In the end he tends to be wrong a good part of the time.

[notmudrose1]

hi, i''m *** cheney and i''m patting myself on the back with both hands because bush and I knew 20 terrorists were going to attack America but i told bush to let it happen and then we could take credit for making every american subject to illegal wiretaps, strip searches at airports and loss of constitutional rights.

Aren''t I a great guy?

[endrepubs]

If we had competent men in the Intelligence Administration that knew what they were doing, then Bush 43 wouldn''''t have had any problems with the info on Iraq or anywhere else. We would have done things differently. Bush had no recourse in what he did.

Posted by GLFan620 at 05:03 PM : Jan 04, 2009
To;GLFan620:
NOT TRUE. BUSH WAS TOLD REPEATEDLY TO LET THE INSPECTORS DO THEIR JOB IN IRAQ. HE SIMPLY DID NOT WANT TO LISTEN TO THAT BECAUSE HE HAD HIS EYE ON SADDAM FROM THE DAY HE WALKED INTO THE WHITE HOUSE.

[daffy64]

Isn''''t it ironic that in order for Barack Obama to become a successful president, he will have to become George W. Bush''''s third term?

If Obama does otherwise, he will surely become a complete failure.

How''''s that for "change", Liberals?

--

Uh. Yeah. Right.

[lopezf11]

hi, i''''m *** cheney and i''''m patting myself on the back with both hands because bush and I knew 20 terrorists were going to attack America but i told bush to let it happen and then we could take credit for making every american subject to illegal wiretaps, strip searches at airports and loss of constitutional rights.

Aren''''t I a great guy?

Posted by notmudrose1


notmudrose1, This what smart people call drivel.