Is Cheney A Barnacle?

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), questioning David Addington, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, asked whether Cheney is part of the executive or legislative branches, a question that has arisen repeatedly during Cheney's time in office.

Addington, citing a 1961 Justice Department memo, said that the vice president "is neither part of the executive or legislative branches, but is attached by the Constitution to the executive branch."

Which led to this humorous exchange between Cohen and Addington;

Cohen - "So he is kind of like a barnacle?"

Addington - "I don't consider the Constitution a barnacle."

Cohen - "No, the vice president."