Politics | June 02, 2009 | 12 comments

Obama refutes Cheney: He's 'wrong'

source: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

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President Obama is hitting back at Dick Cheney's string of recent statements declaring the new president has made America more vulnerable to a terrorist attack, flatly telling NPR Monday the former vice president is "wrong."

"He…happens to be wrong, right?" Obama said laughing. "And last time, immediately after his speech, I think there was a fact-check on his speech that didn't get a very good grade."

Obama's comments come 10 days after both he and Cheney gave dueling speeches on national security, during which the president sharply condemned Bush administration interrogation practices while Cheney vigorously defended them.

But Obama said Monday Cheney's vigorous criticisms do not complicate his administration’s efforts to chart its own course when it comes to conducting the war on terror.

"Does it make it more complicated? No, because I think these are complicated issues and there is a legitimate debate to be had about national security," he said. "And I don't doubt the sincerity of the former vice president or the previous administration in wanting to protect the American people. And these are very difficult decisions."

Obama also said he doesn't find it unusual Cheney has become so outspoken in his criticism of the new administration, citing former vice president Al Gore as an example.

"As I remember, there were some speeches given by Vice President Gore that differed with President Bush's policies and I think that's healthy; that's part of the debate," he said. "And I don't in any way begrudge, I think, anybody in debating sometimes ferociously these issues that are of preeminent importance to the United States."
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12 comments // Obama refutes Cheney: He's 'wrong'

  • wayseeker
    • 0
      wayseeker  

    • I don't think Obama is a puppet. But in this case he's disappointing and confusing me. I'd like to know what's really going on.

    • 2 years ago
  • S3th
    • 0
      S3th  

    • Wow, another clear, and present sign that Obama is just another puppet! One who won't even argue with former puppets about the way they illegally occupied, and destroyed the infrastructure of a country completely innocent of the 911 horror!

      If Obama had any balls he would call for investigations into how, and why we are in Iraq in the first place, and begin troop withdrawal. But, it seems he is just going along for the ride Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld started us on!

      Grow some balls Obama!

    • 2 years ago
  • idealist
    • 0
      idealist  

    • twitter really annoys me.lol maby becouse im not a celebrity or celebrity stalker. cheany is still evil, obama is still the prez. get used to it.

    • 2 years ago
  • wayseeker
  • unclecharlie
  • twitterbot
  • Ragan
    • 0
      Ragan  

    • What the hell do Americans want in a leader? What ever it is they have sure been a great disappointment for the past 150 years. But everone had faith that Obama would bring the change. Bah.. where is the change? He has the same old republicans on staff and is even supporting Bush ocassionally and referring to Cheney as a form of legitmate debate. Is Obama afraid of something? Why is he employing former republicans? Is he being forced into hiring those misfits? or is he honestly being bi-partisan? Why? Where is he getting his orders? When will he hire Dick Cheney? More questions than answers.

    • 2 years ago
  • twitterbot
    • 0
      twitterbot  

    • @unTheist on twitter says "Rush Limbaugh suggest possibility he will now support appointment Sotomayor, after slamming her for "racism" (CNN)"

    • 2 years ago
  • unclecharlie
  • unclecharlie
    • 0
      unclecharlie  

    • Any nitwit can be president- including "community organizers". Bush was a great leader for those who like their leaders with half the intelligence and morals of the kid who bags the groceries down at the corner market.

    • 2 years ago
  • wayseeker
    • 0
      wayseeker  

    • That's a pretty rash statement to say about a previous US Senator and Professor of Constitutional Law. I suppose you think that Bush was competent.

    • 2 years ago
  • unclecharlie
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