<p>I just want to make a couple of brief queries. President Bush stated in his speech in favor of a surge and then in his later State of the Union speech that there have been serious problems with the prosecution of the Iraq War. But a day or two following the State of the Union, Cheney appeared on a program with Wolf Blitzer and was extremely gruff and aggressive and went dismissively with a position that the Iraq policy has enjoyed many successes, that the media is out to paint the war as a failure, that divisions in Congress are providing aid and comfort to our enemies, and so on.</p>
<p>A) Given that Cheney’s response was a) so different from his boss’ message; and b) seemed to many to be defensive, do you think:</p>
<p>1) Cheney’s appearance was meant to serve as a counterpoint to Bush and play to the dwindling minority of Americans who think that Iraq is still a good idea on its way to a good outcome?
2) Cheney is so disturbed by the characterization of this war (his war, in essence, prosecuted by his old pal Don Rumsfeld) as a massive foreign policy blunder that he’s going full stop to defend it, no matter how much he’s at odds with his boss’ party line?
3) Other ____________
4) All of the Above</p>
<p>B) How much do you think Cheney really controls White House power, either indirectly (through behind the scenes persuasion) or directly (through overt direction)? In other words, would you say that Cheney is 75% in charge? 5%? 0% (it’s all Bush)?</p>
<p>Obviously I am looking for impressions, but I would prefer any longer explanations be backed up with evidence/anecdotes that people know rather than just flat declarations. I know this question seems to have a partisan taint to it and that I’ll get partisan answers; but for them to be more useful, I am hoping they have facts built in. Though one word answers are welcome too.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>