Do we have a new conventional wisdom?
What can I tell you? I have a lantern and am out looking for the truth about how the White House runs? They are so closed mouthed that it reminds me of the blind men and the elephant.
I think the picture of Cheney as the evil genius who tells Bush what to do is malarky. I had all of the conventional doubts about Bush when he started out as President. You had the same, plus the emotionial pull of the dislike built up from the election. I have changed my mind, as you know. I don't expect you to change yours. However, if you want to understand how the White House works, I think you will get closer to the truth if you change your view of Cheney's role.
Frum's book on Bush, which I am just finishing, does not spend much time on Cheney, but it is obvious he looks on him as Bush's man, who does exactly what Bush wants. Chency gets fantastic access. for a VP, in exchange for keeping his mouth shut and never saying a word in public that is not cleared by Bush's people. Cheney dumped his personal assistant, Mary Matalin, because Bush did not like her.
Cheney has influence, but not the power. If he was as strong as painted by the media, we would be occupying Iraq at the moment. |
