June 2, 2008
Posted: 02:10 PM ET

From
Vice President Cheney joked Monday about being Sen. Barack Obama's eighth cousin
Vice President Cheney joked Monday about being Sen. Barack Obama's eighth cousin

(CNN) – Vice President Cheney’s appearance at the National Press Club took a decidedly lighter tone Monday afternoon when he was asked about his distant relationship to Sen. Barack Obama, who leads in the delegate count for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“It’s true. We are, in fact, distantly related,” the Vice President said. “We haven’t talked about a family reunion. I have no objections. I’m not sure Sen. Obama is up for it, at least not before November. He’d probably be fearful I might whisper in his ear and change his whole view of the Middle East,” Cheney added.

“His mother and my grandmother have a common ancestor, descended from Maryland about eight generations back. So, we are, in fact, cousins,” Cheney said of his relationship to the Democratic presidential hopeful.

For his part, Obama has made a point of joking about his relationship to Cheney in stump speeches since Cheney’s wife revealed the relationship last fall. In November of last year, Obama referred to his relationship to the Vice President and likened Cheney to the proverbial “black sheep in the family, a crazy uncle in the attic.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Dick Cheney


Texan for Progression   June 2nd, 2008 7:27 pm ET

To KE:

You are obviously foreign (or illiterate). Giving you benefit of the doubt, I suggest you sit on the sideline, listen and try to keep up, then once you develop an informed opinion, start the whole process over from the beginning because you'll still be too far off the mark to speak.

Clinton / Lewinsky 08   June 2nd, 2008 7:26 pm ET

For every negative comment about Clinton there are 20 negative comments for Obama. Its so unfortunate that some Democrats do not understand the rules of engagement. This is a political contest. The contest rules have been set and the best MAN has prevailed. Clinton signed off on those rules and knew those were the rules when she begin playing the game! She lost! Now collect your toys and all of the bodies listed on the CLINTON BODY COUNT (GOOGLE IT!) and go home!! You and your adulterous, impeached husband! Go home! Do you want this person running your country and she can't even manage her campaign funds? A woman that can't even handle her husband's needs in the bedroom? How will she handle another impending war if she can't do that?

2016 – Clinton / Lewinsky!!

Dee, St. Louis   June 2nd, 2008 7:12 pm ET

I can not wait until Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, the Hillary supporters will have to let it go. Hillary and Bill Clinton are out of this race. Republicans get ready. LMAO

Texan for Progression   June 2nd, 2008 7:09 pm ET

To Mark G., St. Paul, MN:

If Obama is a republican plant by virtue of his DISTANT relationship to Cheney, what is Clinton whose parents, and in fact she herself, were repugnants…I meant republicans – now that I think about it, take your pick. Would it make her Grand Wizard of the GOP?

mel   June 2nd, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Time to stop joking,family is family and God wouldn't want
type behavior among family. Accept one another and all members
of the family enjoy and have good life.

Ernest   June 2nd, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Sorry old man. Has the world court in Hague on crime of humanity convened yet?

homosapiens   June 2nd, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Go HILLARY!! You can still win!! And Glenn Close can get Michael Douglas to leave his family and marry her in Fatal Attraction 2.

A Proud American   June 2nd, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Both are bad news! May they both go away!

Vote McCain '08 , there is no other choice if Hiilary doesn't make it.

homosapiens   June 2nd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Why am I not surprised that Cheney insulted McClellan for his book without even reading it? An insult from Cheney is a valuable accolade.

Peter E   June 2nd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

I actually see some family resemblence… in the comments both of them make about half of the democratic party.

Joe Reg   June 2nd, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Rightfully said.

At least he has a better sens of humor
of all the jokes that's been throwing around.

Chut Pata   June 2nd, 2008 6:40 pm ET

To quote Eminem from his song "Without Me", "Mrs. Cheney, your husband's problems are complication".

Conspiracy theorist say Billary has hired Cheney to do an RFK job on Obama. Cheney will invite Obama for a reunion, take him to hunting, and shoot Obama saying he was trying to shoot a duck. I am afraid everyone will buy it.

Joe Reg   June 2nd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

His teeth are about to sink on somebody's ears.

At least he has a sense of humor.

Rightfully said. Any family reunion is for after November. That's for sure.

Proud American   June 2nd, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Cheney is more like "Cousin It".

Pat M   June 2nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Man the picture of Cheney looks like something one might see as they ramblealong the corridors of the wing for the Mentally isane!

Jason   June 2nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

No reunion for now Cheney, you have baggages!

Tom From Oregon   June 2nd, 2008 6:31 pm ET

If its true that 54% of Clinton supporters (9 million voters) will not vote for Obama how is Obama going to win?

Clinton or McCain 08

FactCheck   June 2nd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

What happened to his horns and pitchfork? Count your days oh Price of Darkness because I hear that the Hague is not a pleasant place to be in late January.

Sadie   June 2nd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

"He’d probably be fearful I might whisper in his ear and change his whole view of the Middle East."

Give me a break. Obama clearly got all the sense in the "family," since McCain doesn't have a single ounce left in his crazy scheming brain.

Jon   June 2nd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Ooh. Burn by Cheney.

Obama is such a pathetic fraud! Haha.

Nicole   June 2nd, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Good thing they don't look alike. Looking at Cheney gives me the creeps just like John McSame!

To Tell The Truth   June 2nd, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Will the real Barack Obama please stand up?

ANGIE   June 2nd, 2008 6:01 pm ET

THIS MAN SHOULD BE IN PRISON AND YOU KNOW KARMA I CANT WAIT FOR THE DAY WHEN BUSH CHENEY ROVE AND THE WHOLE BUSH ADMIN GETS THEIRS INCLUDING MCSAME

martin   June 2nd, 2008 6:01 pm ET

just dont go hunting with the sob

Denver   June 2nd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

CNN: Please stop giving Cheney and Rove airtime. Makes me sick!

Concerned Canadian   June 2nd, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Ya…the Obamabots can jump for joy. Their guy Hussein Obama gets a nomination…whuppee !! Too bad the primary process was rigged for him from the beginning. Hussein Obama didn't win on his own merit. The corrupt DNC and the propaganda media machine ensured Hussein will get the nomination.

People are not stupid. They will not vote for a candidate who didn't win on merit. Thats human nature. Hussein Obama won by a process rigged for him.

This is why the world is laughing at the USA ! Its a democracy in name only. All these African American political pundits on tv and the African American politicians like Donna Brazile and the like can be really proud of themselves for this " empty " win.

McCain 08….a real American…all the way !!

Ralph   June 2nd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

I can't stand Cheney and I would vote for him over Obama! I am, was a democrat…changing to Independent!!

Jewish Women For Obama   June 2nd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Is it me or does Cheney look exactly like our very own Rest Room enthusiast – Sen. Larry Craig ???

BHO   June 2nd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

At least Cheney make some jokes.

Anonymous   June 2nd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

He’d [Obama] probably be fearful I might whisper in his ear and change his whole view of the Middle East,” Cheney added. Fat chance of that, Dick! You're just trying to humor your way out of OK-ing torture, and using lies and deceptions which have resulted in thousands of deaths. You and W are a disgrace to this once-good country.

Joshua College Station Texas   June 2nd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Dick Cheney belongs in prison for treason and high crimes and misdemeanors.

NO-BAMA   June 2nd, 2008 5:48 pm ET

REZKO
PLEFGER
WRIGHT
CHENEY
OBAMA

WHAT A TEAM !

*****Hillary wins the Popular Vote (the TRUE WILL of the People) ****

say NO to barack w. bush 2000/2008

Griff   June 2nd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Love him, or Hate him…. My Hero in 1991-92…. Now? He also lost his way… But alway's for the Right Reason's, in my view…..

President McCain   June 2nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Q: How many Obama supporters does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: That's not funny.

Ann   June 2nd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Poor Cheney, just one more negative to add to his character. At least he's one person Obama knows that's not a radical.

MD   June 2nd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Shut up old fool. More than seeing Bush go, I will be glad to see Cheney go. For the most part, Bush's presidency was Cheney's presidency. Cheney was pulling Bush's strings over the war in Iraq. He must be the richest man on Earth now. So much will come out about the damage Cheney caused this nation in the years to come that will forever change the way secrets are kept by the Executive Branch.

Hillary 08, the electable candidate   June 2nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

I see the family resemblance: Obama and Cheney are both SHADY, SHADY, SHADY!

JIM ARMSTRONG   June 2nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

DON'T WORRY DICK, YOU'LL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO READ WHEN YOUR IN PRISON FOR THE LIES AND DEATH YOU HAVE CAUSED.MAYBE YOU AND GEORGE AND THE REST OF YOUR NEO-CON GANG CAN START A BOOK CLUB?

THE TRUTH WILL SET US ALL FREE AGAIN……

Bubba   June 2nd, 2008 5:36 pm ET

meres??? LOLOLOL

The Truth   June 2nd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Cheney is a black sheep but at least Obama does not have Bill in his family….what a dissapointment he's turned out to be.

OBAMA '08!

whitemarlin   June 2nd, 2008 5:35 pm ET

theres a saying :
BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.
SO WAHTS THE VERDICT, ANOTHER RP IN THE WH OR HILLARY

Army Vet for Barack   June 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

HAHA.. at least the old coot got a sense of humor.

Obama 08′

WASHIE   June 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

THIS IS FUNNY GUYS COME ON LIGHTEN UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jaci   June 2nd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

I'd be fearful a whisper his ear could be some deadly hex or evil spell!
Cheney is so creepy! Ewwww! Gives me the heebie geebies!

Bukky   June 2nd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

His face is enough to give me night meres

Steve   June 2nd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Obama and Cheney are actually very good friends. Remember it's not personal, it's politics. As a matter of fact Barack and Dick are going hunting together in Wyoming in the Fall. Both have nothing else planned.

Truth Over Lies   June 2nd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

LOL@ crazy uncle in the attic. Obama DON'T GO!!!! He is a crazy family member.
IF YOU LIKE TO WORK AND HAVE FOOD ON THE TABLE VOTE DEMOCRAT IN NOV.
DEMOCRATS 08

A VOTE FOR MCCAIN WILL SURELY BRING YOU PAIN!

IF YOUR INTELLIGENT AND "ALL-THAT" VOTE DEMOCRAT

Terrence (Winston Salem, NC)   June 2nd, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Mark G., St. Paul, MN June 2nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Ah ha! Obama and Cheney are cousins! So Obama is just another Republican plant!
———————————————————————————————–

You have the brain of a plant for saying stupid stuff like that.

Shawn T   June 2nd, 2008 5:26 pm ET

ah, cheney…the WORST thing that EVER happened to the USA…by far…worse even than W, and thats saying something.

Terrence (Winston Salem, NC)   June 2nd, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I wouldn't come to the family reunion either with this nutball. Might get shot. Heck, I could go to the hood for that.

PFV (PA female voter)   June 2nd, 2008 5:25 pm ET

ha, ha, ha, ho, ho, ha, ha………..Dick you are so funny. Whew, I just can't stop laughing. When is your last day again??????

Joyce in Florida   June 2nd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

This is news? Give me a break. Don't care about either of them and never will. Why isn't Cheney in jail yet? GO HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!

Cynthia   June 2nd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Cheney needs to just fade in the background for all of the good he has done.

KE   June 2nd, 2008 5:22 pm ET

How can American elect anti-American person? Guilt? Money? Power?

America will not elect anti-America person who spent 20 years in the anti-America church.

What anti-America persons and the anti-America countries prevailed in the History?

Sen. Obama is not electable.

Katherine   June 2nd, 2008 5:22 pm ET

CNN.

What did you object to? War crimes or me calling Bush shrub?

John   June 2nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Obviously, brains run in the family.

But, Cheney used his for EVIL!!!!

Rick in Oregon   June 2nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Having Cheney say that he might whisper something in Obama's ear about the middle east that would change his mind really creeps me out. It just goes to show that this man has all sorts of secrets and wicked stuff that he doesn't share with the public.

Cheney is truly scarey.

Veterans for Obama   June 2nd, 2008 5:21 pm ET

I would love to party with this guy. seems like a real swell guy. Actually I'd rather be circumsized with a rusty chain saw.

K. Hampton- Drozer   June 2nd, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Who cares! You'd be surprised who you are all related to …if you did the research!

Uncle Sam   June 2nd, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Perhaps they could attend church together.

Jim   June 2nd, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Cheney was born from a large, hot, steamy pile of Satan's fecal matter. He is to blame for the over 4,000 dead American soldiers who have died in Iraq.

Vig   June 2nd, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Why would he want a family reunion with a cousin who belonged to a racist, anti-American and sexist church for 20 years. Dick Cheney should run for the hills from this guy.

Doug R.   June 2nd, 2008 5:17 pm ET

I see this miserable creature Cheney has emerged from his undisclosed location.

OliverT   June 2nd, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Even if Obama is up for a reunion, you don't want to go hunting with Cheney.

canadian   June 2nd, 2008 5:12 pm ET

so cheney is the bad apple to land in tar sands?

Crush Rush   June 2nd, 2008 5:10 pm ET

This scumbag needs an orange jumpsuit.

DJ, LA, CA   June 2nd, 2008 5:07 pm ET

8 generations? Well at least the genes had a 100 years plus to seperate and dilute from Darth Cheney.

Rob   June 2nd, 2008 5:06 pm ET

At least Cheney has a bit of a sense of humor.

KOO   June 2nd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

What is going on, well Barrack I can give you one advice, you can go to the reunion, please do not eat or drink in Cheney's house that is I can say.

NoMcSame War Crimes for Cheney   June 2nd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Cheney must be what they call the Black Sheep of the family. I didn't know that the BEAST could be born of a woman. That's right he came out through the back door.
Cheney is a black eye on America. He is truly a devil. His church wears white robes and hoods and they also burn crosses. Much blood is on his hands.

Independent for Obama   June 2nd, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I think he would be "fearful" that you might invite him duck hunting. ;)

Scary that Obama and Cheney could actually be related – it's kinda like that Arnold Schwarzenegger movie (it might be called Twins?)where he gets all the good genes and Danny DeVito gets all the bad ones…

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   June 2nd, 2008 5:02 pm ET

I AM SURE HE IS UP TO IT.

BUT NOT ON A FULL STOMACH.

Sharon Minnesota   June 2nd, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Cheney and Obama are cousins huh, yeah I can see the resemblance, especially in how they run their political life, Chicago sleaze style.

Dave in Atlanta   June 2nd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Now that he mentions it, I can see the resemblance.

What ever you do Obama, don't go hunting with him.

Mike, Ontario Canada   June 2nd, 2008 4:59 pm ET

At least he hasn't joked about going hunting with his cousin… This makes him better than Clinton and Huckabee, I suppose…

Enlightened Voter   June 2nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Looking at this man makes me physically ill

Seth   June 2nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Afraid you'll whisper in his ear? How about he is afraid you will reveal yourself as Satan incarnate and burn him alive. freak.

For the Black Eagle   June 2nd, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Looking at Cheneys teeth I'm more worried for Obamas ears!

SAM   June 2nd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

this is not funny, that is all I have to say.

Clinton/McCain   June 2nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Good one!

ml   June 2nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

oh, well, so it is in the family……
no Obama, no no no please!

Mark G., St. Paul, MN   June 2nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Ah ha! Obama and Cheney are cousins! So Obama is just another Republican plant!

JJ   June 2nd, 2008 4:52 pm ET

“black sheep in the family, a crazy uncle in the attic.”

Ok that's funny! :-)

marylee wagerman atlanta,ga   June 2nd, 2008 4:52 pm ET

CNN DON'T GIVE THIS CRIMINAL AIRTIME

neutral2   June 2nd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

here we go………

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   June 2nd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Obama do not go he will shoot you in the face! Then he will blame it on OBL and Iraq.

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