January 22, 2009
Posted: January 22nd, 2009 05:50 PM ET
Former Vice President Cheney told a conservative magazine that his aide Scooter Libby, pictured on the right, should have received a pardon from former President George W. Bush.
Former Vice President Cheney told a conservative magazine that his aide Scooter Libby, pictured on the right, should have received a pardon from former President George W. Bush.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - George Bush should have pardoned I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Dick Cheney said after stepping down as vice president this week.

"He was the victim of a serious miscarriage of justice, and I strongly believe that he deserved a presidential pardon. Obviously, I disagree with President Bush's decision," Cheney told Stephen F. Hayes of the Weekly Standard, a leading conservative Washington magazine.

Libby, Cheney's former chief of staff, was convicted of obstructing a federal investigation into the revelation that Valerie Plame Wilson was a CIA agent.

He was sentenced to 30 months in prison and fined $250,000. Bush commuted the sentence, which he called "excessive," so that Libby served no jail time.

But he did not pardon Libby, much to the aggravation of many influential conservatives.

Hayes said that Cheney had publicly disagreed with Bush only four times in the eight years of the Bush administration.

They were only out of office for a day before the fifth disagreement surfaced.

Bush granted 189 pardons and 11 commutations during his eight years in office, far fewer than Presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan in their two-term administrations.

No one was ever charged with leaking Plame Wilson's identity. She and her husband, former diplomat Joseph Wilson III, said the revelation was a retaliation for Wilson claiming a key justification for the invasion of Iraq was false.

It ultimately came out that former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage had told journalist Robert Novak about Plame Wilson working for the CIA. Top Bush advisor Karl Rove confirmed it.

Filed under: Dick Cheney • Popular Posts • President George W. Bush • Scooter Libby • Valerie Plame Wilson


Heidi-oh, out the door they go   January 22nd, 2009 12:54 pm ET

Maybe Dr. Strangelove should get back in his wheelchair and shut up.

Splurge   January 22nd, 2009 12:54 pm ET

Boohoo. Of all Bush's decision to disagree with this is the one Dick chose? Why pardon him? I mean, besides the fact that he doesn't deserve a pardon, Bush already commuted his sentence which means no jail time all a pardon would do is essentially remove the conviction from his record, in a way. When people like Libby have a criminal conviction on their record like committing perjury on behalf of his president it never prevents them from making a living up to millions of dollars over the brief course of the rest of his life so what practical reason is there for pardoning him? None. This is just power-drunk people feeling they're still entitled. It's not like you and your crew aren't going to spend the rest of your lives spinning what you did as good and righteous. So get back in your wheelchair, put on your comic book villain pompadour, leave town and shut up. You can roar all you want but you'll never be king lion again. It's over.

Alfred E. Nueman   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

To bad, Dick. Maybe you should start worrying about your own legal future.

Cheney you are the worst   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Cheney, you are the worst of the worst. America is very glad that you and your boss left. We hope that you leave us alone. Make millions and perhaps in judgement day ( if there is one) you will be served accordingly. Congress, should have impeached you and your boss and we would have had better life years earlier.

gino   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Scooter: Go to jail, go directly to jail, and stay in jail. Maybe Dick Cheney will visit you.

Jean, Indiana   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Libby should sign like a bird. I would tell everything that Bush and Cheney did undercover. That just shows how little those crooks thought of the jail bird.

Emily   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

I suppose Cheney shouldn't have put Scooter Libby up to the task he did.

Steve, New York City   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

NOT pardoning Libby was one of the best things Bush did in 8 years.

Lucifer (I mean Dick Cheney) should quietly disappear into history (as we all wish).

Clueless Cheney   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Ok Scooter, might as well spill the beans and sing like a canary.

Scott Tucson   January 22nd, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Now in Obama's case it looks like he will be busy pardoning some of his cabinet picks before they're even sworn in.

RF-NJ   January 22nd, 2009 12:52 pm ET

OK, so Bush did make one good decision.

CHANGE.COM   January 22nd, 2009 12:52 pm ET

The commutation of Libby's 30-month prison term itself was wrong, Dick. And you wanted more? Just stay out of the public life for now and shut up once and for all. I hope you are eventually wheeled into a courthouse and put on trial for all the lies and crimes you've committed against the citizenry of the United States.

Jonathan   January 22nd, 2009 12:52 pm ET

Chaney can no longer CONTROL Bush, this is why.

No more pulling his strings and telling him what to say.

Fact.

Frank from Gilroy   January 22nd, 2009 12:52 pm ET

DICK is just that and always will be.
Anyone who would say for 8 years that their was no conflict of interest with a company (Haliburton) they created while in the BUSH 1 administration. Left that administration and became CEO of that company and then drove policies in the BUSH 2 administration that made the company the largest no bid contractor in the history of the world. Has zero credibility, just like his ex boss.
Good bye and may your death be as painful as all the pain you created around the world.

kenny cole   January 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

All this crook need to stay in the jail for life

jackie ohio   January 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

He spent no time in jail but yet you want the man cleared of his wrong doing to a cia agent who put her life in jerpordy for our country. The boarder patrol was the only one that truly deserved to be padon they are the only ones who was covicted of what ,protecting our boarders from a drug none american who had been given free medical that made him all better just to turn around and amugel drugs again and still be set free.

leapfrog   January 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

Libby, Cheney and Bush should all spend time in jail. They're all the most crooked bunch imaginable, and yet they are walking around free. So much for justice...

JJ in NY   January 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

If Billary pardoned a scumbag like Mark Rich, then certainly Libby should be pardoned also .

elsie   January 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

So What!

pam   January 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

Although I did not agree with George Bush on many topics, I always felt he did what he thought was right. He may have been misguided by those who surrounded him, but he was an honorable man. This honor came more into view with the transition from the Bush era to the Obama era.

Thus it was not by accident that he did not pardon Scooter Libby. Libby and Cheney often acted as if they were above the law. Bush again, did what he thought was the right thing.

Dave Skinner   January 22nd, 2009 12:51 pm ET

I agree with the former Vice President.

James   January 22nd, 2009 12:50 pm ET

What about the other federal prisoners convicted of similar offenses. Cheney has no sympathy for them so why should Libby get a pardon? Everyone else has to serve their sentence.

BB   January 22nd, 2009 12:50 pm ET

Wrong. Actually, the House and the Senate should have tried and convicted Bush and Cheney and Rove – with no pardon anywhere in sight.

Tomkat in Seattle   January 22nd, 2009 12:50 pm ET

I think Mr Cheney should worry that he isn't indicted for a plethora of crimes himself. What a disgrace to all Americans. M2C

Jon   January 22nd, 2009 12:50 pm ET

Dick who? Who is this old and cranky guy, and when will he disappear for good?

gpraz   January 22nd, 2009 12:50 pm ET

I have been trying to say something nice about Bush and finally he did something based on ethics and the law. Conservative Republicans want Libby cleared? since when is braking the law OK??? This agent was outed. Pure plain and simple. Maybe Cheney did it! His friend is paying the price. I am a republican but wow can't tke much more of this. Thank God for Obama.

Wyoming-Rich   January 22nd, 2009 12:49 pm ET

Cheney's an IDIOT and a CROOK !
He's the one that should be in jail !
He's as corrupt as any of the big money company CEO's !
I hope he moves away from Wyoming since he leaves a STINK in Jackson Hole !

Chris in MI   January 22nd, 2009 12:49 pm ET

Not surprised at this one. Isn't commuting his sentence enough? You think all of your criminal friends should get off 'scott free'? It's not enough that you and Georgie boy trampled on American citizens constitutional rights, leaving Obama to clean up your mess. You are a miserable, mean-spirited old man. You and your ilk think nothing of putting a devoted CIA agent in danger by revealing her identity (sounds like treason to me) just because her husband 'dared' to disagree with you? Shame! May your pacemaker loose it's charge!

Kevin A   January 22nd, 2009 12:49 pm ET

I bet he "strongly believes" Libby deserved a pardon. Now, when Cheney goes to trial, Scooter will be angry enough that he will testify against Cheney. I'm surprised that he didn't mention that he is actually more pissed that Bush didn't issue a pre-emptive pardon for the crimes Cheney himself has committed.

Ryan in Waynesboro, VA   January 22nd, 2009 12:49 pm ET

Dick is upset because Libby was held accountable for the treason he commited? Gosh, I'm just not sure why that doesn't surprise me...

Sue in Canada   January 22nd, 2009 12:49 pm ET

Wow. For someone who was at the center of the controversy, and did not even get a slap on the wrist, he's one to talk.

Bob Dog   January 22nd, 2009 12:49 pm ET

Its super to see "Darth Sideous" criticize George Bush!!!

Let the ripping and tearing of flesh begin.

I love how Republicans eat their own when its all over. I can't wait for more great entertainment from these fools!!!

Doug   January 22nd, 2009 12:48 pm ET

The problem with having puppet, is once the strings are cut or about to be cut you not only loose control, the puppet will have no mercy for any of your requests any longer.

Pardon Libby and jail Cheney   January 22nd, 2009 12:48 pm ET

I agree with VP CHeney, President bush should have pardoned Scooter Libby, but only in exchange for testimony that would have placed the blame quarely on Cheney, and then Cheney and Libby could have switched places in jail.

wendy   January 22nd, 2009 12:48 pm ET

Gee...I wonder why Cheney would say that??? Could it be that Scooter Libby's charges are directly linked to Cheney??? And, I just have to say it one more time, what was up with the wheelchair? I believe he did not want to look anyone in the eye. Just like Lynn Cheney, who did not smile through the entire day. I have never had anything good to say about George W, but I will give him a big pat on the back for not pardoning that crook!

itbeme   January 22nd, 2009 12:48 pm ET

bush and chaney should be in jail right beside libby......

Francisco Cardenas   January 22nd, 2009 12:48 pm ET

I think former President Bush believed that Libby did it.

Brad   January 22nd, 2009 12:48 pm ET

Why should he be pardoned? No one ever made a convincing argument for that. This wasn't a case of being wrongfully accused or having been rehabilitated by the system. Libby was charged and found guilty of a crime. Done deal.

dick delson   January 22nd, 2009 12:47 pm ET

Dick Chaney should be brought up on charges of conspiracy for his role in the Iraq war. And how about the fact that he made certain Halliburton was the only company given a contract to rebuild Iraq. And he has long been associated with Halliburton. If anyone should go to jail, it's him*

Afam   January 22nd, 2009 12:47 pm ET

Lol Why should he Pardon libby.lol.He better hope President Obama does.

donmcybertect   January 22nd, 2009 12:47 pm ET

anyone else?

Keith   January 22nd, 2009 12:47 pm ET

Perhaps Cheney should have been convicted for the cover-up instead.

donmcybertect   January 22nd, 2009 12:46 pm ET

At least now he can't pardon else anyone, even himself. They must all be held accountable.

steve black   January 22nd, 2009 12:46 pm ET

cheney should have been the one convicted
not libby who fell on his sword for the boss

joe the democrat   January 22nd, 2009 12:46 pm ET

Will someone please push Cheney's wheelchair to the retirement home. Hasn't he cause enought problems with his connection and graf to Haliburton

Americans against Conservatives   January 22nd, 2009 12:46 pm ET

Good.. glad Cheney is disspointed... now if we could just get him to dissapear from the face of the earth the world would be a much better place

Dave   January 22nd, 2009 12:46 pm ET

TREASON! Bush KNEW this was a TREASONOUS affair. They exposed an active CIA agent. The simple fact is that not only should Mr Libby been prosecuted, but Cheney as well, with TREASON the charge. You just know this situation was pored over by the Bush staff. But they knew the whole thing stunk to high heaven. This is the only Bush decision noteworthy. We may never know the full extent of what happened.

Steven Stewart   January 22nd, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Cheney should just thank his lucky stars that the investigation didn't focus on his own culpability.

Run Dick, Run. Run Away before they catch up with you!

RetiredVet   January 22nd, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Wrong was Cheney never being brought to justice for his role...what a joke that he can comment on Libby's situation as a miscarriage of justice with a straight face...

proudliberal-independent   January 22nd, 2009 12:45 pm ET

wow. prolly the only time bush told cheney to stick it.

Tom   January 22nd, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Commuted sentance is better than what he deserved, Treason carries the death penalty.

C Spurgeon   January 22nd, 2009 12:45 pm ET

So let the loyal employee keep it on his record and Cheney on his concience like he really has one!

Moderate   January 22nd, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Sooter Libby is a criminal and should not have been pardoned. Indeed, Mr. Cheeny, the greatest miscarriage of justice is the fact that you and your president were not impeached, tried for treason and put behind bars. The latter two actions are still a possibility, you know.

Jim Dandy   January 22nd, 2009 12:44 pm ET

Who cares what Cheney has to say anymore. Libby was a crook and should have served jail time – he should consider himself lucky he got off that easy.

chris   January 22nd, 2009 12:44 pm ET

"He was the victim of a serious miscarriage of justice"
REALLY? The real miscarriage of justice is the fact that you and Bush were never impeached for being criminals and the whole world had to suffer for it. Go back to your cave, hang upside down for a while and shut the hell up!

REG in AZ   January 22nd, 2009 12:44 pm ET

What should have happened, what would have been truly justice, is that Libby opened up and told everything, all of the truth. The miscarriage, if you want to call it that, was in Libby protecting those that were behind everything and then got away with it because Libby protected them and took the fall himself. But I'm sure Cheney didn't want that.

Proud American   January 22nd, 2009 12:44 pm ET

Cheney should be locked up for treason.

Dissent Is Cool   January 22nd, 2009 12:44 pm ET

Cheney should just shut his mouth, get on a horse, and ride into the mountains and leave everyone alone. I don't want to see or hear him ever again, for as long as I live. He should not be complaining about a lack of pardon for Libby– he should be grateful that they're allowed to see the light of day, instead of rotting in a prison where they all belong.

HERBIE   January 22nd, 2009 12:44 pm ET

WHAT ELSE WOULD CHENEY SAY? ONE WHO IS ABOVE THE LAW WOULD FEEL THAT ANYONE WHO WORKS FOR HIM AND DOES SOMETHING WRONG IS ABOVE THE LAW. LET HISTORY TELL THE REAL TRUTH AND IT WILL BE A COMPLETELY CHANGED ENVIROMENT UNDER THE NEW ADMINISTRATION.

RAF   January 22nd, 2009 12:44 pm ET

Like they all don't deserve to be locked up for one reason or another!!!Gimme a break!!! Most of Bush's cstaff , including himself, need to do some time!!!DUHHH!!!

Dolores   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Of course Dick is upset! And don't we all just HATE IT when Dick is upset? First his back and now this. How much can one cranky old Republican be expected to endure? Scooter was carrying out Dick's payback plan, got caught, took the bullet and now Dick wants his conviction overturned so Scooter can once again be 'legitimate' and work toward all of the very VERY lofty Republican goals. They disgust me and I am so glad they are gone from DC and I don't have to look at or listen to them again, at least for a while.

RickLattimer   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Too bad, Dick.

Charles Stoll   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

He should have been pardoned, he didn't do it. It was Cheney who should have been charged, convicted and hanged for treason.

C Spurgeon   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Not unless he..Cheney ..wanted to take his place. This is one decision of Bushs i agreed with. He didn't keep his word however to punish the "leaker" or he would have fired cheney.

Scott   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

I will agree with Cheney, and would even say Obama should pardon Libby, if, and only if, both Cheney and Bush are charged with war crimes and treason.

capnmike   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

After committing incredible crimes against humanity, fouling our Constitution, waging an illegal and unjust war, profiteering and influence-peddling, none of these bums are going to really get punished. Pardon? He didn't even serve jail time. These creeps should be wearing orange jumpsuits and leg-irons...all of them Chenney and Bush included.

Glendafrench   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

I really don't want to have to see the names "Cheney" or "Bush" in the headlines unless it's because they are showing up to go on trial. I really don't care what Cheney wishes, feels or says from now on. Please leave these people off the front page. That goes for Palin as well. Eight years was enough.

Ken F. , Spofford, NH   January 22nd, 2009 12:43 pm ET

Loyal to the end. That's good ole boy Dick. It should have been HIM, but he let Scooter swinging in the breeze.

Feeling guily, Dick?

Dubya kept Scooter out of jail. What more do you want?

I only hope, that over time, all the Bush administration's dirty deeds come to light. And those responsible are brought to justice.

Shamick Gaworski   January 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

With a little luck Mr. Cheney will be able to 'be upset' with Libby inside the same jail! I wonder if Mr. Cheney believes "[the jail] ... will welcome [us] him with flowers as liberator"?

American people are still waiting for the flowers Mr. Cheney believes we would get in Iraq!

Bud in NC   January 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Let's see. The Scooter broke federal law by outing a CIA opperative. Then he (and Cheney) lied about it. But still there was enough evidence to convict him. Bush commuted the sentence so that the Scooter stayed out of prison, where he should now be. Now Cheney who was part of the outing thinks Bush should have pardoned Scooter. They are all so evil they can not see how corrupt they are. Should all be in prison.

crown point tim   January 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

I just hope President Obama does not pardon Cheney after his upcoming convictions.

Mitchell from MS   January 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

your right libby did deserve a pardon. If Obama can have a tax cheat in his cabinet why shouldn't Libby receive a full pardon?

ajks   January 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Maybe they can still give Libby a pardon--if Cheney serves time for anything illegal that he did as Vice-President.

Dennis Lee Hoffman, citizen of the world   January 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

Believe us, Cheney-meister, we're all surprised, too... Maybe G.W. actually has a conscience? Thanks again, Dick, for revealing your true evil nature. Hasta la vista, Beelzebub!

I witness history!   January 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm ET

GO HOME! No one cares anymore.

Samuel   January 22nd, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Mr. Chaney ...the game is over ... bye bye... Just be happy that you didn't end up in Den Haag or Gtmo Bay.

KATHLEEN   January 22nd, 2009 12:41 pm ET

O.K Lets here the true story again straight from Valerie Plame and
her "knowledgeable" husband, Mr. Wilson. I believe them!

Anonymous   January 22nd, 2009 12:41 pm ET

Cheney should have gone to prison himself. He still should.

Mike Maz   January 22nd, 2009 12:41 pm ET

OMG Please just go away. He commuted his sentence which was more than he deserved

Ken   January 22nd, 2009 12:40 pm ET

Cheney is lucky that HE is not in jail over this treason. Shut up and stop your whining, Dick!

pj   January 22nd, 2009 12:40 pm ET

You Dick-
You're the traitor that should have served time!
I'll bet your little buddy Scooter is not happy with you right now.

God willing, may you receive your share of justice for your evil exploits before its all over...

Good riddance, dirt bag!

AEK   January 22nd, 2009 12:40 pm ET

For the first time I can say I honestly agree with "the bulldog." Chaney is the one who should be needing a pardon now. He should probably really be worrying about who's going to be pardoning him though!

Thomas   January 22nd, 2009 12:40 pm ET

Who's Dick Cheney again?

And why would anyone care what he thinks?

Sharon Kitchen   January 22nd, 2009 12:40 pm ET

The only miscarrage of justice for cheney......is that he has not been handcuffed and dragged of f to jail........................this to shall be...........
the U.N. has already found the past pres/v.p. guilty of charges during the 8 longggggggggggggggggggg years......this is just the start....

don't worry cheney.............your time will be just around the corner....

I wonder what charge the handcuffing will be under?

then.......bush...........etc............................................

Larry Kincaid   January 22nd, 2009 12:40 pm ET

"He was the victim of a serious miscarriage of justice" – holy pot calling the kettle black Batman! Libby committed a serious miscarriage of justice, at Cheney's direction of course. These people hath no shame.

Dean Eyman   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

Cheney is a slow learner. He is guilty of torture and of outing a CIA operative. Scooter Libby took the fall for him and Cheney probably promised him that he would get him pardoned. To bad, Darth Vader; the dark side lost that one.

Steve Goss   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

There was a miscarriage of justice alright...but not because Bush didn't commute Libby's sentence, The miscarriage of justice is that Dick Cheney was never charged with anything. Without Cheney, Bush's presidency could have had a very different outcome.

J From Minnesota   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

Cheney is the one who is going to need the pardon after everything comes out about what realy happened during the Bush Administration.

Vic of New York   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

I not only think "Scooter" should have be polishing his beefcakes behind bars (especially for being Karl Rove's dupe), but I would like to see Cheeney's beefcakes in jail too – along with Rove, "Bootlicker" Gonzales, and the rest of that disgraceful crowd that tarnished our nation.

I'm greatful for Obama overturning Bush's veil of secrecy. Pehaps now the public will be able to take a good look at what evidence DICK and company didn't manage to destroy. Kind of reminds me of Nixon's "Whitehouse Tapes". In retrospect, Nixon appears amature compared to the brass balls on this crowd.

puh-leeez   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

Cheney and Libby should both be in prison. Obstruction of Justice is still a crime, Dick, even when the obstructor is protecting YOU.

David   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

Wow, Dick, you really don't have any sense of justice anymore, do you? Please just go away.

KATHLEEN   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

CROOK, Crook, Crook. LIE, Lie, Lie. Only one is missing from the above photo!

Tom in S.A.   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

No one was ever charged with leaking Plame Wilson's identity.

Now that's interesting, sure most think it was Libby, funny how the MSM works.

larry   January 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm ET

Maybe if Cheney had told the truth, Libby would not be in the position he is in.

RANDY CLAYTON   January 22nd, 2009 12:38 pm ET

THEY SHOULD LET CHANEY TAKE HIS PLACE FOR THE ACT OF THE COWARDLY THINGS HE DID. LET CHANEY, BUSH GO BACK TO WHERE THE CAME FROM AND NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

Hettie Herron   January 22nd, 2009 12:38 pm ET

To heck with pardoning Libby. Bush should have pardoned, rather than commute the sentences of the two border guard that were treated so abominably by the US and Texas courts. Libby got away without serving so much as a day in jail. The problem as I see it is that Cheney and Bush should have been found guilty of the same crimes and all three should have spent time in a regular prison and not a country club prison.

Dan   January 22nd, 2009 12:38 pm ET

A pardon wasn't needed or justified. Mr. Potter, just go away and let the rest of us continue living "It's a Wonderful Life."

Santa Cruz   January 22nd, 2009 12:38 pm ET

Me to Cheney: The whole crowd of you will be very lucky indeed, if you are not all brought to justice for your criminal activity while in office. Maybe the US at least should have its own version of "Truth and Reconciliation."

Lib   January 22nd, 2009 12:38 pm ET

Well, there's one good decision that G.W. made. Way to disagree with the Vader for once, Bushy!

Bruce Harris   January 22nd, 2009 12:37 pm ET

Dick's opinion on anything is not worth fly-spit. This is the genius who thought flowers waited us in Bagdad and that the fool Rummy was the gosh darned best public servant in just forever. Please Dick, find a rock large enough and crawl under it. You might stay out of jail that way.

Bill   January 22nd, 2009 12:37 pm ET

Too bad President Bush didn't stand-up to Cheney earlier in his administration so there were more things he could disagree with him on. I'm sure he's not saying it, but that was probably one- if not THE- biggest disappointments that you can tell from the President's last press conference that is eating at him. It's time for the former VP to find a new rock to crawl under like he did the past 8 years, but try to come out from underneath it even less than he did these past two terms...good riddance.

Ben   January 22nd, 2009 12:37 pm ET

Too bad he waited til his presidency was over to get a backbone when it came to Cheney...

bill   January 22nd, 2009 12:37 pm ET

Leaking the name of a CIA agent is treasonous. Both Cheney and Libby should be hanged.

cheryl   January 22nd, 2009 12:37 pm ET

When you do the crime, you do the time, plain and simple. That is the problem with Washington, they all think they are above the law. As for Cheney, he should be facing charges himself.

Matt   January 22nd, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Of course DICK wants him pardoned isnt he the crook that put him up to it. Hopefully DICK is next glad he is gone and that lame brain Bush thanks for the 8 years of lie, torture, and deception. Plus thanks for leaving us with a huge debt and a bunch of dead soliders. Hope all those millions were worth it.

vick   January 22nd, 2009 12:36 pm ET

lets see whos going to pardoned you when you go to jail

Bodine/MU   January 22nd, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Of course Cheney the corrupted crook wants his side kick pardoned. The fact of the matter is that Cheney himself should of been found guilty!!!!!

Ed from PA   January 22nd, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Goodbye, Dick. I'm sure you got up out of your wheelchair after the inauguration.

Bob H   January 22nd, 2009 12:36 pm ET

Outing plame came straight from Cheney and was treason. Libby got off easy, and Cheney got away with nothing for a heinous crime.

jack   January 22nd, 2009 12:36 pm ET

he (cheney) allowed libby to take the fall ALONE

B. Churchill   January 22nd, 2009 12:36 pm ET

One wonders how much palling around Smirky and Darth will be doing in the days to come. They might need to get together to get their stories straight, but I think attorneys usually advise to stay away from alleged co-conspirators...

Kyle   January 22nd, 2009 12:35 pm ET

Bush did the right thing.
No matter what you think of the other decisions or issues, he got this one right.

Obama Supporter in Riverview   January 22nd, 2009 12:35 pm ET

You're right Cheney...Scooter should have been pardoned but only if you had been convicted in his place. After all, you were the cause of the whole thing.

Stevio   January 22nd, 2009 12:35 pm ET

Too bad for Darth. Now, Libby can be charged with treason for the offense, which will allow him to barter with the feds and turn State's evidence against Cheney when the poop hits the fan, and it surely will....

pugnacious.serf   January 22nd, 2009 12:35 pm ET

Dick is right, it should be him(Cheney) spending some time behind bars.

Leslie Griffith   January 22nd, 2009 12:34 pm ET

It is in the best interest of this Country that Bush did not pardon Libby. As always, Cheney is totally out of touch with the people of this wonderful nation!

sky   January 22nd, 2009 12:34 pm ET

they will begin to turn on each other, eating each other alive. Blame and guilt balancing on one mans word against another who at one time had been a colleague. They will serve each other up because each and every one of them is guilty and will look for a way, anyway to save themselves by pushing someone else into the fire first.

chris   January 22nd, 2009 12:34 pm ET

Yeah let him out and put you in there

Brad   January 22nd, 2009 12:34 pm ET

Cheney has a lot of nerve, given the fact that he should have been indicted and prosecuted, too. Does anyone really have any doubt that he was the one who was behind leaking that CIA agent's identity to the press?

PS   January 22nd, 2009 12:34 pm ET

Hey Dick, maybe you feel a bit guilty because it should of been you in JAIL!

Billy   January 22nd, 2009 12:33 pm ET

Go home you Dick head and live your life with all the crimes you have done.Think of the crimes you have done one at a time when you lift your spoon to feed yourself, Can you eat that?

John Santoro   January 22nd, 2009 12:33 pm ET

SO!!!!!!!!!!

McFly   January 22nd, 2009 12:33 pm ET

B-O-O, H-O-O ... he sounds like a sniveling nitwit!

Alex Winter   January 22nd, 2009 12:33 pm ET

Wow Bush actually refused to do something that Cheney wanted done?

Proud to be American   January 22nd, 2009 12:33 pm ET

I am hopeful that our President will go after Cheney and Bush for war crimes....

KATHLEEN   January 22nd, 2009 12:33 pm ET

Cheney's friend Libby who, I think took the rap for Cheney!.
Pardon the crooks and leave the innocents to rot in jail.
The rich take care of the rich. Maybe Cheney will someday
be in the cell next to Libby.

Keith Austin   January 22nd, 2009 12:32 pm ET

Cheney wants his buddy pardoned who was instrumental in obstructing the investigation of the outing of a CIA agent thus compromising our national security and breaking the law?

This is such a NON news story.

How ELSE could Cheney feel about that?

pjartco   January 22nd, 2009 12:32 pm ET

Didn't agree with Mr. Bush very often. Agree with him 100% here.

Randy   January 22nd, 2009 12:32 pm ET

Hey Cheney who cares what you think when you were Vise President you were no where around so dig yourself a hole a crawl in it.

Jim   January 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm ET

Bush should have given Cheney the pardon. May Cheney spend the rest of his days in litigation.

Wes   January 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm ET

Here's the solution: get rid of Presidential pardons. I've never been happy with a single one.

Greg   January 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm ET

Good riddance, Dick. And your first name is apt for the way you acted as VP, the deceit you pulled on fellow Republicans to back the Iraq invasion, and the kickbacks to friends that war allowed through Halliburton and misappropriation of government contracts. It's a shame your heart didn't end your term sooner.

Kathy   January 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm ET

"Hayes said that Cheney had publicly disagreed with Bush only four times in the eight years of the Bush administration. "

Because he was pulling the puppet's strings!!

believe   January 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm ET

why should he be pardoned, all he got was a slap on the risk, cheney should be in jail, nasty republicans.

R C   January 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm ET

Cheney is NOT someone who should be given any credence.
Cheney definitely IS someone who should be doing the rest of his life in prison, "there is not doubt." (a phrase which is a favorite of his)
Cheney, along with Bush, have done more ACTUAL damage to America than any other person in our history.
Someone who has done more actual damage to our country. Does that deserve life in prison?
There is no doubt.

HouseDiva   January 22nd, 2009 12:30 pm ET

Cheney looked like Mr. Potter from the movie It's a Wonderful Life at the inauguration in that wheelchair carrying a cane....someone should wheel him down a flight of stairs, but he's too evil to die.

Cheney should shut his filthy lieing mouth...He should be the one in Libby's place, but he's too evil to be incarcerated too.

carolp   January 22nd, 2009 12:30 pm ET

cheney who? we haven't heard/seen from him in eight years and he has something to say now? find yourself another cave!

John   January 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Bush should have let justice be done and let Scooter serve his time since the judge and jury found him guilty.

Chenbey, Armitage and Rove should also have gone to jail and Novak should have led the way in a striped jail suit.

We are supposed to be a Nation of Laws, whatever happened to the Law and Order republicans?

SFSDCris   January 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Bush and Cheney only disagreed 4-5 times in the 8 year presidency because normally Bush did exactly as Cheney coerced him to do.

Bush was a simpleton president. Cheney was the evil doer pulling the strings behind the curtain.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   January 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Yea, Dicky, and we should have indited you!

halogenrep   January 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Bush had only made a presidential decision 4 times in eight years and Cheney did not like any of them.

Walt from Canada   January 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Hayes said " Cheney disagreed with Bush only 4 times in the 8 years". How could he disagree with his own decisions during those 8 years. The only decisions that Bush really made were to go on vacation to Crawford or Camp David which he did every few months!

obama-mama   January 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

There is no pardon for you slimy Cheney.

Don   January 22nd, 2009 12:29 pm ET

I hope I never have to see Cheney's face or hear his voice or read his words ever again. Good riddance to the most evil and corrupt vice president in United States history.

Susan   January 22nd, 2009 12:28 pm ET

Is there no one that can shut this man up?

He should be arrested for war crimes.

Dan Stewart   January 22nd, 2009 12:28 pm ET

Let us hope that Libby does not end up being the only one of these guys thats prosecuted. The Bush regime has trampled the constitution and rule of law under foot, the sooner they are held accountable the better.

Center of the Middle   January 22nd, 2009 12:27 pm ET

Dick Cheney is dilusional....

Jenny   January 22nd, 2009 12:27 pm ET

Ex-President George Bush should have pardoned Jonathan Pollard. Pollard has been in Federal prison for 24 years. Because of his actions, the world was saved from a nuclear Iraq years ago.
Bush committed the United States to a war against Iraq but he did not pardon Jonathan Pollard who assisted Israel in destroying the nuclear reactor that Saadam had to ready to fire.
Clinton pardoned far worse spies.
Perhaps President Obama will pardon Pollard.
Will someone eevr do the right thing.
You know the phrase, "No good deed ever goes unpunished!"
Sadly so true.

Janey   January 22nd, 2009 12:27 pm ET

re; the closed article about the repetition of the oath–do you people cutting up Fox News realize that you are watching the CNN and posting on CNN re: this article? Many truths are brought up on Fox that the left-wing media ignores–but not this one–be fair.

JFBeaird   January 22nd, 2009 12:27 pm ET

Cheney should be in jail.

Linda, NY   January 22nd, 2009 12:27 pm ET

Never mind Libby–Bush should have pardoned, not commuted, the sentences of the jailed border patrol men. Guess Bush was going for perfection in his failures.

Proud American   January 22nd, 2009 12:25 pm ET

Sounds to me like Cheney's upset because the good ole boy network, didn't work for his friend. I think Bush was just paying Cheney back for putting him in that position.

MyBADD   January 22nd, 2009 12:25 pm ET

the whole lot should be tried for Treason

DB25   January 22nd, 2009 12:24 pm ET

Cheney should be thrilled it wasn't his neck on the chopping block....

JIM...TX   January 22nd, 2009 12:23 pm ET

Pardon Libby...now that takes brass ones to even suggest ! He should have been sentenced an put away for a 100 years along with his boss Cheney the war criminal.

Boston Irish   January 22nd, 2009 12:23 pm ET

I think the guy is sadly mistaken. If it was a "miscarriage of justice" why doesn't he admit who the REAL culprit is? Who is he to say who should get a pardon/commute or not?? He is no longer an elected official and now is simply an ordinary complainer. Join the crowd, Dick. Now you know what it feels like to gripe your head off about something and NOBODY in office or anywhere else CARES!!! Pardon me while I laugh. Sounds like sour grapes to me. Finally you found out Bush has a mind of his own and doesn't consult you on every decision he makes. Apparently, President Bush didn't feel like it was a "miscarriage of justice". Could that possibly mean (gasp) it WASN'T!! Oh, be still my heart. Cheney thinks Bush made a mistake and I guess Bush doesn't care!! JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED!!!

barbara campbell   January 22nd, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Cheney, Rove, and Libby got off light - they should have been charged with treason.

Is Cheney out of his wheelchair yet?

Cecilia   January 22nd, 2009 12:21 pm ET

What about a prisoner exchange – If Cheney is so concerned maybe he could offer a swap. I would vote for that

Chris from NY   January 22nd, 2009 12:20 pm ET

And the Republicans are holding Eric Holder's confirmation? Go figure.

Jazz   January 22nd, 2009 12:19 pm ET

Cheney needs to sit back and think about all the wrong doing they did while in office. Now that they are gone it is a new day and we will not have that kink of foolishness in the White House AGAIN. Bush and Cheney BEGONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. If you are wrong then do the time. At least he wasn't in prison like some of the others.

ANGIE   January 22nd, 2009 12:19 pm ET

enough. who cares what that crook crazy cheney thinks. he is a liar, theft, murderer and war monger. he is the worse kind of human being.

Karen- Change is coming   January 22nd, 2009 12:19 pm ET

Geesh! Of course Cheney would say that.. This man went out in disgrace, how fitting he was in a a wheel chair. NOO Libby did a crime which was covered up by Cheney.. Cheney himself should be brought up on war crimes and so should Bush. There was criminal acts and the entire Republican party had their dirty hands in it by letting off Cheney. I can't wait til 2010 to get rid of more Republicans in Congress. The Republican party do not want progress and they are a hypocrites. The talk morality but they have affairs on Capitol Hill.

Obama 2.0   January 22nd, 2009 12:18 pm ET

Maybe Cheney would like to take his place!

Greta Palinannitylimbaughbeck   January 22nd, 2009 12:18 pm ET

Public to Cheney: You should have shot yourself with buckshot instead of your friend.

S Callahan   January 22nd, 2009 12:17 pm ET

Look, my take is that there are alot of mother's out there saying the same thing..my child should have his/her sentance pardon...but without money that doesn't usually happen. So in the interest of justice, former President Bush DID the right thing by not pardoning him. It's fair on the scale. The point goes to Bush on this one.

Shut Up   January 22nd, 2009 12:17 pm ET

Dick should not have nothing to say about anything. He should be thrown in jail for was crimes and slapped silly for being the worse VP ever! Dude came out in a wheel chair on inauguration day looking for sympathy.

S Callahan   January 22nd, 2009 12:16 pm ET

Look, my take is that there are alot of mother's out there saying the same thing..my child should have his/her sentance pardon...but without money that doesn't usually happen. So in the interest of justice, former President Bush did not the right thing by not pardoning him. It's fair on the scale. The point goes to Bush on this one.

Justin from New Haven,CT   January 22nd, 2009 12:15 pm ET

World to Cheney: Have fun in the Hague.

Matt   January 22nd, 2009 12:14 pm ET

Pfffff...I wouldn't pardon Libby (or Bush or Cheney for that matter) for a fart.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@CNNPolitics: Democrat: 'Ask Tiger, not me.' http://bit.ly/91yP9m
Updated: Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:23:42 -0800
@edhenrycnn: http://twitpic.com/s1eyz - Courage, Dan Rather
Updated: Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:34:04 -0800
@edhenrycnn: http://twitpic.com/s1ero - Pretty good likeness of King of Talk @kingstings
Updated: Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:32:37 -0800
@edhenrycnn: http://twitpic.com/s1eeq - Found Tiger Woods -- wax version at Madame Tussaud museum in DC.
Updated: Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:30:17 -0800
JohnKingCNN: Study Hall. New Mexico Military Institute. http://twitpic.com/s0xm6
Updated: Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:38:33 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP