March 9, 2009
Posted: March 9th, 2009 04:51 PM ET

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Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco/Getty Images

(CNN) - In his first television interview since leaving the vice president’s mansion, Dick Cheney will be interviewed live this Sunday on State of the Union with John King.

In his few statements since leaving office, the former vice president has been critical of both former President George W. Bush and the man who replaced him.

The same week President Obama was inaugurated, Cheney said publicly that Bush should have pardoned I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

"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 Hayes of the Weekly Standard.

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 did not pardon him, much to the aggravation of many influential conservatives.

Last month, Cheney said the Obama administration's new policies on Guantanamo Bay prison and the treatment of detainees make it more likely a terrorist attack against the United States will succeed.

The blunt comments came two weeks after President Obama issued executive orders that will close Guantanamo Bay within a year, and shut down secret CIA prisons abroad. Obama also signed an executive order calling on U.S. personnel to follow the Army Field Manual's guidelines when it comes to interrogation.

In an interview with Politico, the former vice president issued a stringent defense of the Bush administration's record on the war on terror, and said he worried the President Obama has already made the country more vulnerable.

“When we get people who are more concerned about reading the rights to an Al Qaeda terrorist than they are with protecting the United States against people who are absolutely committed to do anything they can to kill Americans, then I worry,” he said.

Cheney also predicted the Obama administration was likely to backtrack on its pledge to end coercive interrogation techniques, since the protection of the United States from terrorists is a "tough, mean, dirty, nasty business.”

"These are evil people. And we’re not going to win this fight by turning the other cheek," he said. He suggested Obama was irresponsibly adhering to “campaign rhetoric,” and called Guantanamo Bay a “first-class program.”

Watch John King's full interview with the former vice president this Sunday on State of the Union, from 9 am to 1 pm ET.

Filed under: Popular Posts • State of the Union


nadinewi   March 9th, 2009 9:42 pm ET

Way to go John King. This will be a scoop interview. I don't care for Dick Cheney but how you managed to get this man to come on CNN with you is interesting. You're a great reporter and I will watch this interview because you are doing it and to see what crazy thing Dick Cheney has to say. Keep you friends close and your enemies closer.

JD Anaheim, CA   March 9th, 2009 9:01 pm ET

John,
I hope you have some dignity and cancel this interview.

Jane   March 9th, 2009 8:45 pm ET

Dick Cheney is probably one of the smartest men in America today. You better listen to him. He knows more than all the Obama administration put together. He is fair and honest and a very good man and the rest of you need to shut upl You don't have to listen to him – listen the GREAT ONE – that cannot even do an interview, without a teleprompter. Get real – who cares if you listen are not. All of the rest of us will be. Way to go Mr. King.

BooStinky   March 9th, 2009 7:58 pm ET

If I could ask Cheney two questions, they would be:

1) What was the nature of your five military deferments; and
2) Were the lives of over 4,000 (and counting) American Servicemembers killed in the Iraq War worth it?

Simple questions. Can we get simple answers?

.

Dianne   March 9th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

Can't he just go away? He has done more harm to this world with his psychotic paranoia. i really wish John King would interview someone else. We need some posiitve news so badly.

Give me a break   March 9th, 2009 7:54 pm ET

All we have going on and Cheney appearing? Let's see if John King hold him to the fire and the Bush Administration. They are the ones to blame for this mess in the first place. Get your questions answered John

Ron Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin   March 9th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

Are you ready for the most laughable interview in history well here it is.This will be meaningless and empty.Do you really think hes going to tell any truth to what he has to say.He has benefited the most out of this mess and had been the most secretive.He will not talk about any involvment he had at all here.He needs to go hide in a hole.

Gail   March 9th, 2009 7:09 pm ET

We the people have been the victims of a serious miscarriage of justice, Mr Cheney is not in jail.

Mike   March 9th, 2009 6:49 pm ET

Cheney, Bush, Libby and the rest of their crew should all be behind bars. But our timid press will continue to lick their boots. It's pathetic.

Jeff in Houston   March 9th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

CNN, I know you need to cover both sides. BUT, this country is doing its best to recover from eight years of Bush and Cheney. Bush was too stupid to be evil. Cheney was too evil to even be comprehended. As much as I despised these two men, and still do, I would be absolutely against any action being taken against them for anything they did.

We need to heal.

Do not put this malignant man on TV. Do not give him a forum of any kind. Just let him stew in his own poison. We have a country to rebuild right now.

Proud American in Florida   March 9th, 2009 6:43 pm ET

Why, oh why would CNN bother interviewing this individual? He is no longer relevant and his opinions most certainly are not. Is this supposed to entertain us or something? Try again.

Eric   March 9th, 2009 6:37 pm ET

Why would I want to watch one of the most corrupt and callous men alive spin and lie to John King's face?

No thanks.

Cheney belongs in a courtroom being tried, not walking free.

Fred   March 9th, 2009 6:34 pm ET

The likes of Cheney have seen their better days. Dinosaurs one and all. Though the evils he perpetuated still live on.

The Last Patriot   March 9th, 2009 6:31 pm ET

This man would not try to negotiate with the Taliban, unlike some naive politicians...

Kris Worcester,MA.   March 9th, 2009 6:29 pm ET

Look at his eyes he's so mad at everything lighten up guy! You aren't in office and when you were, we were so messed up. Retire already.
Grasping at straws are you?

Len in Washington   March 9th, 2009 6:29 pm ET

SICK HIM, JOHN.......SICK HIM!

We want the truth. We'll probably never hear it from him but we still want it.

Marty   March 9th, 2009 6:19 pm ET

Maybe former Vice President Cheney should give up his pardon for Mr. Libby. I will not be watching. Vice president Cheney has done enough to this country. We do we need to hear anymore from him now ? He should go back into hiding and sty there.

Simpliticus   March 9th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

Cheney is about as believable as a dog which won't hunt! To be sure the vice president certainly can honor Bush's decision NOT to pardon Libby because this would make Libby available for comment into other intransigent situations in that government while not pardoning him makes the case mute. So, Cheney is merely appearing to posture for something that he himself really doesn't want. Therefore, Cheney's comments are untenable at best and garbage at worst!

Arzell   March 9th, 2009 6:10 pm ET

He suggested Obama was irresponsibly adhering to “campaign rhetoric,”
-----
It's not adhering to campaign rhetoric. It's called KEEPING YOUR WORD TO THE PEOPLE!

Pam for America & Obama   March 9th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

Does anyone care what this liar will say? His should be speaking from prison. Until he is locked up I don't want to hear a word he has to say.
Good God...look at what he has done to this once great Nation.

Suzanne   March 9th, 2009 6:06 pm ET

What makes you think anybody wants to listen to what this war criminal has to say. Does anyone at CNN ever get out of the office and talk to the real people in this country and if so what on earth are you thinking. Cheney is one of the most hated people ever in the US government and we are glad to see him go.

Joshua College Station Texas   March 9th, 2009 6:05 pm ET

The legal clock is ticking on Cheney. Continued feedback from the outraged, resentful, and still unsatisfied public is finally making headway in Congress and the White House under the new administration. Soon Cheney will either be indicted, on trial and on his way to prison, or dead of a heart attack. The public wants him to answer for his crimes!

republicans hate america   March 9th, 2009 6:04 pm ET

spare me we heard enough of him for eight years

Eric in Atlanta   March 9th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

That sound you're hearing is the value of your life savings going down the drain. The Dow lost ANOTHER 80 points today. More job losses will follow–and the vicious cycle continues due to Obama's raising taxes on: capital gains, dividends, income, social security–and a new energy tax.

But Democrats hate Dick Cheney more than they love capitalism and freedom. So they'll keep a lip lock on Obama and continue to bash Cheney. Congratulations.

Kim   March 9th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

This man should be in prison. Why is he still roaming around giving interviews?

cnnnewser   March 9th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

Don't expect John King to ask any hard questions – Cheney will run over him the same way Lindsey Graham did last Sunday.
John King and Campbell Brown are worthless.

Theother 49   March 9th, 2009 6:03 pm ET

John King we know you are a Rebutican but do you have to stoop this low?OMG

Joe Torregano   March 9th, 2009 6:02 pm ET

Still fear-mongering, trying to ad doubt. Still the prototype for an authoritarian in waiting. Still defending the bankrupt and internationally repudiated Bush policies on torture and war strategy. Still being a jerk.

kevincollins   March 9th, 2009 6:01 pm ET

And, of course, Dick "Five Deferments" Cheney knows a lot about preventing terrorist attacks being that the worst one on U.S. soil happened under his and Bush's woeful watch...

the idiot   March 9th, 2009 6:00 pm ET

Look at the comments by the lunatic left "fair & balanced" is an alien concept, but then again we know it is look what they voted for in congress and president. Guess they all watch to much SNL and think it is real. We are getting the message from them "NO ONE SHOULD BE LISTENED TO EXCEPT OBAMA." Very, Very Stalinist.

Peter   March 9th, 2009 6:00 pm ET

I have a dream. Dick Cheney, Tom Delay and Karl Rove in orange jump suits.

sandee in Portland   March 9th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

and this coming from one of the biggest crooks we've ever elected. Will I watch? NOT!

Whatz up   March 9th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

John King has proven he's nothing but a joke with his bias journalism theatrics. John King is nothing but a Republican operative at CNN. If you watch his interviews of Eric Cantor, etc. You could see the signs of his bias, in the questions being asked, etc.

The fact that John King is giving this mad-man any air time at all is mind boggling!! WHY in the world would you interview this idiot? WHY? Chenney was the most despicable and disgraceful Vice President in history. He allowed the Justice Department to corrupt and abuse the laws governing our country by any means necessary.

If the average Joe Schmoe did 1/8 of what Chenney did as Vice President, he wouldn't live to see daylight!!

Dick Chenney needs to be SILENCED by any means necessary.

E   March 9th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

Why keep giving face time to the biggest CROOK in America. He started a war in order to feed his retirement accounts and openly supports TREASON (as defined by George Bush Sr.) This man should be imprisoned, not interviewed as if he were still valid. Discusting.

Simon   March 9th, 2009 5:56 pm ET

Why isn't this man in prison for treason and war crimes yet???

tax the churchs   March 9th, 2009 5:56 pm ET

You have Dick all wrong,hes just a big lovable teddy bear and loves us all.He would never lie,cheat or steal.He a theodore nuggent hunt together for those rascally wabbits.

Melody Chapin   March 9th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

Why is Dick Cheney getting more publicity? He is not a credible person regarding any presidency.

Andy   March 9th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

Given how hard Bush administration officials worked to corrupt American laws and values, the least G.W. could have done was grant a pardon to Libby. Maybe Cheney knows why he didn't and is not saying, but is willing to bemoan the oversight publicly.

Ron L   March 9th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

This is a HUGE waste of time. He is not going to say anything new at all. CNN you really need to get a little out side the box. So many of your interviews are borderline boring because many of the tough questions are never answered. Additionally your Anchors or your personnel that come up with the questions seem to have minimal information or knowledge. I just wonder..DO YOU HAVE TO BE NICE..OR THEY ( the Senators or Congress Members) WON'T COME BACK ??? Thats what it seems like.
..One of the BIG problems with our country is the news media. They will spend more time on a comment that they know is a distortion or lie, then they will take time to prove that it is just that. A clear example, when the Republicans complain about how HIGH Obama is raising taxes. The actual amount of tax increase on many Americans would be 3% to 5%. Not enough to BREAK a person earning $250,000 a year. How seldom does the media mention that??
It is pretty pathetic!!

Do The Limp, Obsequious, Crack-licking Rushpublicans Have A Boehner Over Limbaugh Yet?   March 9th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

Will John King write the script as he's been doing for all the other Republicans who come on his show without a clue, any new ideas or new, plausible talking points?

TanM Boener, WaxBrow   March 9th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

is someone going to ask him if he's a socialist?

moderate   March 9th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

I can not beleive that this GUY still has the nerve to show up in public. This thug should be in jail with his brainless so called president.

Bret   March 9th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

Hey John-
I bet you don't have the guts to ask him about the bogus story that he leaked to the NY Times about aluminum tubes that Iraq supposedly possessed. He then quoted that same bogus story when he was on Meet the Press to "convince" the American people that Iraq was developing WMD's.

Hey Dick, you are no patriot, no hero, no nothing. You have no shame and hopefully someday you find yourself behind bars where you belong.

Oliver Klozoff   March 9th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

DICK CHENEY? Are you kidding? The only interview I want to see this man give is in front of HAGUE for WAR CRIMES.

HE IS A CRIMINAL and no patriotic american when you steal from the treasury in support of his own GREED.

Thomas   March 9th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

Ask Dick Cheney if he is one of the rich investors that Newt Gingrech is referring too ? Dick and Newt are good ol buddy's on K street !

Please John King !

C.J. Williams   March 9th, 2009 5:36 pm ET

This man is totally irrelevant! He needs to go into seclusion and never come out.

I bet everythng he says will be against the Obama Administration and he will alienate most Americans like he always does.

Squigman   March 9th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

Here's a program I'll be sure to miss.

Ray Fisher   March 9th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

I was hoping after leaving office, we wouldn't have to see or hear this meglomaniac again or his mutant little buddy!!! CNN must be desparate!!!

chuck   March 9th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

This shows how desperate CNN is getting . John King alone cannot run a show from nine to one o'clock. He does a good job as a reporter but is not the right man for host. CNN shoud utilise Suzanne Malveaux and and young Abbie Tatton a bit more.

Otto   March 9th, 2009 5:34 pm ET

CNN rating for this interview will be ZERO. Why on Earth are you guys going there? It's about time he is in prison and not the half way house either but hard time; breaking stones with a hammer.

Ellen   March 9th, 2009 5:34 pm ET

It shames me that this man, who single-handedly corrupted the Bush government more than anyone else, is given an audience. The real miscarriage of justice is that Cheney will never be prosecuted for his blatant self-dealing and corruption. He makes all the conspiracy theorists look sane...

A tired American   March 9th, 2009 5:34 pm ET

When Cheney breaks down crying and begging forgivness, send me an email. Otherwise if he just accepts responsibility for the mess that the country is in, I'll catch it on my local evening news.

Ottahear   March 9th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

Who is John King? Did he go hunting with Cheney sometime in the past? Does he know about Dick's temper?

Gracie   March 9th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

CRIMINAL!!! CRIMINAL!! CRIMINAL!! CRIMINAL!!

CRIMINAL!!! CRIMINAL!! CRIMINAL!! CRIMINAL!!

Why this idiot is even being interviewed is beyond me. He's done nothing but ABUSE the laws of this country to suit his selfish political ambition and give George W. Bush lead way in breaking the laws siting "executive previlege" or "national security".

I swear, if anyone should be tarred or feathered, it should be this fool!!

I would rather get a root canal then listen to one word this bigot has to say after running our country into the ground!!!!

Michael   March 9th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

we know what Cheney will say. The important thing is – what questions are asked. What answers are accepted.

paulina   March 9th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

HE SHOULD DEFINATELY BE BEHIND BARS BY NOW...

Moonbeam   March 9th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

Why???!!!

rachel   March 9th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

I do beleive he is the scariest man in the world.

Jason   March 9th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

watch out john he has been known to bite the heads off of little children. are they going to roll him in in a giant birdcage?

Cindy   March 9th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

I suspect he'll sound a lot like Newt Gingrich... old, same'ol, negative and divisive.

tax the churchs   March 9th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

I wish he would take John hunting,he is so last year.

Scott, Tucson   March 9th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

jon king is irrelevant

Scott, Tucson   March 9th, 2009 5:28 pm ET

who wants to see what a war criminal like him has to say?? I guess Jon King (pseudojournalist).

Jerry Houston   March 9th, 2009 5:27 pm ET

I'm about as interested in hearing with Cheney has to say as I am about the Octumom and her advice on parentage. Thanks for the heads up, now I'll deprogram my Tivo for this Sunday.

Jack in Freeport, NY   March 9th, 2009 5:26 pm ET

I agree that we should't care; on the other hand, perhaps Mr. Cheney is ready to tell all, in which case, he can name the members of the secret energy council meeting that he chaired shortly after he took office.

anything but ~ california hugh   March 9th, 2009 5:26 pm ET

What's this world coming to? Dick Cheney must be the worst vice-president in American history. He "don't" shoot straight at all–crooked with a flag pin on his lapel and no bid contract money in his pockets. CNN what's up with this? I can't wait to watch–NOT! I'll tune into MSNBC for this event. I suppose having the spawn of Satan on your network makes it fair and balanced. "I'm shocked" would put it mildy.

Jetty   March 9th, 2009 5:26 pm ET

Ihope JOHN KING would search for better questions rather the negative questioning he is locked up with the current administarion. Obama has barely a couple of months in office. With the spirit of the American people and hope to improve the standard of live of the American, Obama would succeed big time to the detriment of the object skeptic of his administartion.

What has JOHN KING to gain for sitting with a war mongera like Dick Cheney who spear headed the Iraq war and left American in a pathetic war cost that would change the living standards of many American for years to come.

John King Lover

Alex   March 9th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

If next Monday doesn't see headlines about John King's hardline, insistent questioning of Cheney on issues like torture, warrantless wiretapping, suppression of domestic political dissent, the whitewashing of 9/11 and the manufacturing of "intelligence" in build up to the Iraq Occupation, that will be a sign that we're dealing with another non-journalist. Almost as much as the Cheneys, Addingtons, Yoos and Bushes that have gutted the Constitution, the air-brushed stenographers that make up our national news media are true enemies of democracy. Does John King care about actual journalism? Or is he simply another lapdog for those in power, eagerly panting for the privilege of access and attention, like David Gregory, Brian Williams, Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric, Wolf Blitzer and the late Tim Russert?

Sandy   March 9th, 2009 5:22 pm ET

Dick Cheney certainly made HIS money during the Bush years – BILLIONS, as we're all jobless and watching our economy crumble around us. Be sure to ask him about that.

yuri   March 9th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

The erstwhile veep may try not to act vehemently, when viewed by the veteran news vendor, John King. Actually, it will be a vivacious interview, in our prediction, but then again, it may turn out to be dry and drab, too.

Veronica Richmond, VA.   March 9th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

Who cares? He should be under the jail house!

Lesley   March 9th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

What on earth for? Haven't we had enough of Mr. Cheney and his views and policies to last a lifetime? What could he add to the public discourse that would matter in the least?

Joe American   March 9th, 2009 5:02 pm ET

War Criminal!

Had It   March 9th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

Why would anyone want to listen to that? Just more Limbaugh/Rove style snide remarks, snarky attitude, and lies.

Thanks for the warning.

Time for Term Limits   March 9th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

There will be one telltale sign to see if Cheney is lying: if he opens his mouth. Maybe he will agree to be waterboarded in order to prove his interrogation technique is not turture. Too bad Saddam wasn't one of Cheney's hunting buddies, or maybe we wouldn't have had to go to war and occupy a country indefinitely.

Jo   March 9th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Wonder how soft his questions will be. Another reason not to watch the show.

Griff............... on The Truth...   March 9th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Happy Birthday to the "Lady in the Lake". CNN...

Saifur Rahman   March 9th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

Dick Cheney-on John King!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! waste of time.

Bob   March 9th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

WHO CARES?

Otto   March 9th, 2009 4:59 pm ET

Hey John, be careful Dick Cheney might give you his famous finger...watch that guy...he is crazy!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   March 9th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

Save your breath Dick. We all know you're lying.

California Gold   March 9th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

"I don't remember."
"I have no independent recollection."
"That is confidential, privileged information."
"I refuse to answer that question based on my Fifth Amendment Rights."
"I am innocent of any wrongdoing" (credit given to Blagojevich as the author of this excuse)

Ought to be a quick interview.

arithmetic is liberal   March 9th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

Well, maybe John King can fawn all over him like he did with Cantor on Sunday...

Danny in Chicago   March 9th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

WHO CARES!

John King's State of the Union is definitely no Meet the Press.....

Who are you for CNN? Are you with Rush or Obama? You should make yourself clearer because you sure seem to ask Obama to be so, and yet you seem to support the pubs an awful lot!

Kaye -Jacksonville FL   March 9th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

Oh God – why?? America has had more than enough of this man and I for one wouldn't tune in to watch this interview for a million bucks – and considering my economic situation these days, that says a LOT about how much distain I have for Dick Cheney.

Luke Brown   March 9th, 2009 4:54 pm ET

Thanks for reminding me about this ... I'll be sure NOT to watch.

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