(2:00 p.m. ET update with Cheney response)
(CNN) - Dick Cheney's recent criticism of the Obama administration's national security policies suggests the former vice president is almost "wishing" the United States gets hit with another terrorist attack, according to CIA Director Leon Panetta.
During an interview in the current issue of the New Yorker, Panetta says Cheney's wide range of recent criticisms of Obama - including the decision to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba - show the ex-vice president "smells some blood in the water on the national security issue."
"It's almost, a little bit, gallows politics," said Panetta. "When you read behind it, it's almost as if he's wishing that this country would be attacked again, in order to make his point."
Asked about Panetta's comments during an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press Sunday, Vice President Joe Biden said he would refrain from questioning his predecessor's motives.
"I think Dick Cheney's judgment about how to secure America is faulty," Biden said. "I think our judgment is correct. I don't question his motive."
But Panetta, the former White House chief of staff under President Clinton, also said in the New Yorker interview it was "dangerous politics" for Cheney to repeatedly insist President Obama has made the country less safe.
Among Cheney's criticism is Obama's decision to cease the CIA's use of enhance interrogation techniques to extract information from terrorist suspects - a practice the former vice president says yielded information that prevented massive terrorist attacks, though he says security reasons prevent him from revealing specifically to which incidents he is referring.
Panetta said he supports the president's decision and, like Obama, does not think CIA agents who engaged in the techniques under President Bush should be prosecuted.
"I'm going to give people the benefit of the doubt," he said. "If they do the job that they're paid to do, I can't ask for a hell of a lot more."
UPDATE: In a statement provided to CNN, Cheney said, "I hope my old friend Leon was misquoted."
"The important thing is whether or not the Obama Administration will continue the policies that have kept us safe for the last 8 years."
From CNN Politics
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Oh give me a break!! CNN quit reporting speculation and gossip as news.
Dick Cheney is a war criminal and thief. Why does anybody even listen to him, much less take what he says as credible!
I am getting so tired of Republicans. I really am. Like Pineda, I also believe the Cheney and all Republican talking heads are wishing for an attack. It is shameful but what I truly believe.
Exactly! In order for Cheney to be vindicated for being the torturer of the Western Hemisphere, he is hoping for an attack on the USA. What kind of winning strategy is that?!? Cheney's policies, practices and wishes are simply Un-American. He is a disgrace to our party and to the USA.
I Hope You and Your Daughter Are Reading This!!! You are a PATHETIC American Dick Cheney.
We've allready had terrorist attacks. We have a new face of terrorism in the US, the homegrown kind, radical right wingers, not unlike Cheney, attacking other Americans. Al quida can sit back and laugh at us now.
Cheney's a loon. I'm sure he doesn't mind all the domestic terrorism going on as well. He just wants to be able to say I told you so.
The way he is trying his "bring it on" tatics you would think so. But even this darth vader could not be that violent and against America...but then his record shows he might.
Leon Panetta has now joined the rest of the Oblama adminstration in reaching a new rhetorical low (blame Cheney for future attacks?).
Obamabots, who seem to be genetically ignorant, will of course applaud his statements without question.
Don't forget, 9/11 happened on Dick Cheney's watch – I don't think he knows anything about preventing terrorist attacks.
All he cared about was invading Iraq, and that's the only reason he approved torture: to get a false confession in order to justify the invasion.
The man is a criminal.
I find Mr. Cheney's comments treasonous. I wouldn't put it past him to bring about ANOTHER attack on American soil just to prove his point. I cannot comprehend how someone with Mr. Cheney's high profile in government can be allowed to make these types of comments. I'm well aware of the first ammendment, but at what point do we draw the line when an open invitation to any and all terrorists is practically being engraved and distributed? His comments are at best selfishly irresponsible, with total disregard for national safety. The blood he smells in the water is his own.
Cheney is a sour loser.
He is right. Cheney is.
Panetta said, "When you read behind it, it's almost as if he's wishing that this country would be attacked again, in order to make his point."
This is sad but true. Many people believe that the 9/11 attack was false flag terrorism and there is compelling evidence to support this theory, a theory that states our government allowed these attacks to happen in order to go to war.
Alexander Mooney also states in his article, "Among Cheney's criticism is Obama's decision to cease the CIA's use of enhance interrogation techniques to extract information from terrorist suspects."
**********************************
DON'T YOU MEANT TORTURE? Why are you still calling it "enhanced interrogation techniques?
IT WAS TORTURE!
CALL IT WHAT IT IS!
Most dangerous Vice president we ever had....Dick Cheney...!!!!!!
The ultimate is pathetically lame assumptions. Just because he might disgree with the current administrations anti-terror policies does not begin to suggest he wants to see another terror attack on this country.
And here I thought speaking foolishly would have been reserved for Biden. Truly an egregious accusation Panetta and beneath the dignity of the Obama administration.
Panetta should book in on David Letterman show–he would fit right in–another vicious, vile attack from the left about a republican.
typical Obama administration garbage. How does he not get fired for this comment. Obama is running a fascist regime and is such a disappointment.
Does anyone find this surprising? I think that Cheney and the Bush administration were thrilled for 9-11 happening.
Better try to get my comments here before CNN removes it. Oh ya, they could leave my comments in limbo like 60% of my other posting, can't win.
Of course cheney wants the US to be attacked again. He is looking at future prosecution for war crimes. bush, cheney, rumsfeld are all guilty of torture. If you don't hold these guys responsible you can never accuse any other dictator of this crime again.
According to the bush administration Hitler can say that the medical experiments carried out on the Jews in WWII resulted in positive results therefore they were justified.
The same type of insinuation could easily be leveled at Democrats who obviously exploited the Iraq War for political gain {see how we haven't left yet}. This is an incredibly irresponsible and baseless accusation from the director.
Conservatives are obviously hoping for disaster and failure to plague the Obama Administration so they can return to the place they consider to be their rightful one: in power.
They are not above manufacturing a crisis if they have to. We all remember the Clinton impeachment, which was a complete fraud. After a $65 million investigation, nothing was discovered – except that Clinton (like many of the Republicans who were persecuting him) had a girlfriend.
Middle-class Conservatives should keep in mind that their leadership will allow the middle-class to suffer if that is how Conservatism can return to power. They only care about you on election day. Every other day, if their policies hurt you – well, that's just collateral damage.
Dick Cheney is an evil, evil man. Tell me again why he was one of the few two-term vice-presidents who didn't run for president afterward?? When will this man and his former boss both stand trial for their crimes against humanity?
Of course Dick Cheney is hoping that we get attacked again... That alone would direct attention away from his war crimes and un-American support of torture...
Dick Cheney NEEDS to be put on trial... He is a traitor and represents all that is wrong with America! Unfortunatly Democrats in Congress are too spineless to stand up to him and to demand an investgation!
Cheney is not, I repeat NOT, "hoping for another terrorist attack".
It is his opinion, to which he is entitled, that if we were to suffer another attack we would be ill prepared for it as a direct result of the actions of the current administration.
I for one hope we don't have to find out the hard way.
Cheney has absolute contempt for the American people, so anything is possible. I recall that, when a reporter told him that an overwhelming majority of Americans were against the Iraq War, he said, dismissively, "So?"
This is his attitude toward people who offer up their sons and daughters to make the sacrifice he used five (or is it six?) deferments to avoid. Definition of a chickenhawk.
Panetta needs to apologize for his remarks or RESIGN. Can you imagine what would have happened if a republican had said that about a democrat????
Thank you Mr. Panetta someone had to say it and you had the courage. The way Chenny is acting shows how paranoid he is that he might be prosecuted. Chenny needs to calm down and shut the hell up. If you did wrong than you will be punished. Enough of powerful men abusing power and information for personal gains by handing out government contracts to Blackwater and Halli Burton.
Of course, Cheney wishes for a terrorist attack. Cheney's corporate sponsors made HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of DOLLARS on the 9-11 attacks, which were deceitfully used by Cheney and friends to justify the looting of Iraq, even as at the same time Cheney and company moved to greatly increase the power of the federal government over its citizens for the benefit of his corporate sponsors. That's exactly why people like Cheney, Gingrich and Palin regularly provide rhetoricial aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States.
Cheney is very evil, I wouldn't put anything pass him!!
I thought as much! Mr. Cheney can't seem to get it thought his thick head that the war machine serves no purpose except making he and his friends richer.
With several deferments and no service; he seem to think he knows more than any military leader alive or dead. Someone as arrogant as he is should be sent to Gitmo to serve rest or his miserable live in seclusion.
It has been obvious with his actions that Cheney does hope for an attack under President Obama's watch so he can say, I told you so.
But, what he doesn' tell us is that terrorists and terrorists groups have increased drastically due to his and Bush's unjustied, arrogant, self serving actions. The hate, anger, distrust for our country by the world increased dramatically with their lack of diplomacy, "so" attitude and horrible mistakes.
They left our relations with other countries in shambles and did damage to our safety.
Cheney continues to utilize the same fear tactics his administration perpetrated on the American people while he was in office. I do believe that if there was another terrorists attack under the Obama administration that the Republicans would jump all over it and utilize it as a rallying cry. This disgusts me considering 9/11 happened on Cheney's watch.
Would we expect anything else from a pea-brained draft dodger like Cheney? He has never known what he's talking about because he hasn't lived it. He's hidden behind the safe walls of business and academia all his life and has spent no time in the field. On top of that, he can't stand the idea that the American people could actually reject the Wolfowitz Doctrine. Holder and the Justice Department need to continue to push forward, not wimp out, and file charges against the Bushies for their crimes. When Cheney is in court, on trial for war crimes, THEN he can spout off about how much more about national security he knows than Obama, and then the whole world can laugh at him.
Deeply saddened that any American, especially a former-leader would wish such a thing on their own nation, but it is ........ true. I have forced myself to listen to some of the Cheney's interviews on Faux News, and his attitude and words send chills down my spine.
I thought 'this man wants the U.S. attacked, so he can say, Ah-ha! I told you so!' I consider Cheney evil, he is just a terrible person. One who claims to be Christian yet condones and approves of torture. How can someone who loves Jesus, also condone the torture of a human being?
Its is disturbing to me, that Cheney would actually want our nation attacked just to prove his warped beliefs!
What confuses me is why the memo Cheney put out that said that the only way we could get into a war for oil in Iraq was to have another "Pearl Harbor" type incident....hasnt really been discussed.
Give me a break. He does not want us attacked. Just another hit job by democrats on anyone who opposes any part of their national security plans. Obama has basically validated everything Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan & else where continuing the missions. So if Cheney disagrees with Obama on just a few things that is pretty amazing considering all the campaign rhetoric against all things Bush/Cheney.
Dick Cheney and George Bush created tens of millions of rightfully angry new enemies of America with their unjust attack on Iraq and the subsequent deaths of 1.3 MILLION Iraqis. Look how angry we all felt losing 3,000 souls on 9-11......and we expect the Muslim world to "get over" the unwarranted deaths of over a million of their own? I hope I live to see Cheney and Bush pay dearly for their war crimes and crimes against America. Never in my 55 years have I seen my country so ravaged on so many levels....yet Cheney keeps right on damaging us. Why is he on TV instead of behind bars?
What happened to the strict policy that the Bush "regime" had on questioning the President? I herad Mr. Cheney more thAN once insist that "it is un-american to question the leader of the free world. It is irresponsible and puts the nation at risk." I guess once the "regime" is over, the laws they enforced are not applicable to them.
HYPOCRITE.
The dems did the same thing when we went into Iraq. They were "rooting" for us to lose so they could complain about Bush. I'm tired of their hypopcrisy and the media's lack of coverage of it.
He is right! Dick Cheney DOES want a terrorist attack so that he could say he is right.
So once again people are going to be crucified b/c why? They were TOO HONEST and TOO TRUTHFUL??
they're just figuring this out now?
Cheney obviously wants another terrorist attack so it makes his legacy actually look legitimate!!!
It's the truth. Then he could rectify every thing he has ever done in the name of Democracy. He would then say: that is why I wanted to torture. That is why I wanted to wire tap. That is why I wanted gitmo. A new attack on our country would be the best case scenario for Dick Cheney and the Worst Case Scenario for the US.
I think Mr. Cheney is being a bit presumptious in criticizing the Obama
administration about safety of our nation when he obviously missed
his chance to personally assist during the Vietnam conflict. How many deferments did he accept?
Also, his former co-workers certainly profited from the Iraq war. I think Mr. Cheney should just sit down and be quiet.
Where was Cheney for the 8 years he was in office? I never heard less of a Vice-President or saw fewer pictures of one. Now he is in the news almost daily & always making negative comments. We knew where Bush was every minute, but never knew where Cheney was for 8 years. He should stay out of sight & out of ear shot.
Of course he is hoping for another Terrorist attack...he had a hand in the last one! The last attack and the war in Iraq has made him millions through Haliburton.
Dick Cheney is a sad hate filled man.
Dick is a vicious person. I suspect he is a closet alcoholic with many deeply rooted mental issues. Shame on anyone who voted for him, or continue to listen to his divisive drivel. The best thing he can do for our country is go away and give the president the opportunity to succeed!
Good for Panetta. I happen to agree with him and think that Cheney would feel vindicated in some way if we were attacked again.
Mind you, Obama's not helping much with innocent civilians still getting killed with those airstrikes in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We're still making enemies albeit at a slower pace than with Bush/Cheney in charge.
Does Cheney still have access to those secret locations he used to spend so much time in?
THANK U!! gosh Ive been thinkn it all along
Lock him up.!!
.......... get this creep out of our society!!!.
While one may or may not agree with Cheney and may or may not like him, this is ridiculous. No person in their right mind would logically think that Dick Cheney is looking for the USA to get attacked again. Ludicrous.
Come on. That's going too far. For this guy to suggest that Cheney want to see an attack on America just to prove a point is ridiculous.
Wow. Panetta is so wrong about this.
Cheney has a PROVEN track record for keeping this country safe. Obviously he is privy to a lot more information than you & I & deems the current policies and procedures by the current administration dangerous. Nothing more, nothing less. I am thankful that Cheney is standing his ground on this one. As I mentioned, Cheney has proven himself....the current administration....not so much.
Of course, Cheney would like nothing better than to see another 9/11, or something like it. It would justify all the years of paranoiac foreign policy he promoted.
anyone surprised?
Nice Headline...That's really good "unbiased" reporting! Tired of Media. You're right up there with tabloids.
Memo to Mr. Cheney:
Shut-up and go away!
Cheney needs to (for once) follow the lead of Bush..go away & never be heard from again! REALLY!! Seems that it's obvious that President Obama has covered all bases well including not letting the ones taking orders from the previous administration be the fall guys & scapegoats for the Bush/Cheney disaster they called leadership. Marines & soldiers followed direct orders. They did their job & if now the new Administration respects that. . . finally!!. . . then is stands to reason that President Obama's respect for their position should be held firm. Support our troops!!!!!!!! President Obama leads by example, how refreshing!!!!!!!!!
This is TRUE !!
Absolutely true. Thank God somebody has demonstrated the testicular fortitude to come out and say it !!
Please as much as Cheney is not liked by the public, the reason he is speaking out is to prevent another attack. Give the guy a break geez, he's been in the whitehouse the last 8 years and has seen the dangers and isnt looking through the rose colored glasses that Obama is. Like Cheney or not, but he is speaking out to prevent a future disaster, he has no power now so why fault him for speaking his mind or opinion.
is that the same nonsense that the "right" tv people were accused of. if you say it enough some people will believe it and take action.
fear-hate mongering is bad on either side.
stop the madness.
Panetta's like all liberals–super-sensitive to any and all criticism. he forgets how leading Dems (Pelosi, Kennedy, Reid, etc.) slandered Bush with terms like murderer, traitor, coward, etc., and Bush never winced. Just because Obama's wrong on foreign policy (which does put us at greater risk), don't start throwing around the "unpatriotic" label and scare terminology, Panetta.
Cheney is an EVIL man who thrives on death and destruction. When 9/11 happened I am surprised he was able to keep the smile off his face.
Cheney should be tried for treason,period.
Panetta is wrong IF people do their job badly, or do their job with the wrong approach and/or wrong information.
The suggestion that Dick Cheney might be hoping for a terrorist attack, as CNN's headline suggests, is simply incredible.
Someone please arrest Cheney before he plans ANOTHER attack on America.
How can Panetta seriously make comments such as these. How insane!
I am thankful Cheney is standing his ground and trying to keep the United States safe. Thank you, Mr. Cheney!
Finally a high up public figure says what everyone is thinking
I cannot believe a man in Panetta's position would dare make such a statement/comment! How utterly absurd. Even IF Cheney wishes Obama to fail and more still – Cheney truly believes what he says, right or wrong, he does NOT want the US to be attacked to make his point. This Panetta fella is obviously demented and clearly the wrong choice to lead the CIA. This, especially after letting big mouth Pelosi get by with her accusations of the CIA!
Comment? Nadda. Thought of it but then I considered the source of the mind it came from.
I do believe Dick wants an attack…just like the Republican Party and all the GOP. They love to dictate with fear. Fear. Fear. They loving nothing more than fear! Fear people that are different. Fear gay people. Fear woman who make choices. Fear the average worker.
GOP= FEAR
Thanks again CNN for not showing my comment. I guess only anti-Cheney, Liberal comments get posted.
If and when the United States is hit with another terrorist attack, we will all know it was orchestrated by Leon Panetta and the obama administration so they could blame former VP Cheney. Plagerism Joe Biden thinks the former VP's ideas on how to secure America are faulty. Under the leadership of Bush~Cheney there was one attack that had been in the planning stages long before Bush was sworn in to office. We know who was in charge prior to Bush. Does Clinton ring a bell?
Panetta is a disgusting wimp.
Well Cheney should know about this since he has been/still is a type of terrorist attack himself - one against this country and its Constitution!
Nobody, but nobody wants an attack who is soundly thinking at all!!
What is the source of Panetta's thinking, and conclusive evidence for these abstract deductions?? I begin to wonder about him. I hope all this fanfare is not political sparring just to win points, and this kind of rhetoric can cause great division and confidence in leaders.
Based on the things he has said, the way he has said them, whom he has said them to, his apparent intentions and actions as Vice President, I cannot help myself in believing that Dick Cheney would LOVE nothing more than to see America in ruins "as a result of failing to believe in and trust the actions and intentions of the Bush administration." (OK, he didn't say that, but couldn't you just hear it coming out of his mouth?)
About TORTURE: How can we justly CLAIM to be a better people if we fail to behave in a better way? When the Japanese wateboarded Americans, we called it (and it was found to be, in International Court) TORTURE... How can we now call it anything else?
Apparently Panetta fears Cheney is right.
Way to go, Panetta. Seems you should be more concerned with what our enemies are thinking than trying to state for Mr Cheney (not our enemy) what he thinks. Are you sure you know what YOU think? Are you sure you know what your boss thinks?
Is it safe to say that these are scare tactis from some on who feels like no one will rememeber his legacy or won't hold him in the highest regard when you talk about the positive side of our nations history. Torture is wrong and if my uncle was alive he would tell you so, and about being a POW in WWII. I am more scared as an American of our on radicals than those from abroad. How can I feel safe when there is another timothy mcveigh just around the corner fueled by what Dick Cheney and some his fellow repulicans are trying to do to this nation.I pray that isn't another attack under Obama or anybody's watch. America is the best nation on this planet despite the last 8 years.
Let's just send Cheney to Afghanisan to do a little pheasant hunting.
Cheney's kind of nuts. Isn't he? I mean. Let go of it already.
Darn right he is. So are a lot of Republicans. That way they can say "See, we told you so. The Democrats can't protect you, vote us back in office".
This is typical of cheney though hes a hate monger and a war monger. He DOES wish America would be attacked but he does not get it that Obama is keeping us ALOT safer than he ever did! We were attacked on HIS watch, and he KNEW it was coming. It was all for his oil and the world knows it. THE ONLY people that deny this are the radical right wingers who hate America.
Oh come on, get real. Does anyone really believe that Dick Cheney would wish his country to be attacked? I see this release as a deception from the factual evidence, in today's politics you have to keep your eyes on both hands and feet of all these players. The same people will believe this that blame 911 on the Bush Administration. Sick of it all!
I doubt that Dick wants America to be attacked again but if it was, he would probably say, "I told you so"....
Of course Cheney is wishing for another terrorist attack, that way he can jump up and down and beat his chest while crowing "I told you so". Then he'll return home and fire up his chicken hawk buddies to bleat on Faux News for another attack on a sovereign nation in order to increase defense spending on Halliburton to make his stock values increase.
Cheney and other right-wing chicken hawks don't care about America. They care about the Republican Party and defense contractors' profits. If America has to be attacked and hundreds or thousands of people have to die in order for chicken hawk Cheney and his Republican cronies to have a platform to shill from, that's fine and dandy with him as long as they score political points and more money for themselves.
Good god people give it a rest. Stop trying to make news when none is there. And for crying out loud Biden is double speaking every time he opens his mouth. Obama is a reflection of the times. Has to be the touchy feely president. Being President doesn't mean everyone will like you Obama. Puh-leeze....
I've actually had the same thought regarding Cheney. While he has every right to criticize, I think his tone needs to be a bit more constructive.
Typical fear mongering from the leftist liars trying to distract from the fact that they are setting us up for another attack.
democrats are like a broken record, not wanting to take responsibility for anything, and trying to blame Republicans for everything.
Are all democrats severely retarded and dishonest??
this comment by CIA head, is ludacris.
To be honest , if he "smells blood in the water " it's a political weakness = higher risk of attack. The head line don't match the story. It's more like Panetta wants the attack to say see chaney wished this on us.
I thought we voted for political change ( not change our lives)
Cheney does not want the U.S. to be attacked. It's very easy for Panetta or anyone else to say that he does though knowing that the U.S. is now more vulnerable. If the U.S. does get attacked it will now be easier to point fingers at Cheney and say, "See! It's all his fault!", rather than put the blame on those who are really responsible.
doesnt take a rocker scientist to figure that one out
Nothing is More UnAmerican than to keep talking and wishing your an attack on your fellow Americans just to prove your Point...........that shows your true Character on others lives Cheney...........I hope you burn in Hell
This revelation is astonishing, coming from a former elected civil servant. Wishing for American citizens to die in a terrorist attack just to test another elected rivals' mettle? Cheney belongs in prison, and I am sure many Americans will agree. CIA should be looking into this borderline traitor's doings.
VP Cheney is concerned about what we are doing to protect American citizens currently compared to what the Bush administration had done and Panetta should understand that this is constructive criticism and treat it as such. Everyone is entitlted to their opinion, including the former VP and Panetta should simply agree to disagree and not say that Cheney is hoping for failure. No one wants failure, but when one sees the direction we are headed, much like what happened during the Clinton years and all the bombings that followed those weak decisions of Clinton, one has a right to be concerned.
Chaney is not liked, not respected, not relevant, not in a leadership roll. He is just power hungry and wants to be out front. He seems to need more attention than limpbo needs. He and now his daugter with all the children(go home to them), coulter, sean, laura, and rush really crave the spotlight. The world would be so much better off if these mouths would just shut up. Maybe if they would do as their mothers tried to teach them--'don't say anything if you can't say something nice'. This ilk do not "get" nice. SO SHUT UP.
Panett's statement shows us how ignorant and stupid our present Washington Adminstration is. Common sense will tell a child what terrorist lover Obama is doing will cause a serious problem.
Jen B
WI
Did the dems when they called Iraq doomed to failure and a quagmire really hope that the war effort would fail for political gain.
And did the liberals who posted the daily troop death counts really hope for our troops to die for political gain.
Does Cheney really want us to get attacked for political gain? No chance.
Leon Panetta has no experience in Intelligence- he is another civil rights lawyer improperly assigned by the Obama campaign. He needs to stick to his job and stop playing politics.
Not surprising at all. Many ‘Patriot’ Palin voters are out there are hoping the same. They would welcome the loss of more American lives in another potential terror attack so that they could enjoy 2 minutes of satisfaction and the opportunity to say: “I voted for Palin”. These are the people who need to put their limited global perspective into the context of a high school football game or an episode of ‘Bridezillas so that they ignore the fact that they’ve never traveled, worked or lived abroad. This is the mindset of those ‘Country First’ minions who defend Palin's honor so disparaged by David Letterman as if she were Steven Biko.
I guess Darth Cheney could do the same thing that Bush 43 did with 9/11, i.e., encourage or actually allow the attack to happen.
I'm not really that paranoid, but the Republicans' craziness and "I'll take my ball and go home" attitude sort of crys out for an irrational response. You know, something that the Republicans would understand, like they "understand" Obama's birth certificate and the fact that he's a Muslim.
Fortunately for the United States, Cheney and his little puppet Dubya are no longer in charge. Our current administration will do everything ppossible to protect us. They won't sit back and allow us to be attacked for political purposes like team Bush did. And, yes, they knew all about the attack in advance and did NOTHING to prevent it.
Those "enhanced techniques" made him ABSOLUTELY sure there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. What's the death toll there now? How many great soldiers gave their lives for this mis-information?
How many more gave their lives because Cheney awarded no-bid contracts to his company – Haliburton?
Sleep well Mr. Cheney....sleep well.
What a moron. Using this logic.., he must also think that keeping our military strong is asking for an enemy invasion??
Well of course he is. Cheney is a very dangerous man. He's a person who thinks that fear is the only way to rule. Reminds me of Ahmidenijad and Kim Jong Il.
Unfair. You may not like Cheney or agree with his antiterrorism tactics but it is unfair to suggest he wishes that there is an attack. Debate the issues stop attacking the other side. We need vigorous debate on both sides not personal attacks.
Of course he is wishing for an attack...all the republicans are.
I have thinking the same thing. I really do think Dick Cheney is wishing for America to be attacked again so the republican party can say "WE TOLD YOU SO." The man is evil is writting all over his face. God will punish him one day.
The former vp is a veritable monk for eight years going form one self serving lie and undisclosed location to another . Today, with his legacy and the GOP being examined in the honest light of day it's sour grapes and nastiness projected at every turn for the new administration.
Is this a GREAT country or what?
He IS hoping for another attack on America!
An absolutely disgusting thing for this Obama administration official to say. Cheney served this country well, and this Panetta piece of garbage must apologize at once. Furthermore, Obama must immediately consider finding a new CIA chief. This is serious.
Thank you for your candor, Mr. Panetta. Cheney is just warming up for his war crimes trial, hoping to deflect as much criticism as he can prior to the proceeding in the "court of public opinion".
Otherwise known as "spin".
Cheney could not care less about America or what may happen to her citizens. His only priority is his hollow attempts at CYA. So his rhetoric may inflame and encourage another attack. Does anyone really believe he cares if his mouth does just that?
No, his only scope is to exploit such an event for his own political agenda and keeping his behind out of a trial, not American lives that would be in jeopardy due to his tongue wagging.
So now the CIA is engaging in the type of baseless speculation the right wing is famously obsessed with (ever watch Glen Beck?). Great.
Cheney wants an attack, then he can claim that everything he said was right. Let's face it, if someone truly has the desire to hurt America, there is nothing that will stand in there way. At this point we should be more scared of North Korea, than with what the "terrorists" are doing.
YEP – just like the terror attack of 2001 following an unpopular election of BUSH !!! Hmm, I wonder!! Republicans MAY think another terror attack would benefit them but they better be careful for what they wish for!!!
YES we may be due for another attack, and YES we are no more safe than we were from 911, and YES the REPUBLICANS would try to capitalize on it and blame Obama. But could they BLAME Obama if the next terror attack comes from the far right WHITE SUPREMIST groups?? What about the THREATS being made towards People of Color and to others who do not THINK like them??? Isn't that the same as "TERRORISM"??
While the Republicans are WISHING for another terror attack – hoping it would benefit THEM – they need to BEWARE that the TERROR is coming from their OWN backyard and they would have NO ONE TO BLAME!!!!!
Why is this idiot not in prison awaiting trial for war crimes?
Your article tells nothing about what Dick Cheney actually "wishes." It reports only Leon Panetta's unfounded speculation about Mr. Cheney's "wishes." I hope you don't mislead your readers.
I totally agree.
Mr. Cheney wishes we were attacked again so he can certainly make a valid point that President Obama's policies are keeping America less safe.
Its the lets blame Bush/Cheney game. Obama could not stop his pants from falling without a teleprompter to tell him and if another terrorist attack happens, you blame cheney? Obama is like a kid in daycare. Its never his fault and blame someone else
I question Cheney's motives; I even throw my shoe at him. As time goes on, it's clearer than ever that the Bush Administration knew about 9-11 far in advance and may have even helped set it up "in order to make their point."
I wish Panetta was not right about this. Cheney makes me sick. I will take a couple of gaffes from our present Vice-President any day over the evil of that SOB Cheney
I don't think anybody is/should be getting paid to TORTURE anyone for any reason! I think most Americans agree that TORTURE is WRONG under any circumstances and employing the practice of TORTURE is lowering ourselves to the same depth of inhumanity as the "enemy" that we are supposedly battling!
Many Americans believe Cheney should be behind bars for being the mastermind of deceit, costing thousands of soldiers deaths. It's like Republicans want this to be swept under the rug as if to say, "So what?" America needs to correct itself if we expect to gain any of our respect back.
Mr. Panetta is right on when he states that it would appear that former vice President Cheney would revel in some sort of terriorist attack against the United States. This is apparent to anyone who have witnessed his latest attacks on the Obama administration, it would validate his stance and put the Republican Party in a much better position concerning national defense. The scary part of it is that, in my opinion there are Republican Operatives (including Mr. Cheney and Karl Rove) that are powerful enough and dark minded enough to make it happen, and I don't think they would hesitate to launch an operation that would make the administration look bad. Warped thinking got us into most of this mess and it continues to be a danger under the guise of national security.
Okay, well this is just dumb, even if you disagree with Cheney. The head of the CIA should stay out of these political fights. Idiotic, Mr. Panneta.
Whether Cheney wishes it or not, its going to happen. Obama is exposing us to danger. He needs to stop taking his foreign policy orders from the NY Times.
After I saw Cheney take sides with Rush Limbaugh over Colin Powell it became obvious that he has lost a clear perspective of reality. I would hope that Cheney does not wish for a terrorist attack on the U.S. but the more he talks the more I wonder.
Well duh. It took the CIA this long to figure that out?? Does anyone really believe we aren't ever going to see another terrorist attack on our soil? What does it say about the party if they are basing their hopes on a horrible event so that they can do a big I-told-you-so and claim they were right all along.
Cheney is an evil man, and I have no doubt that he secretly hopes America is attacked under the new Administration so he can say, "I told you so..."
That's a pretty outrageous statement for a CIA director to make! Very immature and unprofessional, Mr. Panetta!
Cheney needs to just go find something to do, you are not in charge anymore "go away" you need a hobby.
Put this man in jail.
I have to agree.. The whole Fox Nation.com seems to generate an underlying tone to this I just view them as distructive to the country with the tone of failure and the constant critism of Everything Pres. Obama tries and/or does.. Even with the powerful work for the release of the ship captain, there was very little credit there..
if its even slightly true.. it would be very sad, and that goes for anyone, not just the former vice president.
if you feel this way, let everyone know, so that that the terrorists will know who you are.
of course he's wishing for another attack. Cheney would love to see amercians dead so he can say "I told you so".
It's finally been said. Hats off to Mr. Panetta.
Of course he wants an attack on the U. S., not only would it vindicate his draconian methods, it would also give the GOP a rallying point to win elections.
Repub: When you say "its going to happen" you are saying nothing original. People have been saying another attack is inevitable long before Obama took office. If a group, twisted by hate, is determined to attack, it will eventually get through. Obama's policies, aimed at turning down the hate, is the only hope in the end.
When are we going to lock Dick Cheney up for War Crimes? That is the question.
I'm surprised at Panetta's suggestion that former VP Cheney would somehow like to see more Americans hurt or killed, more carnage, more destruction, etc. as in to somehow prove a point. This type of cheapshot goes way beyond partisan politics. It's downright disgusting. Shame on the CIA Director for floating that idea out there. He should probably learn – very quickly I might add – to keep his mouth shut and stay focused on his job.
Yes....this would sound like cheney.......he wants everything his way......
After all when asked about the troups dying in Iraq...he said,"so what?"
He only cares about himself.
There's a big difference between "wishing" and waiting for the inevitable.
Cheney used the last terror attack to his full unholy advantage. He used it to justify invading Iraq, suspend civil liberties and institutionalize torture. Who knows what else he has up his sleeve. This man bears watching. Preferably on a jail cell monitor.
Someone needs to terrorize Cheney and Rush. They are the ones wishing for terror. Maybe its time to see what its like to be terrified. Put them on the front lines.
It's like putting a sign on the window of your home saying in bold print "ON VACATION". He is either paranoid, covetous or using this a a ploy to cover his tracks. This does nothing to move the country forward.
Panetta has that right.....I've thought that from the beginning of Cheney's dangerous rants. He's basically asking for it.
David Letterman is still on the air, Don Imus is not. Unemployment is at 9.4%, dear leader said if we gave the libs a trillion dollars it wouldn't go above 8%. NKorea is testing nukes, the Iranians still hate us and are even more threatening in spite of the dear leaders apology tour. Mexico still is in the throes of a drug war in spite of the SOSUS apologies and of course more money. Does it seem that in spite of dear leaders election the country is deteriorating faster and faster? And now, we have the CIA director of course attacking the previous VP, while the country goes down. It really is the second Carter administration.
So now a top-ranking, albeit politically appointed official, has decided that any voiced opposition to very important security policy is the same thing as wishing death upon innocent Americans?
Panetta has no business "supposing" what he believes Cheney is thinking, especially when that supposition turns out to be politically motivated slander.
This is a disgusting accusation to make, and I'm sure Cheney's camp will come back with a similarly toned response.
it's high time we hold our past leaders accountable and try them before a group of their piers.
War Crimes, Crimes against the Geneva Convention, Crimes against out Constitution and rule of law, etc.
Once he and W are in prision, then they can comfortably work on their memory-books....without all the "torture" of having to appear on Faux News.
Repub in VA:
"Whether Cheney wishes it or not, its going to happen. Obama is exposing us to danger. He needs to stop taking his foreign policy orders from the NY Times."
Repub, it would be nice if you cited some specific facts to argue your case. And his "apology tour" "bowing to saudi kings" etc. doesn't cut it. It's obvious you don't have the facts that the president has...and while that's the case I'll trust him over you.
Is Chenny the new tricky dicky? He is trying to rewrite history and confuse the public on the facts. He crafted the Irac war strategy and it was a failure that cost thousands of lives, so he has blood on his hands and for that he should be held accountable. It is easy to claim that were not attacked since 9/11, but, does it mean were safe, well, in todays world, we are safe from domestic terror, criminals or terror itself. We need to toughen up.
If only Cheney was just hoping, he is actually praying for another attack just so his choices might be "validated".
I still say pointing out America's perceived weaknesses, whether real or imagined makes Cheney guilty of aiding and abetting the enemy and that is treason.
CNN is still trying to decide if my original comment was liberal enough to post...I'm leaning towards no
its a shame when a Republican.. one on the side of Religious followers WISHES for harm to someone else. Just another reason why I changed and Voted Democrat this year!
Regardless of whether or not it's true. It's not newsworthy. Panetta should be all the more focused on his job, and the press should not give Cheney the time of day; much less the amount of news coverage they do. Cheney won't go away unless the media let's him, by not covering his rantings. He was irrelevant when in office and even more so now. His era is over, let it fade.
Can we make him VP again? He was more quiet then he is now
:)
Well if we do get attacked I hope it happens whereever Dick Cheney is. Thank You. Have a nice morning.
Please, don't show your ignorance. Dick Cheney has dedicated his life to making this a better country. Your time would be better spent finding a replacement for Nancy Peloisi. Mr. Cheney is now a private citizen and can speak his mind, you on the other hand need to think before you speak.
America was not safe before 9-11 and it is not safe after 9-11!
Cheney just needs to be locked up He is a danger to he public and a war criminal.
Of course he wants another attack. This would grow his wealth again at the expense of brave service men and women (a pawn in his chess game) while proving that Obama is / was wrong.
Every NeoCon needs to realize that we were under threat because of their actions. Talking with people, trading with people and growing with people creates a well aligned world stage.
Not attacking a sovereign nation that had nothing to do with 9/11 lying to the American people while our debt spirals to the highest levels ever....
Cheyney is anti-American.
how is Obama exposing you to danger ?
Maybe you need a dose of reality and to open your eyes ?
Do you not think that Obamas measures to bring peace and to change the perception of the US around the world is the only way to go ?
The US under republican ideals is one if the most despised nations on earth for it's lies, self serving interests and extreme arrogance
Repub in VA – I disagree completely. It was the Bush Administration's policies that led to more hatred for our country and have left us as a larger target than before. Torture has been shown to bring no better information than normal interrogation techniques as it pertains to those Arab/Muslim detainees, in fact they bring false information that wastes time and resources. Cheney is just trying to justify his administration's tactics because they were illegal and he doesn't want to be tried for them. Unfortunately many non-thinking Republicans have just decided to agree because he is a Republican. It's this type of thinking that pushed myself and many more former Republicans away from the party.
Agreed. Cheney needs to keep his mouth shut. By questioning the safety of the United States, he not only is encouraging terrorism but is endangering our military. As I remember, the only major terrorist attack in the last 20 years happened on his watch.
And this is news how? That he's been wishing for another terror attack since September 12th, 2001 has been common knowledge to most of us.
Maybe Cheney's warning is coming from a "voice of experience" because of the Bush/Cheney administration's lack of attention to terrorist attack warnings before 9/11. If they had been more diligent and not so dismissive of the reports, perhaps it could have been stopped.
Isn't it ironic-Libs complained bitterly that if they didn't fall lockstep with the Bush administrration they were considered unpatriotic by republicans and wanted the terrorists to win. But now, it's ok for them to spew that same vitriole when it's directed at republicans.
We got sucker-punched on 9/11, and in response the Bush administration did everything it could to successfully prevent another attack on our soil. Cheney is doing nothing more than trying to see that their record of success is continued under the Obama administration, by pointing out where he believes they may be undoing some of the protections he believes are essential.
In other words, he wants exactly the OPPOSITE of what the liberal left is accusing him of....he wants us to remain safe.
Of course he is. Any intelligent person on earth that watched cheney on his media tour blaming Omaba for cleaning up his mess will realize that.
Only the GOP brain dead wachos will buy into his crap because they believe you make the country safe by creating more ennemies, fueling the anti-americanism around the world and pushing away your allies. IT'S INSANELY SAD.
Of course Cheney is hoping for an attack. He doesn't care about the country, he only cares about any results he thinks will make the Democrats look bad and the repugs look good. I'm sure he would also like to see a collapse of the economy and a hundred other crises erupt just so he can dance around and say "I told you so! I told you so!"
But even so, now that a highly placed official has dared to mutter the truth, it's guaranteed that Cheney will be claiming outrage at such a charge and accusing Panetta of playing politics. Cheney is an embarrassment to all primates.
Was Panetta one of the many Democrats who "wished" that American troops would be killed in Iraq so that they could "prove" that Bush should turn tail and run?
I've always considered Cheney's public persona to be a highly manufactured, fragile and phony thing. He's a fifth-rate follower, never a leader. What results when that mask is dropped impresses me as being quite incapable of leading a discussion towards a responsible decision that satisfies a comprehensive awareness.
This ticker article is a PERFECT barometer on just how entrenched Liberals happen to be. Take a good look in the mirror, Liberals.
There is nothing that can be said about Panetta's comments other than that they are disgusting politically-driven accusations and should be rescinded immediately.
Yet... wait and read. Watch the anti-Cheney bombs fly. He did nothing wrong for the purpose of this article, yet somehow you will find a way to rally behind Panetta.
There are plenty of times you see admitted embarrassment from GOP-supporters here, but rarely do you see the same from Liberal sheep.
Please prove me wrong, sheep.
I agree!
President Obama and his administration will handle anything that comes our way.
Dick Cheney is a traitorous pig and someone needs to shut him up!
He should have graciously left office like Bush did, very quietly.
It does not help to create more a of a divide in America and should not be wishing for another attack to happen even if he has a point to prove. A point proven is not worth the lives of ANY American citizen!!
Dick Cheney's comments should be ignored. We cannot live in the fear of being attacked. The current administration must work to remove that fear.
Get a life Cheney and make yourself a worthy citizen worth emulating. Stop the hate. Obama is blessed. Pray to be blessed yourself. Your negative attacks on him will get you no where but to the booth camp of destruction.
I sincerely hope that the former VP isn't "wishing" that there's another terrorist attack, but in a sick sorta way I believe he is. I think that he thinks that he needs it to happen to say I told ya so, so he can go round the rest of his days thinking that he's was justified in whatever he really did. It's so sad.
So Panetta is a mind reader? No, Panetta, you are wrong. Cheney does not wish this country would be attacked again to prove his point. The fact that Obama wants to turn loose the prisoners at Guantanamo, releasing them to muslim countries, along with his sympathy for Hamas and other terrorist supporting nations is sure proof that his policies are endangering the U.S. Cheney is correct and I'm glad he speaks the truth regardless of what Panetta thinks. The fact tat Panetta made such a statement shows how immature and ridiculous he is. And this guy is director of the CIA? Lord help us.
Cheney is hoping that there will be another attack just as all the neo-cons in the republican party.
That way the republican agenda for President Obama and "America to fail" would be achieved.
The "christian" Taliban would be dancing in the streets of America.
"New Era" is absolutely correct. We need to put Panetta in jail immediately.,
"Cheney Guilty for War Crimes" is the article on The Ticker I'm still looking for.
Unfortunately, until the media finally begin to ignore Cheney and stop providing him a platform for spewing this garbage, the Dark Lord will continue his attempts to undermine anything which is not under his control. I don't expect the right-wing mouthpieces at Fox News to go along with that, so I can only hope the more mainstream media will allow Cheney to fade away into the obscurity he deserves.
Of course he is. Haliburton's profits are down. Have a nice day!
It's about time someone called him out. Why the GOP hasn't shut him up themselves is beyond me. He has done more harm to the republican party in recent years than any other...
The man is a criminal!!! Why isn't he under investigation.
Cheney is an old fool who is trying to rewrite history to make himself look better. He makes assertions but offers no proof to back them up. As long as Republicans allow this idiot to be one of the party spokesmen, they will continue to become a smaller party; perhaps, to the point of extinction.
Panetta is right. Cheney's views show how many Republicans have decided party over country. It's completely shameful and it disappoints me to no end. When is the Republican Party going to wake up and realize that their 'end of the world' type mind-set is just juvenile and removes the role of thinking from problem-solving?
Of course "Darth" Cheney, and most Republicans, want another attack. How else can they have a remote chance of regaining some power in the government. This is not only unethical, it is Un-American. How can the party that prides itself on its patriotism even suggest another attack.
...and to cappicola, it is blatently obvious this IS what Cheney wants. Everybody, but you perhaps, can see this!!!!
The entire Neo-Con December Criminal treason ring is praying for a terrorist attack. Its the only hope they have of staying out of of prison or the hangman's noose.
I wish the media, past politicians and current ones, would shut-up! When you discuss our country's weaknesses, methods, locations of agents, location of ships and troops, you place innocent people in harm's way! Yeah, lets get a young man or woman killed so you all can have your moment of fame! Bunch of idiots! Lets film another American body being dragged thru the streets so a Mother at home can see her dead son be violated before she even knows he was killed. If you ask me, you all are the persons who should be charged with treason and thrown out of this country on you butts! You useless pieces of garbage!
VA Repub: What evidence do you have? I put you in the same league as Cheney who subconsciously would love to say "Ah, ha!!!" Obama has been on a whirlwind tour trying to muster up peace and already there have been some subtle signs of progress. Get on your knees and pray for your country and the rest of the world – that's better than negativity and hatred!
Why is Cheney still free and running his mouth?
Democrats release terrorists in Bermuda .This is what this distraction
is all about.
@cappicola:
I don't think Panetta's comments were any more off base than the ex-vice president's. For an ex-vice president to be monday morning Quarterbacking the current president's decisions on national security, that is just unheard of. I might add, not a good reflection of himself either. Cheney cares for nothing but his own reputation, which has been lost already to anyone not "in the tank" for Cheney.. (see the phrase CAN be used both ways, can't it?)
Wouldn't be the first time he wanted an attack. I still say he knew the first one was coming and let it happen so he could have his excuse to start the war in Iraq.
Cheney and others like him, e.g., Limbaugh, Rove, are truly the 'ugly Americans.' They think they are standing up for America when actually they are working to undermine it. Ignorance knows no limits.
This is one of the more insulting statements I've read in a long time. This is slander, and I hope Dick Cheney sues over these comments.
I think we all can agree Mr. Cheney is not the pope, but I am sure he is not praying for the deaths of innocent civilians. I might not agree with everything (anything) Mr. Cheney has to say, but to even imply this shows how ignorant and disrespectful people can be.
Panetta should step aside for making such an irresponsible and unfounded comment.
What are we all becoming?
Panetta's comments are amazing. We are rushing to "disconect the dots" and attacking Republicans instead of worring about the Moslem terrorist.
I think NOTHING would make Cheney happier than an attack on America. Like other members of the right wing who wish for America to fail, they place their own agenda far above the good of our nation.
Maybe this explains why Cheney didn't capture Bin Laden?
u would think cheney would keep a low profile, and stop shooting off at the mouth
Cheney is exposing us to danger. He is a traitor. He's telling terrorists that American is vulnerable and now would be a good time to attack. The Republicans lost the election. Instead of helping the new President, the Republicans have done their best to make sure America does not succeed under Obama. I'm disgusted with the immature whining and sour grapes from the Republicans since they lost the election. Thank God the Republicans are no longer in charge before they completely destroyed America!
Mr. Cheney comments are unappropriated, it is impossible to forecast a terrorist action as it was impossible for Hussein to prove not to have WMD.
For US, the best way to eliminate terrorism is to be an honest broker to solve the Palestine/ Israel conflict and stop aiding Israel Government which is equivalent to subsidizing new settlements in Arab land arousing muslin rage.
Panetta is using the same flawed logic that Republicans used against Democrats in opposing the Iraq war. Opposition to partisan policy is totally different than wanting "America attacked again" or "Wanting America to lose the Iraq war" Panetta is a liberal hack leftover from the Clinton days who still hates Bush/Cheney and will say anything to make them look bad.
Kinda like America was attacked while Bush/Cheney were at the helm? Even after being warned no less and they chose to ignore the warnings. Idiots!
We all know that when you have a feud with a neighbor the best thing to do is to escalate the feud, trying to find a peaceful solution just shows that you're weak. I believe that a grade school bullying foreign policy is the best. As Americans, we have been granted supreme reign over the world, we aren't simply citizens of earth, we own earth – and no other nation is equal to us. It's our way or the highway.
Likewise, as Americans we know that things like balanced budgets and staying within your means are just excuses to not stimulate the economy. If you're not spending your money then you might as well be communists. Bush spent like mad, and Obama spends like mad, so we know it's only American to spend like mad. I've maxed out all my credit cards in the name of freedom and prosperity.
Remember republicans the CIA doesn't lie. Pelosi said they did but you defended them and said they do not. Well I will assume that the director is telling the truth.
"Dave" asked:
"Why does this even surprise me anymore? CNN reporting on some idiots point of view, and not facts…Regardless of whether Cheney thinks this or not, unless he says it, why report it?"
If what a former Vice President says is worth reporting, then the reaction of the Director of the CIA is certainly relevant.
Apparently anything that contradicts your worldview is "propaganda".
Repub in VA June 15th, 2009 11:02 am ET
Whether Cheney wishes it or not, its going to happen. Obama is exposing us to danger. He needs to stop taking his foreign policy orders from the NY Times.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You must be from Palin's "Real America".....
Post This CNN!
Cheney is an EVIL man who thrives on death and destruction. When 9/11 happened I am surprised he was able to keep the smile off his face.
Donna, please rethink your thoughts. Chaney spent his life making money. He avoided the draft and found protecting the country to be nowhere on his list. He is the defination of a chicken hawk. Send others to die while he makes his fortune on their blood.
Panetta's opinion is worthless since he was the Chief of Staff to Clinton in the last term. Gee – When did the terrorist's enter the US and take pilot lessons prior to 9/11/2001. The Clinton crowd was asleep at the wheel again – after the first WTC bombing during the first Clinton term and not to mention after the OK bombing during the first Clinton administration. I fully believe we will be attacked again due to this wishy washy administration's policy. I hope I'm wrong.
That would be almost a comical site to see Dick Cheney get targeted by a terrorist group. Mr. I'm gonna blur out my house on Google earth. What a hypocritical son of a you know what. Its time for Cheney to leave our nest and go somewhere out of the picture. Go back to Wyoming... oh wait nobody likes you there either.
Chenny is a very sick man. His arrogance and ignorance is much more important than the well being of America. He is a spoiled rotton CEO that made a living pilfering people. His compassion is zero.
May he soon go in seclusion and keep his ugly mouth shut. He is a disgrace to our country!!
Panetta is saying what many thought anyway , he is stated a far gone conclusion , and it seems many of the Gop feel the same way ....just to say I told you so ....how sad to secretly wish for a loss of life just to say see I was right ! As the old addage goes , sorta like cutting your nose off the spite your face!
Many will say they do not feel that way , but deep down they really do, actions speak louder than words and the GOP has become so hate filled and mean about Obama and the Dems win that they would welcome an attack! I live in a state where I am in the minority politically, and hear many ugly things being said by the far right and it breaks my heart that I know people who hate that much!
I don't doubt Dick Cheney (and by extension) Former President, G.W. Bush, "smell (potential) blood" in an enlightened Obama retreat from ill advised terror tactics of the Bush administration.But that smell of Sanguine Elixir is likely to be emanating from themselves, as the American people aren't likely to buy into these fear mongering maneuvers any longer.Quite the contrary, our attention is now pointedly away from the direction of the boys that cried "Wolf!"
however, if an attack does occur on the Obama watch, Cheny and Co. should immediately appear on the 'No Fly' list and their assets frozen solid.
A taste of their own medicine. Sanguine enough?
As I read some of these posts, I'm becoming more concerned about domestic terrorists. The radical right here is sooo convinced that Bush/Cheney were correct that I fear they will make the "we will be attacked" a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's become evident lately with the flare ups of support for supremacy groups – and even the recent attack from them. These people are stirring themselves into tizzy over President Obama and everything he does. I would call the recent shootings a bell weather of what is to come.
Dick Cheney.."See I told you so". Another hit on the US would get the heat off him..at least he hopes it would! God forbid that it happens again but if it does, Cheney is still a very destructive voice for our country.
Cheney's just worried about our safety. So he's broadcasting to the rest of the world, he thinks we're ripe for an attack.
What a scumbag!
He's for gay marriage, but waited to tell everyone after he's out of office.
Since 9/11 happened on HIS watch, I'd say he should shut-up and remember this is a democracy and he was voted the heck out of office. His real backers are big corporate doners like oil and gas, etc. So, it's no real surprise to see the Big-Mouth, GOP, Right Wing Nut-job spouting off with fear-mongering about security when it's REALLY about corporate dominance. Cheney is anti-American: pure and simple.
I agree with him. I think the conservatives want Obama to fail in everything including nationally security!! Conservatives are so desparate and still bitter about the election, they would wish death, if they could!!
Cheney needs to retire from public life. As an American he is free to voice his opinion. As a former VP he needs to be appropriate in how he voices that opinion. Something he has not been to date. Panetta is right. He is wishing and a hoping and praying for the worst to happen so he can stand a say see if told you so. Where do we send Haliburton?
Despite being one who has always loathed Mr. Cheney's politics and arrogance, I actually disagree with Mr. Panetta. Who, either domestically or internationally, still gives Cheney any credence in light of his past disastrous certainties such as this:
Simply stated, Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction. There is no doubt that he is amassing them to use against our friends, against our allies and against us.”
Dick Cheney address at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention – August 26, 2002
What's new? The first time gave him power for a while but now he's losing it so now he needs another to get it back. Its been his stratagy all along. Can we please let it be the OLD American Century?
Very irresponsible by Panetta. Cheney was a dedicated public servant. He thinks Obama's approach to national security is dead wrong. He wishes the opposite of what Panetta says, and that's why he has spoken up.
Obama should ask Panetta to step down. Cabinet officials can't be playing politics like this. Panetta needs to worry about actual threats to the country, not what retired politicians say.
I have an idea – why don't we just drop this complete and total uppatriotic jerk off somewhere in the mountians around Pakistan –
we can call it the "Cheney Shock and Awe"
or we could arrist him for treason – I really don't care – I just want the fool to shut the hell up
America is "Safer" because Bush and Cheney are not there in D.C. ; As to make deals behind closed doors !
There is no drought in my mind that Cheney wants the present administration to fail. I am sure he wants something bad to happen to see Obama as a failure. I do suggest a Obama and the administration to be very vigilant specially from radical groups domestically from radical American groups rather than foreign groups.
Cheney should definitely be prosecuted. CIA officers who act without conscience should be prosecuted. Anyone who breaks the law egregiously should be prosecuted.
People like Cheney (and his supporters) are totally disconnected from reality.
I'm sure Cheney already figured out how he and Hallibutron would make money from another terrorist attack. That's why he wants it to happen.
We all know what Cheney's media blitze has been about the past few weeks. It's called CYA! Typical Republican mindset....Your with us or your antiamerican! It's not going to work this time.
Chip said "As I remember, the only major terrorist attack in the last 20 years happened on his watch."
So he doesn't remember the first WTC bombing or the OKC bombings? They didn't happen when Bush was in office.
It would not suprise me a bit. Cheney is a dangerous man and he would do anything at the cost of lives to get his way. If the media keeps giving him publicity, he will keep trying to confuse the American people and place this country in a worse shape than when him and Bush was in the White House. This economy problem and security issue just didnt start when Obama came to office. Remember, these things was going on during the Bush and Cheney time too. Why dont the Government investigate Cheney and Bush alot closer and see who these people is tied too. I would say it would shock America.
Dick Cheney should not be held responsible for what he says or do. In "Alcoholics Anonymous" it says that men and women (like Cheney)are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. If he had recovered from alcoholism, he wouldn't be making outrageous statements. He just doesn't have the capacity to be honest according to "Alcoholics Anonymous". Leon Panetta is correct it was "dangerous politics" for Cheney to repeatedly insist President Obama has made the country less safe. Panetta should show some compassion for Cheney's illness. Alcoholism is a disease where there is no known cure. Just because I'm liberal and disagree with the principles of conservatism, that does not give me the right to criticize someone I happen to know is ill.
This is not a surprise. This is part of the Republican SOP going forward. They hope that everything bad that can happen to this country happens on President Obama’s watch. Hoping for failure in the national security arena or economically, makes no difference to them just as long it is something terrible that they can use to regain the power that they have sold their souls for.
I can’t believe people still vote for these Anti-American losers.
He has the capability of making it happen. He has got connections with Blackwater (dont know what its new name is) and these mercenaries will soon be out of Iraq and am sure he can plot an attack here under the guise of a terrorist attack. Plus dont forget Halliburton and his huge investments with the military machinery development. Oh , I wouldn't be surprised if he already has something up his sleeve.
Now Cheney will make a big deal about denying this claim and it'll become a bigger issue yet. We never heard from him as a VP, why now? A very dangerous stance for our country, he needs to get over the loss.
I think Mr. Cheney should be quiet since we all know quite well now that Obama administration does NOT have ability to do anything but just sweet-talking and blaming. Everything is same as before or getting worst: from the economy to North Korea, Iran, Irag, Pakistan, Afganistan, Israel-Palestine, you can name some more.
So if someone saying something different, you just create jobs for Obama's administration. This administration is very well in the blaming work and this is the key for Obama get elected.
How will Obama's policies turn down the hate? These people do not care about our policies, they only want to destroy our way of life. Will Obama's policies be to accept the Taliban's right to subvert women and train terrorists. If we lay down our guns, they will not do the same – they will kill us all as we try to reason with them. Bush/Cheney know this and have prevented further attacks since 9/11.
"Son, we live in a world that has walls and those walls need to be guarded by men with guns... and that my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives... I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you," and went on your way."
That's an awful statement by the CIA director.
Wow. Things are so much better in the world now that Obama is president. Everyone loves us, now. Even the mullahs. I don't see how we could be attacked again, now that everyone can see what wonderful people we are.
Not long from now, the period from 9/11/01 – 1/19/09 will seem like the good old days...
WOW–NO KIDDING. I have stated this over and over. how else does the right right right wing get back to the future???? tricky dick's told you so way of creating perfume out of the bush/cheney manure always works but it also shows the motive of any individual. when someone puts themselve and their own ego ahead of what is good for this country well we have another Iraq–another illegal war-why? to prove a point, to show HOW STRONG WE ARE. doesn't the hate shown to us by other countries prove this???
note: i am one of the those Christians/white/successful businessmen and ex-ex-republican because the basics of helping our people who can't help themselves was lost to wall street and the bankers.
when not if we have a terrorist attack-we deal with this group but nobody should be happy for another 911–nobody–but as i just read, watch for signs of blood when it does happen.
I'm glad that even the CIA director can call Cheney out on this issue. He as slandered Obama's name so many times already, and that is why Obama is ignoring him to a certain degree. Cheney needs to back off and find something he can actually do to help the U.S. and the President.
We have better things to worry about, including the new President of Iran.
Cheney seems to be overlooking one major fact here: we were attacked under his watch! Bush and Cheney ignored warnings from people within their administration. Just a week or so ago, he placed blame on the person who warned about attacks by planes. If he is wishing for a terrorist attack, then I am wishing for Cheney to have another heart attack.
Mr. Panetta is one American who has finally had it with Mr. Cheney. More of us, especially our leaders, should have the gumption to put Cheney on notice that he's damaging the nation, perhaps even fatally so.
The former VP has gone over the wall along with Rush and the others; do they have a secret island at an undisclosed location that they can go hide in when the nukes start flying? Is that what's going on??
Cheney is a lot of things, but this is preposterous. GOP had the same argument during Bush's term, saying that Dems wanted an attack to show that Bush wasn't keeping us safe.
It was stupid then, and it is stupid of Dems to think Cheney wants us to get attacked now.
Cheney no longer holds office. The media and Democrats need to stop acting like a bullied kindergartener, and quit pointing the finger at the past administration...IT'S OVER!!
Pat,CA: The only outrageous comments being made these days about our safety and security are coming out of the mouths of the Seditionists Party of America aka: Republicans – led by their titular head: Rush Limbaugh. You can easily recognize them, they run around with Tea Bags hanging off their pointed heads.
Why in the world would we listen to this murderer and liar, who killed our troops. It makes me want to vomit to just look at him. These are old white men that America need to denounce and get rid of, forever. They are only dividing this country all the more. It's a shame we are going all over the world trying to make peace and we ourselves are at war with our own countrymen. It almost make you feel like our soldiers are dying in vain, especially our minority men and women. Can you imagine they are fighting and dying for freedom and equality, while racsim and hate is being formed against their families back on homeland. What an embarassment for this country. We look so stupid, I'm sure in the eyes of other countries.
Wishing? Pffft...
There is no need to wish... all one needs is to set your clock... give it time, it will happen.
1990s deja vu... fighting a war against terrorists with the almighty and oft-dreaded tools of the summons, subpeona and courtdate... ooooo, I'm sure the headchoppers are surely as scared now as they were in 1995.
Give it time, give it time, it will happen... and Barry won't be able to blame it on Bush, even as much as his sycophantic enablers in the media would like to try.
Chip,
You're an idiot. Read the 9/11 report. All the planning and training happened on Clintons watch. He had several chances to take out bin Laden and didn't have the balls to pull the trigger. If Dick was there in '98, 9/11 never happens and bin Laden is just another dead terrorist.
Is that kind of like far left democrats "wishing" Bush would fail, the war in Iraq would fail, the Bush tax cuts would fail, ect., ect., ect.?
Utter failure by CNN on Iran.
Hey CNN, feel free to call me and I can explain to you what's going on in Iran right now.
MSM was dealt a death blow this weekend.
My first problem with this is CIA director shouldnt be PARTISIAN, secondly was AL GORE using Gallow politics when he day in and day out Bad mouthed the Bush Administration and personally attacked GW???? Democrats really are hilarious they show absolutely no respect for GW for 8 yrs, calling him every name in the book but yet when the shoe is on the other foot they simple cant take the criticism. Especially when Cheney has some very valid points about Obama making us Weaker and showing weakness to the world. Sounds like the Democrats can call you every name in the book but the moment someone sticks up for themselves and throws something back , they pick up there ball, cry a little bit and go home......Democrats are hypocrites and huge WIMPS....
When Von Brauun let loose in the Holocost musuem where was Dick Cheney? Probably in a private room with his daughter with a big grin on his face hoping for a high death count. "The Cheneys" a portrait in American Vulgarity!!!
Right on Brother Panetta. Hannity, Boss Limbaugh, Gingrich, Ingraham, O'Reilly, Crazy Michael Savage, Boortz, Larson, Boehmer, McConnell, Cheney Daughter, Cheney Himself, all bowling balls tied to the Republican Party, dragging them down, down, down.
Dick Cheney: Go back to watching the videos of the torture, and don't forget to close your shades. Someone may be watching
If it happens, it won't be because of his words.
Funny. I've also said this in passing long ago. I truly believe that there is part of Cheney that, indeed, hopes there will be a terrorist attack during the present administration. Not only to prove his "it will happen again" rantings, but also to justify assault on citizen privacy and let the world know that this sort of thing doesn't just happen during the Bush administration. The Republicans almost need it in their struggle for power.
It's pretty sad that Panetta's opinion of what he believes Cheney thinks makes a headline. Has Panetta asked Cheney? No. He just gives an opinion based on what, mind-reading? The news outlets run with it and we get it spinning out of control.
Sad.
Maybe this will make Cheney realize what he is alluding to and he will shut up!
Cheney IS BFF with Rush who wants Obama to fail. AIn't much of a stretch to imagine Dick sharing that thinking. What more spectacular way to fail than in the same way Bush/Cheney failed to keep America safe on 9/11.
Repub in VA: Whether Cheney wishes it or not, its (terrorist attack)going to happen.
OK, you are smart enough to realize that our Country will someday, somehow, be attacked by a terrorist group, either from without or within. Your statement does not give a time or date and so, it's possible and likely it will happen sometime between now and a thousand years from now. My questions for you: Are you involved in such planning? Are you another Timothy McVeigh or Terry Nichols? Are you a member of some foreign terrorist group? Yes, I'm calling you out: Will you man up and respond?
If Pelosi has declared the CIA as LIARS, The Adminstration has not rebuffed her, then are we to assume that Leon Panetta is a LIAR?
If so, can we believe anything he says?
Panetta's comments sound like they are coming from George Soros. You would have to be an idiot to think that ANYONE wants the US to be hit. If you think that Cheney believes that, you are an IDIOT and not capable of a thinking.
Please, this is a no brainer and strictly here for the left to feast on.
Cheney has spent the past 8 years defending America and allowing the liberal anti-American media to slander his name day after day. He ignored polls and did what was truly best for the American people.
Now Cheney suddenly "wishes" for antother terrorist attack to boost his popularity??? That charge is disgusting and dangerous, which is why I am sure the anti-American liberal media will run with it.
Pencil neck is the one doing the wishing. Because we all know the progressively state run media isn't going to blame Obama.., for anything.
I'm disappointed in Leon Panetta for this – I thought he had more sense. He should stay OUT of the political fray. Cheney is a free citizen entitled to his views.
We cannot be afraid to discuss and debate. We need to challenge Cheney on positions that we disagree and consider areas that he might be right. Personally attacking him does not get us anywhere. Suggesting that he wishes there is another attack is untrue and unfair.
Have we ever seen Cheney on news lines this frequently before? What had he done in those 8 years? Deaf and Mute, and lost his sensitivity to national security? Why all of a sudden he becomes so ALERT to terrorism?
what's wrong with you obama nuts? can you take any comment at face value and not make ridiculous assumptions? Be honest with yourself, the comment is ridiculous. This is the problem we have with politics...we get a group of nuts supporting anything their moronic candidate or elected official says...then we have wars, high taxes and less freedom. Wake up!
The CIA is in the business of assessing a persons motives from what he says....
Just another old white guy afraid of a black man running the show... Cheney would see it all burn in order to spare himself being 1-upped by Obama.
What's wrong with Cheney? He needs to be examined by a qualified mental health group. He should be ashamed of himself. Is he really an American citizen?
I can see him thinking that. Evil man.
If we are attacked again it will be becuase of Cheney and Bush and their treatment of detainee's and the waterboarding of others..That is Why we would be attacked it has nothing to do with President Obama and with the VP constantly looking for a camera there are a lot of Nuts out there who will believe the lies that come out of his "Draft-dodging Mouth...He wants us to be attacked simply so he can say" I told you so"...he is a disgraceful,disgraceful human being and I use the term loosley..
No, Mr. Panetta's speculation is too much of a stretch. Dick Cheney is still an evil piece of thing, though.
Lets see Limbaugh spin this,hahaha
Cutting the military increases our saftey...., progressively speaking. Get it now??
Dick Cheney exposed. He truly is one of the most evil men in politics.
From hoping Obama fails to wishing for a terror attack, this is Repub. thinking. These are the kind of peeps, we as Americans, share zip codes with?
Why hasn't Cheney been prosecuted for war crimes yet? He has admitted that he approved torture, that the justifications for attacking Iraq were BS, and he leaked the identity of an undercover CIA agent. Now he is just bragging about it. He is practically begging to be prosecuted. He says that the Dems are spineless and Obama's lack of action is proving him right. PROSECUTE HIM.
Donna ... "Dick Cheney has dedicated his life to making this a better country." ... you have to be kidding!
Dick Cheney has dedicated his life to using the people of this country to put money in his pocket and gain power for himself.
He sees us as cannon fodder. He sees us as raw materials for his machinery. He sees us as biomass.
This is stupid on stilts.
Amazing how someone like Panetta with no CIA experience and no knowledge of National Security matters winds up running the CIA.
Chainey definitely smells blood in the water and its only a matter of time before he and all who supported the antics which got this country in such horrible shape over the past 8 reprehensible years – are once and for all exposed. This terrorfies him and he'd do anything to distract from the real issue at hand.
Cheney is a traitor. He is endangering this country.
If he was so great, why did the attack happen when he was in office?
You conservatives cannot admit that this psychopath and his puppet Bush did the most damage to this country since the Civil War.
Mr. Panetta has forgotten his job title. As a CIA director he should run the agency he is in charge of, and not make ignorant political statements that have no basis in fact. Maybe he is making up for the Ms. Pelosi fiasco and trying too hard to prove that he is still a Democrat at heart. Better yet now that Mr. Panetta is clairvoyant maybe he should join the David Letterman show and get paid to make cheap jokes.
Its really funny that everyone wants to attack fmr VP Cheney, claiming that he's Anti-American, wishing for another terrorist attack or that he's a war criminal, but let me ask this, when did it become Anti-American to enjoy your freedom of speech? When did it become wrong to speak your mind? I thought thats what so many brave men and women fought to defend. Quite frankly, as much as I'd rather the CIA director focused on continuing to ensure our safety, he too has the right to voice his opinion, right or wrong.
Lets move past this bickering and work to better this country. For those that want to say that Cheney violated the Constitution, well once you start standing up the for the Constitution not just party politics, I'll start listening. Quite frankly this current administration has trampled on our rights, freedoms and liberties much more than Cheney did.
bravado in boston
"it's high time we hold our past leaders accountable and try them before a group of their piers. "
That would be "peers" – you are obviously a product of government run education.
Hope you are around to chant the same chant when we ultimately have to clean uyp Obama's mess after he leaves office.
A national headline on CNN and Cheney is made to look like a traitor?!? Allowing Panetta to "read between the lines" to derive a headline is irresponsible!!! Period. Edward R Murrow is spinning in his grave at what media and journalism have become!!
Oh, c'mon, some of you cannot be that ignorant.
Of course Cheney would like nothing more than terrorists to bomb the hell out of us again. It plays right into the republicans politics if that were to happen and, by the look on Cheneys face everytime I see him anywhere, he would love nothing more than to be able to say I told you so, regardless of the reasoning why.
If terorists are going to blow something up here, they will more than likely be successful becuase, in reality, you cannot possibly watch everywhere at once. It just isnt possible....of course unless you are willing to part with your freedoms to be constantly watched all the time, followed, have your papers checked by local authorities every 20 steps to insure you are supposed to be where you are, stuff like that.
Are you willing to give up all you have earned for a small degree of safety?
Cheney simply pointing out how stupid Obama and Panetta are when dealing with insane terrorists.