Cheney not expected at Republican Convention

  Taken in gratitude from Columnist Dan Froomkin, Special to Washington Post   [Aug 6, 2008]
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2008/08/06/BL2008080601864.html

R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr. writes in the American Spectator: "Vice President Dick Cheney will not make an appearance at the Republican convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul next month, according to sources in his office. Cheney has not sought a speaking slot at the convention, nor has his staff sought a role for him at the convention."

CNN reports: "One GOP official told CNN there's a 'mutual understanding' between Cheney's office and the McCain camp that he is 'unlikely' to attend the convention.

"A second Republican official said there are still 'talks going on' between Cheney's office and the McCain camp and both sides are 'still trying to work it out.'"

William Schneider had this to say on CNN: "Cheney may be the only non-incarcerated politician in America who is less popular than President Bush. . . . It doesn't sound like a big draw if the convention is going for ratings."

The Wall Street Journal editorial board writes: "If John McCain wants next month's GOP convention in the Twin Cities to be about Dick Cheney instead of his own candidacy, his campaign is on track. . . .

"Now would be a good time for Candidate McCain to step in and say publicly, 'Of course, my good friend the Vice President will be there.' The longer he waits, the worse this is going to get. By signaling that a sitting Republican Vice President might not be welcome at a Republican convention, the McCain campaign is handing the press corps an opening to fill the next few weeks with stories highlighting a divided GOP. Come convention time, you can expect lots of on-air jokes that the missing Mr. Cheney 'must be at an undisclosed location.'"

Late Night Humor

Conan O'Brien, via U.S. News: "John McCain does not want Dick Cheney to attend the Republican convention, because he says he's too unpopular. . . . When asked to comment, Cheney said, 'I hope the Senator reconsiders.' Then he turned into a bat and flew away."

Jon Stewart notes that Bush has now broken the record to become the most traveled president in history -- as well as the president with the most vacation days. "I think it's pretty clear," he says. "There's something about being at the White House our president cannot stand."

Stewart also looks at Bush's use of language over the years.

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  [August 6, 2008. Columnist Dan Froomkin, Washington Post]
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2008/08/06/BL2008080601864.html