The reason i wrote this diary is because of something Devilstower said in his recommended diary. He said, of his disgust regarding Cheney flooding the airwaves, "Not because I think he has a winning position." But maybe Devlistower is wrong, maybe we are wrong, maybe feeding america Dick is exactly what the republicans need to do.
I absolutely disagree with Cheney's arguments and am truly disgusted by his appearance on the airwaves as summed up best by Devilstower. But think about it, the ONLY accomplishment that butresses the republican's argument to put them back in power is that Bush/Cheney kept us safe post-9/11. Forget the fact that 9/11 happened on their watch or that multiple terrorist attacks occurred around the world (e.g. great britain), because the media and public apparently have. The only thing Cheney has ever been good at politically is terrifying the American public.
I think Dick Cheney is probably the republicans best asset right now because every other republican talking head is putting their foot in their mouth (See Michael Steele, John Boehner) or simply criticizing everything Obama does in hopes that he fails (See every other republican in the country). Dick Cheney is at least talking about something that he knows about or at least is PERCEIVED to know about by the American public, how to keep America safe. Do I think Bush/Cheney kept America safe? Absolutely not. I think their wars inflamed and recruited a whole generation of terrorists that wouldnt have existed otherwise. But I follow international and current affairs very closely, I read the news, I weigh the facts and dont just turn on Rush and let him carve his ten commandments on my mind like its a blank slate. Cheney is speaking to the independents, the middle of the roaders who can still be swayed by fear and anxiety of impending terrorism and trying to fire up the base.
Cheney's position is a win-win. Even if America does not suffer a horrific terrorist attack on Obama's watch some other country absolutely will, there is no doubt. And what happens then? Then Cheney and his minions go on every republican talk radio show and every "unbiased" news program, Wolf Blitzer, Larry King, etc... and say that this horrible attack could have been avoided IF Obama kept Guantanamo, IF Obama let us torture, IF Obama, IF Obama... And yes, right now its a grumpy old man, seemingly missing the spotlight who is willing to talk to anyone at any moment. But sooner or later the republicans will get the memo that they cant win on ideas and striking fear in the hearts of Americans is all they can do to win again.
All I am asking is that we take every attack from the right seriously. Do not get complacent, do not take our current situation for granted, do not become over-confident with dreams of that permanent democratic majority and realize that despite its current abundance of know-nothing, chicken little hawks, just like the economy the republican brand has to hit a bottom sooner or later and we better be ready when the next issue catches fire.