They Can't Quit Cheney

Steve Benen has a post up about a new Dan Balz column on Dick Cheney and how GOP operatives aren't exactly happy to have him out there being the face of the Republican party.

Another GOP strategist, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, pointed out the conundrum for Republicans over the former vice president's current role. "Even if he's right, he's absolutely the wrong messenger," this strategist said. His main worry, he added, is that Cheney keeps the public focused on the past, rather than the future. "We want Bush to be a very distant memory in the next election. The more Cheney is on the front burner, the more difficult it's going to be."

It seems like we've had quite a few of these reports lately -- Cheney keeps presenting himself as the official Republican critic of the White House, and Republicans keep asking why the former vice president won't go back to his undisclosed location.

But notice one key detail: none of Cheney's GOP detractors are willing to go on the record. They want him to go away; they think he's hurting their cause; they're sure he's making Democrats happy by becoming the face of the Republican Party, but not one wants to have his or her name associated with a discouraging word.

The party may not like Cheney, but for reasons that aren't altogether clear, the party clearly fears Cheney. Until the GOP's heavy-hitters get over this, the former vice president will continue to make them look bad.

I think I can help clear this up for Mr. Benen. You see while most rational Americans loathe Dick Cheney not all of us do. Specifically there is a group of people in this country who loves Dick Cheney on almost the same level that the rest of us approve of President Obama.

You see the GOP base thinks Dick Cheney is the bees knees. That means that no matter how much he hurts Republican electoral chances they have to if not embrace him, at least tolerate him. I am sure that vexes them to no end. Oh well, sucks for them, great for us!