Where’s Cheney?

Like an old “Where’s Waldo” book, Vice President Dick Cheney is always there … you just have to take a good look to find him lately. President Bush’s presidency is now taking the form of a legacy, and Cheney is properly fading into the backdrop.

During the most challenging times of the president’s term, Cheney tried to deflect the limelight from the president, serving as the lightning rod for the White House and much of the administration’s policies. At times of war, hardship and controversy he did his best to loyally guard the commander in chief from the damaging scrutiny of the media and public in an effort to keep the nation together.

However, the past month has left the public (or me, at least) asking, Where’s Dick Cheney? The nation’s second in command has made only three public appearances throughout February, and even then the audiences were limited and specific. Heck, the last time I remember seeing him, he honored me as a guest for the Justice Thomas book signing last year.

Perhaps the best reason he’s AWOL from the public eye is that, as the vice president fades into the distance, President Bush can begin to define his own legacy. During the rough times, Cheney attracted the negative attention away from the president in an attempt to unite the country. Now, at the close of Bush’s presidency, he silently fades into the background, letting the commander in chief attempt to morph a positive legacy in the eyes of the American public. Although Cheney’s not in Waldo’s stereotypical red and white striped shirt, he is there, in the background, allowing the president his own last words.

Visit armstrongwilliams.com.