Don't Go Into The Light

The media is in full attack mode.

From Vice President Cheney's speech today:

"My remarks today concern national security, in particular the war on terror and the Iraq front in that war. Several days ago, I commented briefly on some recent statements that have been made by some members of Congress about Iraq. Within hours of my speech, a report went out on the wires under the headline, "Cheney says war critics 'dishonest,' 'reprehensible.'"

"One thing I've learned in the last five years is that when you're Vice President, you're lucky if your speeches get any attention at all. But I do have a quarrel with that headline, and it's important to make this point at the outset. I do not believe it is wrong to criticize the war on terror or any aspect thereof. Disagreement, argument, and debate are the essence of democracy, and none of us should want it any other way."

From minutes later at AP/Yahoo: Cheney Lashes Out at Bush's Iraq Critics

CBS News: Cheney Takes Aim At War Critics

New York Times: Cheney Assails Critics but Says Debate on Iraq Is Healthy (I guess they listened to half of it)

ABC News subtitle: Cheney Punches Back at Critics of Bush's Iraq Policies Calling Some 'Dishonest and Reprehensible'

Reuters: Cheney shifts attack on war critics

"Vice President Dick Cheney denied on Monday that the administration was trying to stifle dissent by lashing out at Iraq war critics" (Nevermind that it's true that the administration never tried to stifle dissent, Cheney evidently has to "deny" it)

Indy Channel (Indianapolis Channel 6): Cheney Sends Mixed Messages To War Critics

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Dick Cheney said there's nothing wrong with dissent or debate on the war in Iraq or on anything else, but then proceeded to lash out at senators who accuse the administration of deliberately deceiving the American people on pre-war intelligence. (They just don't get it, do they?)

Democratic Underground: "Bush tortures Bat Boy!"

More as they come in...

News 8 (Austin): Cheney renews attack on war critics, defends debate on war

Brisbane Courier-Mail (just to add an international flavor): Cheney slams Iraq war critics

UPI: Cheney takes swipe at Iraq critics

L.A. Times: Cheney Blasts Iraq War Critics