CPAC and Dick Cheney: Love and Hate for the Former VP By Stacy

Making a surprise appearance this week at CPAC, Dick Cheney’s popularity with conservatives was made apparent by their enthusiastic applause and chanting. But it wasn’t all love for the former VP, as shouts of “war criminal” and other accusations rang out when the crowd was silenced. Get the full story with pictures and video below!

The Conservative Political Action Conference has been embroiled in controversy this year due to the participation of GOProud, a conservative gay-rights group supporting gay marriage and the removal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” But the appearance of the former VP to introduce his old friend, Donald Rumsfeld, brought unity to the rambunctious crowd, if only for a moment.

“A welcome like that is almost enough to make me want to run for office again— but I’m not gonna do it.”

As soon as he managed to silence the crowd at CPAC, Dick Cheney was interrupted by one or more members of the audience shouting “war criminal,” “draft dodger,” and “murdering scum.” Every time a detractor attacked the former VP, the crowd retaliated with a chorus of “USA! USA! USA!”
The Bush-era VP, however, seemed unfazed by the heckling, and continued to give his opinion on the current situation in the U.S. to the crowd.

“The sky is the limit here. I think 2010 will be a phenomenal year. And I think Barack Obama is a one-term president. It’s a remarkable time to be an American and a remarkable time to be a conservative. Good luck.”

The annual conference also saw a promising speech from possible 2012 candidate Donald Trump. The corporate legend received enthusiastic support from the crowd and hinted that he might reveal his intent to run within the next few months. For his sake, let’s hope he can earn more unified support than the former VP has.
What did you think of the former Vice President’s appearance at CPAC? Dick Cheney still obviously suffers from his tarnished image in the Bush administration. Does his reception hint at cracks in the GOP support base? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section! Watch the video and see pictures from the conference below!