Cheney, the Funny Man

Dick Cheney is a funny man. But nobody would ever guess that he had a sense of humor. Here is an excerpt from his speech at a GOP fundraiser last night in Atlanta, as released by the White House, and reported by USA Today:

"It's an honor to be with so many distinguished guests -- it's all right, don't hold back -- (laughter) -- starting, of course, especially with a good friend of mine and one of the best governors in the United States, Sonny Perdue. ... Your senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, could not be here tonight -- but they're doing a fantastic job. I know Saxby is going to win another term this November. (Applause.) Saxby, of course, is a very courageous man. I know that because he's one of my hunting buddies. (Laughter.)??

"Because I'm president of the Senate, I get to see your senators on a regular basis up on Capitol Hill. As Vice President the only real duties you have under the Constitution is to preside over the Senate and to cast tie-breaking votes. In fact, before the Constitution was written, some believed the vice presidency was entirely unnecessary. Benjamin Franklin said that if the office were to be created, anyone who served as Vice President should be addressed as "Your Superfluous Excellency." (Laughter.) That's a lot better than some of the things I've been called. (Laughter.)?

"It's a great privilege to serve the people of this country in a position first occupied by John Adams. You know, Vice President Adams not only presided and had the right to cast tie-breaking votes, but he had one other privilege, too -- he had floor privileges. He could actually go down to the well of the Senate and participate in debates. And then he did a couple of times -- and they withdrew his floor privileges. (Laughter.) They've never been restored. (Laughter.)"