Cheney Finesses Talk to Conservatives

Thursday, February 7, 2008 12:30 PM

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Dick Cheney predicted Thursday that the next president would be a Republican but steered clear of commenting on John McCain's front-runner status or efforts by some conservative activists to deny him the GOP nomination.

Instead, Cheney focused on the Bush administration's record and jawboned Congress to pass an economic stimulus plan endorsed by the White House and House leaders rather than a more expensive package championed by Senate Democrats.

He also urged Congress to make expiring Bush tax cuts permanent and vowed to "stay on the offensive in the war on terror."

"We've now begun our final year in office and we're not going to waste a minute of it," he told the Conservative Political Action Conference.

His only mention of the rough-and-tumble battle for the GOP nomination came when he told the group "you've got an impressive lineup of speakers over the next few days. Among these are some fine citizens now running for office, including, I am certain, the next president of the United States."

McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney were addressing the group later Thursday. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks on Saturday. President Bush will address the organization on Friday.

After big wins in Super Tuesday contests, McCain holds a dominating lead over his rivals in the delegate count. But some conservatives have questioned McCain's credentials, noting the maverick Arizona senator has often broken with other conservatives and with Bush.

McCain has countered that he is a true conservative and has lined up endorsements of many conservative political leaders.

Cheney has long been a favorite of conservatives. But if he was going to signal his views on McCain's acceptability to fellow conservatives, he let the moment pass.

"With much yet to do, President Bush and I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve this country. With an economy to strengthen and a war to fight, we'll stay focused on the business of the people. We'll come to a strong finish, and I'm confident our jobs will be left in good hands," Cheney said.

He said history would show that "our nation became more prosperous and more secure" because of Bush's presidency.

"I've been proud to stand by him, the decisions he made. And would I support those same decisions today? You're damn right I would," he said to enthusiastic applause.

http://www.newsmax.com/politics/cheney/ ... 70901.html