Is this appropriate or desirable behavior for a vice president?

[ThreeCircles]

Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who was on the receiving end of Cheney's ire, confirmed that the vice president used profanity during Tuesday's class photo.

A spokesman for Cheney confirmed there was a "frank exchange of views."

Using profanity on the Senate floor while the Senate is session is against the rules. But the Senate was technically not in session at the time and the normal rules did not apply, a Senate official said.

The story, which was recounted by several sources, goes like this:

Cheney, who as president of the Senate was present for the picture day, turned to Leahy and scolded the senator over his recent criticism of the vice president for Halliburton's alleged war profiteering.

In response to Cheney, Leahy reminded Cheney that the vice president had once accused him of being a bad Catholic, to which Cheney replied either "f--- off" or "go f--- yourself."

Leahy was referring to charges leveled by some conservatives during the confirmation battle of Bush judicial nominee William Pryor last August. Some supporters of Pryor, who is Catholic, claimed Senate Democrats were "anti-Catholic" for opposing the Alabama attorney general's nomination to the federal bench.

Leahy would not comment on the specifics of the story Thursday, but did confirm that Cheney used profanity.

 

[AirForceRocks]

I think it is completely inappropriate for ANY elected official to say something like that on the Senate (or House) floor.

 

[Eeyore1954]

This is completely unacceptable from anyone, elected or not, on the Senate floor. VP Cheney owes Sen. Leahy AND the Senate a public apology for this indiscretion.

 

[castlegazer]

totally, totally inapropriate and gross misjudgment on Cheney's part.

 

[Maleficent13]

I didn't vote in the poll because there was no "Really, who cares?" option. I'm not trying to be smart, but I seriously think that's a valid opinion too. It certainly is mine.

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
I think it is completely inappropriate for ANY elected official to say something like that on the Senate (or House) floor.

I agree.

you just don't say things like that on the Senate floor.

 

[shortbun]

While I wish the VP had not said the F word and it IS totally inappropriate, I don't care. I think it's a sign of the times and says something about his character but is no suprise to me. I say let em hang themselves! No apology necessary Dick-just keep the honesty coming!

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by shortbun
While I wish the VP had not said the F word and it IS totally inappropriate, I don't care. I think it's a sign of the times and says something about his character but is no suprise to me. I say let em hang themselves! No apology necessary Dick-just keep the honesty coming!

His character? Is that because of what he said or because of where he said it?

 

[N.Bailey]

I really could care less that he said it. I'm sure he's not the 1st politician who's used that word and I'm certain he won't be the last. I have used it myself! Using it myself, I would be a hypocrite to blast him for using it too. Whoopee, I think you're all making too big a deal out of it.

 

[HollyJoy]

Not making excuses for Cheney, but I'm sure that Leahy had it coming. Cheney just had the guts to put him in his place!

 

[palmtreegirl]

Appropriate? Nah. But I don't think it's a big deal, it's just a word.

 

[Lanshark]

Nope. Not appropriate or desirable. He should apologize and move on refusing to discuss further.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by Lanshark
He should apologize and move on refusing to discuss further.

I can see him possibly apologizing for saying it in the Senate, but as far as apologizing for the sentiment, I don't think he should unless he really means it.

My only problem was with the venue - I think the sentiment itself was long overdue and well stated.

 

[DaveH]

That is a compasionate conservitive for you.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by DaveH
That is a compasionate conservitive for you.

If dropping the F-bomb is an indication that someone isn't compassionate, then I guess that Senator Kerry has lost the high ground on the compassion issue, no?

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Originally posted by HollyJoy
Not making excuses for Cheney, but I'm sure that Leahy had it coming. Cheney just had the guts to put him in his place!

Had it coming, did he? Leahy has as much right to his opinion as Cheney. You believe Cheney had the "guts" to use the "f" word. I don't think it took guts, just a nasty mouth and I believe a disrespect for the Senate.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by crazyforgoofy
Had it coming, did he? Leahy has as much right to his opinion as Cheney. You believe Cheney had the "guts" to use the "f" word. I don't think it took guts, just a nasty mouth and I believe a disrespect for the Senate.

ITA with you on the fact that it shouldn't have been said on the Senate floor. And yes, Senator Leahy has a right to his opinion - I fail to see how VP Cheney voicing his opinion takes away Senator Leahy's right to have his opinion.

And yes, I do think Senator Leahy had it coming, but it shouldn't have been done on the floor of the Senate.

 

[Tiziminchac]

Well what do you expect from a brown-shirted, Stalinist? Oh, I'm sorry, I was starting to channel Al Gore! Personally, I wouldn't say that to anyone. Ok, maybe I would. I do my best to refrain from using such language though. Anybody over the age of twenty knows that this nation's morals have changed over the last few decades. Things that were shocking when I was a child are common place now. So I'm not surprised or shocked. Cheney said he will not apologize and he felt better after saying it. I'm sure Leahy has heard this before, he's a senator!

 

[princesstommi]

I think it is inappropriate because he said it where he did.

Lord knows I can cuss like a sailor. I haven't faulted any other politician for getting caught in public cursing (Kerry, Clinton, Bush). But this shows, to me, a disrespect for the senate and the offices they hold.

They were at work. I may think my coworker is a total *&#$*&^@# but I would never say that in an exchange at work, no matter how much I would like to. Being the president of the senate, I would hope someone would have more respect for the institution.

 

[SOBDOSNV]

Go get'em Cheney! Just a good ole boy talking in the fashion that got Leahy's attention. Along with a lot of other people.
Cry me a river. If that's the worst he's ever been told, then he doesn't go out in "our" public much. As far as being in the Senate, it wasn't in session.