Obama: Cheney Is "Wrong" On Foreign Policy Criticism
NPR asked Obama whether former Vice President Dick Cheney's outspoken defense of Bush-era national security policy has hurt the new administration's efforts to craft a new image of America on the global stage. Cheney, Norris says, has been "forceful, unapologetic and doesn't seem willing to scale back his rhetoric." "How much does that undermine or complicate your effort to extend a hand, to explain the Obama doctrine and draw a line of demarcation between that administration and yours?" Norris asked. Obama suggested that though he believes Cheney's analysis is flawed, the former vice president has every right to weigh in on important national security issues. "He also happens to be wrong, right?" Obama said. "Last time, immediately after his last speech, I think there was a fact check on his speech that didn't get a very good grade. "Does it make it more complicated? No. because I think these are complicated issues, and there's a legitimate debate to be had about national security." Obama added: "I don't doubt the sincerity of the former vice president or the previous administration in wanting to protect the American people." NPR: Obama: U.S. Needs To Be 'Honest' With Israel
