WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney says there is no contradiction in advocating harsh interrogation tactics against suspected U.S. enemies and opposing those practices when used against American citizens.
Cheney was asked about a hypothetical case in which Iran would decide to use waterboarding on an American suspected of spying.
Cheney replies, "I think we would object on the grounds that we have obligations to our citizens."
Cheney, who is promoting his new memoir "In My Time," has been associated with waterboarding, which many consider to be torture. Asked on NBC television's "Today" show whether he was embracing a double standard, he said, "These are not American citizens."
Editor’s Note: Cheney Spills White House Secrets in New Book. Special Limited Offer!
The former vice president also defended President George W. Bush’s Iraq policy.
“I think I did” give the right advice to Bush in urging invasion of Iraq, Cheney said. “I think it was sound policy that eliminated a very serious problem,” referring to former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was executed.
The war didn’t harm the United States' international reputation, Cheney said. His book shows some differences with “Decision Points,” the memoir of his former boss. But, “I don’t believe” Bush will be upset, Cheney said. If the two had coordinated their re-telling of history, they would have been accused of conspiracy, he said.
Cheney also conceded that he had been a lightning rod for criticism during the Bush administration. "I'm Darth Vader," he said, referring to a movie villain.
Editor’s Note: Cheney Spills White House Secrets in New Book. Special Limited Offer!
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