Cheney

Victor Davis Hanson, in his "Response to Readership" section of his website, had this to say on a question about Dick Cheney:

Vice President Dick Cheney, in my mind, is a most intriguing character. I admire and respect his intelligence, calm demeanor, and toughness, especially since the U.S. has been at war with Islamic fascists. I subscribe to Cheney's view of this war as a fight for the future of civilization. Is there a man from the Greek age that held a similar position of power and that reminds you of Vice President Cheney?

Hanson: A good question. A good book could be written about how a formerly much admired public servant has become demonized by the far Left to such a degree that his general poll ratings reflect a newfound public antipathy—despite his constancy and rock-solid views that are not predicated on adulation. But I doubt Cheney cares much for the polls of the age, and counts on history's verdict that more likely will see us in a long war against Islamic fascism, and thus his own tough worldview substantiated. Many of the media hate him because they sense he is on to them, and sees them as vain and in constant need of affirmation and adulation. Whether true or not, it matters little, since no felony is worse in Washington than seeing the press there as childish rather than cutting-edge. Remember something from the Greeks: every statesman of any account — a Themistocles, Aristides, Pericles or Epaminondas — who functioned in democratic society was at one time either exiled, fined, or put on trial. No real Greek leader wished to be liked rather than respected or even feared. So yes, in that sense Cheney's perceived disdain for shot-term fawning is, in the age of Clintonism, both Hellenic and welcome — however unwise for his increasing his popularity.