Cheney and Reid Take Swings

ABC News’ Jennifer Duck Reports: Vice President Dick Cheney delivered biting criticism Tuesday of statements made by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., concerning the funding legislation that includes a provision for a withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Speaking with reporters in a rare appearance on Capitol Hill, the Vice President called Reid’s words "unfortunate", "uninformed", and "misleading".

Following another veto threat from President Bush Monday, Reid had said that the provisions in the supplemental funding bill are intended to transition the military "away from policing a civil war," and claimed that Bush was in a "state of denial."  Reid has taken political fire over the past few days over comments made last Thursday when he said "I believe. . .that this war is lost."  While he did not repeat the claim Monday, he did say, "The failure has been political. It has been policy. It has been presidential."

Cheney said of Reid’s remarks, ". . .in less than six months time, Senator Reid has gone from pledging full funding for the military, then full funding with conditions, and then a cutoff of funding. Three positions in five months on the most important foreign policy question facing the nation and our troops."

"Maybe it’s a political calculation," added Cheney. "Some Democratic leaders seem to believe that blind opposition to the new strategy in Iraq is good politics. Senator Reid himself has said that the war in Iraq will bring his party more seats in the next election. It is cynical to declare that the war is lost because you believe it gives you political advantage."

Reid responded to Cheney’s critique saying, "once again the President sends his attack dog," and reasserted that the President is in a state of denial concerning the war.

Reid defended the supplemental, calling it a good piece of legislation. "We believe troops should get every penny they need and we’re putting our money where our mouth is," he said, further emphasizing the additional $4 billion in the bill that the President did not request.

When asked to respond to Cheney’s criticism, Reid said, "I’m not getting into a name calling match with someone who has a 9 percent approval rating."

Cheney’s day is proving to be an eventful one, adding to his Capitol Hill appearance a visit to the hospital to examine a blood clot in his leg, while also being the target of a quixotic effort to impeach him being launched by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, a dark horse presidential candidate.