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Bush, Biden joke and praise Cheney at his bust unveiling

By Eugene Scott, CNN

Updated 4:14 PM ET, Thu December 3, 2015

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Story highlights

  • Republican leaders attended Dick Cheney bust unveiling
  • Cheney's wife Lynne and grandchildren unveiled the bust

Washington (CNN)At a ceremony that took on the air of a Republican family reunion complete with laughs, hugs and selfies, Dick Cheney was hailed Thursday as his bust was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol.

Former President George W. Bush repeatedly highlighted Cheney's accomplishments in his administration and said he was especially grateful that Cheney decided to be his vice president -- after initially heading the vice presidential search committee.
Dick Cheney has been called the most powerful and influential vice president in American history. As the head of George W. Bush's vice-presidential search team in the 2000 campaign, Cheney brought decades of Washington experience to the White House and was heavily involved in most of the president's major decisions during his two terms.
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Dick Cheney has been called the most powerful and influential vice president in American history. As the head of George W. Bush's vice-presidential search team in the 2000 campaign, Cheney brought decades of Washington experience to the White House and was heavily involved in most of the president's major decisions during his two terms.
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#5 Best: Dick Cheney – Dick Cheney has been called the most powerful and influential vice president in American history. As the head of George W. Bush's vice-presidential search team in the 2000 campaign, Cheney brought decades of Washington experience to the White House and was heavily involved in most of the president's major decisions during his two terms.
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Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower's VP pick in 1952, Richard Nixon, brought youth -- and California -- with him when he joined the campaign. The ideal running mate for the 62-year-old, Nixon balanced the ticket geographically and helped unite the Republican Party. But barely two months after the GOP convention, the New York Post published a story reporting that Nixon had established a "millionaire's club" to help pay his political expenses through huge donations from California businessmen.
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#4 Best: Richard Nixon – Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower's VP pick in 1952, Richard Nixon, brought youth -- and California -- with him when he joined the campaign. The ideal running mate for the 62-year-old, Nixon balanced the ticket geographically and helped unite the Republican Party. But barely two months after the GOP convention, the New York Post published a story reporting that Nixon had established a "millionaire's club" to help pay his political expenses through huge donations from California businessmen.
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Another Washington insider, Al Gore, and his father both served as senators from Tennessee. Gore brought beltway know-how to a ticket featuring a little-known governor from Arkansas -- Bill Clinton. The bright and experienced Gore became Clinton's right-hand man and was critical to securing the election.
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#3 Best: Al Gore – Another Washington insider, Al Gore, and his father both served as senators from Tennessee. Gore brought beltway know-how to a ticket featuring a little-known governor from Arkansas -- Bill Clinton. The bright and experienced Gore became Clinton's right-hand man and was critical to securing the election.
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After running against Ronald Reagan in the 1980 primaries, George H.W. Bush joined Reagan on the ticket and helped unite the Republican Party by balancing the ticket ideologically. Bush's background as a businessman, U.S. representative, United Nations ambassador, chairman of the Republican National Committee, diplomat to China, CIA director and presidential contender made him one of the most experienced vice presidents ever.
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#2 Best: George H.W. Bush – After running against Ronald Reagan in the 1980 primaries, George H.W. Bush joined Reagan on the ticket and helped unite the Republican Party by balancing the ticket ideologically. Bush's background as a businessman, U.S. representative, United Nations ambassador, chairman of the Republican National Committee, diplomat to China, CIA director and presidential contender made him one of the most experienced vice presidents ever.
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Texas native Lyndon Johnson's southern roots helped John F. Kennedy carry the South and win the presidential election. As Senate majority leader, Johnson surprised everyone by accepting the VP position in 1962. To appease liberal Democrats, Kennedy's brother Robert Kennedy tried to talk the Texan out of the position, but Johnson refused, declaring, "I want to be vice president, and, if the president will have me, I'll join him in making a fight for it." After Kennedy's death, Johnson transitioned smoothly into his new role as leader of the nation. He went on to pass landmark civil rights legislation and was elected in his own right by a landslide.
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#1 Best: Lyndon B. Johnson – Texas native Lyndon Johnson's southern roots helped John F. Kennedy carry the South and win the presidential election. As Senate majority leader, Johnson surprised everyone by accepting the VP position in 1962. To appease liberal Democrats, Kennedy's brother Robert Kennedy tried to talk the Texan out of the position, but Johnson refused, declaring, "I want to be vice president, and, if the president will have me, I'll join him in making a fight for it." After Kennedy's death, Johnson transitioned smoothly into his new role as leader of the nation. He went on to pass landmark civil rights legislation and was elected in his own right by a landslide.
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Sarah Palin seemed like a good idea at the time. The energetic governor from Alaska brought a jolt of enthusiasm and excitement to the Republican campaign of John McCain. But Palin's inexperience on the national stage left her seemingly ill-prepared. She made clumsy comments that were pounced on by the media -- including an awkward interview where she could not name any newspapers that she reads.
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#5 Worst: Sarah Palin – Sarah Palin seemed like a good idea at the time. The energetic governor from Alaska brought a jolt of enthusiasm and excitement to the Republican campaign of John McCain. But Palin's inexperience on the national stage left her seemingly ill-prepared. She made clumsy comments that were pounced on by the media -- including an awkward interview where she could not name any newspapers that she reads.
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Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman to run on a major party national ticket in U.S. history. The New York congresswoman seemed prepared to run with Walter Mondale, but a televised VP debate against George H. W. Bush highlighted her inexperience. Ferraro was constantly bombarded with questions about her finances (her husband was a wealthy realtor and businessman) and targeted because of her gender. Barbara Bush once called her a "$4 million -- I can't say it, but it rhymes with rich."
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#4 Worst: Geraldine Ferraro – Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman to run on a major party national ticket in U.S. history. The New York congresswoman seemed prepared to run with Walter Mondale, but a televised VP debate against George H. W. Bush highlighted her inexperience. Ferraro was constantly bombarded with questions about her finances (her husband was a wealthy realtor and businessman) and targeted because of her gender. Barbara Bush once called her a "$4 million -- I can't say it, but it rhymes with rich."
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A first-term governor of Maryland and virtually unknown on the national stage, Spiro Agnew was drafted by Richard Nixon, ahead of GOP giants like Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller, because Nixon didn't want to be outshined by his running mate. Agnew made a number of gaffes on the campaign trail, including calling a Japanese reporter a "fat Jap." After taking office, he pleaded no contest to tax evasion and money laundering while governor. Later, Agnew made history by becoming the only U.S. vice president to resign his office while under criminal investigation.
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#3 Worst: Spiro Agnew – A first-term governor of Maryland and virtually unknown on the national stage, Spiro Agnew was drafted by Richard Nixon, ahead of GOP giants like Ronald Reagan and Nelson Rockefeller, because Nixon didn't want to be outshined by his running mate. Agnew made a number of gaffes on the campaign trail, including calling a Japanese reporter a "fat Jap." After taking office, he pleaded no contest to tax evasion and money laundering while governor. Later, Agnew made history by becoming the only U.S. vice president to resign his office while under criminal investigation.
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Dan Quayle was supposed to become the Republican JFK, but instead to many he was a laughingstock. During the 1988 vice presidential debate, Democratic Sen. Lloyd Bentsen leveled a famous blow to Quayle, "Senator, I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. You're no Jack Kennedy." Quayle became the butt of frequent jokes, and many Americans never let him live down the incident where he misspelled the word "potato" at an elementary school spelling bee.
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#2 Worst: Dan Quayle – Dan Quayle was supposed to become the Republican JFK, but instead to many he was a laughingstock. During the 1988 vice presidential debate, Democratic Sen. Lloyd Bentsen leveled a famous blow to Quayle, "Senator, I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. You're no Jack Kennedy." Quayle became the butt of frequent jokes, and many Americans never let him live down the incident where he misspelled the word "potato" at an elementary school spelling bee.
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Thomas Eagleton was a respected senator from Missouri when he was chosen to be Democratic nominee George McGovern's running mate. But after his selection was announced, reports emerged that he had been hospitalized for depression a decade earlier and made reference to electro-shock therapy. After only 18 days on the ticket, McGovern asked Eagleton to step down. The race became an embarrassing slaughter when McGovern and replacement running mate Sargent Shriver won only one state in the general election.
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#1 Worst: Thomas Eagle – Thomas Eagleton was a respected senator from Missouri when he was chosen to be Democratic nominee George McGovern's running mate. But after his selection was announced, reports emerged that he had been hospitalized for depression a decade earlier and made reference to electro-shock therapy. After only 18 days on the ticket, McGovern asked Eagleton to step down. The race became an embarrassing slaughter when McGovern and replacement running mate Sargent Shriver won only one state in the general election.
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"For eight years, Dick stood by my side and always did what was right for our nation. I could not ask for a better vice president than Dick Cheney," Bush said. "He's a good man who loves his country and really loves his family."
    Before leaving Texas, Bush told his father, former President George H.W. Bush, that he was attending Cheney's bust unveiling.
    "Dad perked up and he said, 'Send my best regards to old iron ass'," Bush said in a reference to how the former president had referred to Cheney in a recently published book. "Dick that is indeed a badge of honor."
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    Bush also cracked up the crowd of several hundred when he said, "I must confess I'm somewhat reluctant to come back to Washington. The last time I showed up here I was hanged in the White House. This time I've returned only to find my vice president getting busted in the capital."
    Cheney's wife, Lynne, and grandchildren did the honors of unveiling the bust in the Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall. The tradition of busts of former vice presidents being placed in the Capitol dates back to the 1800's. Cheney's bust was sculpted by William Behrends, according to the Architect of the Capitol.
    Vice President Joe Biden was also in attendance -- and drew laughs with his comments about Cheney.
    "As I look around this room and up on the platform, I want to say thank you for letting me crash your family reunion," Biden said. "I'm afraid I've blown his cover. I actually like Dick Cheney."
    Sen. Roy Blunt praised Cheney as a highly influential voice long before he presided over the Senate, where vice presidents can also cast a tie-breaking vote.
    Liz Cheney run for Congress likely
    "Dick Cheney is the only minority whip who never lost a vote, because the president's father asked him to be Secretary of Defense before he could ever whip a vote," the Missouri Republican said.
    House Speaker Paul Ryan praised Cheney for developing strong relationships among Republicans of all stripes over the years.
    "The list of people who he knew and people who he befriended is like a who's who of the conservative movement," he said. "He moved among giants in American politics. He is one himself."
    Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Vice President Dick Cheney (right) talks with his chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, on September 11, 2001, the day of the terrorist attacks. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/25/politics/national-archives-new-photos-bush-911/index.html">More than 350 images of Cheney and other Bush administration officials taken that day were released</a> Friday, July 24, by the National Archives following a Freedom of Information Act request.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Vice President Dick Cheney (right) talks with his chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, on September 11, 2001, the day of the terrorist attacks. More than 350 images of Cheney and other Bush administration officials taken that day were released Friday, July 24, by the National Archives following a Freedom of Information Act request.
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    Cheney was in his West Wing office when he received word that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. The released photos were requested by the coordinating producer for a group that has produced Bush administration films for PBS' "Frontline."
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Cheney was in his West Wing office when he received word that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. The released photos were requested by the coordinating producer for a group that has produced Bush administration films for PBS' "Frontline."
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    The photos capture the grim scenario facing the White House as commandeered airliners crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. President George W. Bush, Cheney and staff gather at the President's Emergency Operations Center later in the day.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    The photos capture the grim scenario facing the White House as commandeered airliners crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. President George W. Bush, Cheney and staff gather at the President's Emergency Operations Center later in the day.
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    Colette Neirouz Hanna, who works with the Kirk Documentary Group, told the Boston Globe, "From the first moments after the attacks on the World Trade Center, Vice President Cheney has been at the center of much of the government's response. Now, 14 years later, we finally have those photographs and the American people can see for themselves what took place in those first 24 hours."
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Colette Neirouz Hanna, who works with the Kirk Documentary Group, told the Boston Globe, "From the first moments after the attacks on the World Trade Center, Vice President Cheney has been at the center of much of the government's response. Now, 14 years later, we finally have those photographs and the American people can see for themselves what took place in those first 24 hours."
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    "Frontline," in an online posting on July 25, said the images were taken by Cheney's staff photographer. Cheney told CNN's John King in 2002 what happened when it was clear there was an ongoing terrorist operation. After he called President Bush in Florida and spoke with top aides his door burst open. "My [Secret Service] agent all of a sudden materialized right beside me and said, 'Sir, we have to leave now.' He grabbed me and propelled me out of my office, down the hall, and into the underground shelter in the White House," Cheney said. <br />
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    "Frontline," in an online posting on July 25, said the images were taken by Cheney's staff photographer. Cheney told CNN's John King in 2002 what happened when it was clear there was an ongoing terrorist operation. After he called President Bush in Florida and spoke with top aides his door burst open. "My [Secret Service] agent all of a sudden materialized right beside me and said, 'Sir, we have to leave now.' He grabbed me and propelled me out of my office, down the hall, and into the underground shelter in the White House," Cheney said.
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    Cheney with members of the White House staff, including National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. "Frontline" said Friday's release of photos was the second set requested by Hanna. That first set shows other behind-the-scenes photos of Bush and Cheney.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Cheney with members of the White House staff, including National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice. "Frontline" said Friday's release of photos was the second set requested by Hanna. That first set shows other behind-the-scenes photos of Bush and Cheney.
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    Lynne Cheney discusses the ongoing crisis with her husband, the vice president. According to a 2002 CNN article on the attack anniversary, Dick Cheney helped direct the U.S. government's response from an emergency bunker while the President was in Florida and flying to Nebraska for security reasons. Bush issued orders while in transit.<br />
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Lynne Cheney discusses the ongoing crisis with her husband, the vice president. According to a 2002 CNN article on the attack anniversary, Dick Cheney helped direct the U.S. government's response from an emergency bunker while the President was in Florida and flying to Nebraska for security reasons. Bush issued orders while in transit.
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    According to <a href="http://www.historycommons.org/timeline.jsp?timeline=complete_911_timeline&day_of_9/11=bush&startpos=100" target="_blank">historycommons.org</a>, Bush arrived at the White House shortly before 7 p.m. on September 11. A few minutes later, he entered the Emergency Operations Center.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    According to historycommons.org, Bush arrived at the White House shortly before 7 p.m. on September 11. A few minutes later, he entered the Emergency Operations Center.
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    Cheney with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice in the President's Emergency Operations Center.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Cheney with National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice in the President's Emergency Operations Center.
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    A relic of the Cold War, the deep underground bunker became the vice president's base of operations on the first day of a new war.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    A relic of the Cold War, the deep underground bunker became the vice president's base of operations on the first day of a new war.
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    Rice and Secretary of State Colin Powell confer during the crisis.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Rice and Secretary of State Colin Powell confer during the crisis.
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    Mary Matalin, then a counselor to Cheney, said this of the Presidential Emergency Operations Center: "I didn't know that it existed until I was actually down there, and I'm not sure I could find my way back there to this day."
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Mary Matalin, then a counselor to Cheney, said this of the Presidential Emergency Operations Center: "I didn't know that it existed until I was actually down there, and I'm not sure I could find my way back there to this day."
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    Cheney with Laura Bush and Lynne Cheney. The latter was a constant presence. She leaned in at one point to tell the vice president that their daughters were fine.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Cheney with Laura Bush and Lynne Cheney. The latter was a constant presence. She leaned in at one point to tell the vice president that their daughters were fine.
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    Secretary of State Colin Powell looks over a report. All of the released photos are available in a National Archives <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/sets/72157656213196901" target="_blank">Flickr album</a>.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Secretary of State Colin Powell looks over a report. All of the released photos are available in a National Archives Flickr album.
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    After their reunion, the President and the first lady "talked with the Cheneys a bit," Laura Bush was to recall. President Bush then went upstairs to prepare for a nationally televised address.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    After their reunion, the President and the first lady "talked with the Cheneys a bit," Laura Bush was to recall. President Bush then went upstairs to prepare for a nationally televised address.
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    <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/09/11/ar911.king.cheney/">President Bush speaks</a> with Vice President Cheney and members of his senior staff. The vice president had a few words with the president just before the latter's address to the nation. CIA Director George Tenet watched from the bunker, waiting for Bush to convene a late-night meeting of the National Security Council.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    President Bush speaks with Vice President Cheney and members of his senior staff. The vice president had a few words with the president just before the latter's address to the nation. CIA Director George Tenet watched from the bunker, waiting for Bush to convene a late-night meeting of the National Security Council.
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    Mary Matalin talks with Karen Hughes, counselor to the President, near Lynne Cheney in the President's Emergency Operations Center.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Mary Matalin talks with Karen Hughes, counselor to the President, near Lynne Cheney in the President's Emergency Operations Center.
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    Cheney talks with Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Cheney talks with Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta.
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    CIA Director George Tenet listens to President Bush's <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/09/11/bush.speech.text/">televised address. </a>The President said, "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    CIA Director George Tenet listens to President Bush's televised address. The President said, "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve."
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    It was the bunker's first test in an actual emergency, a day of crisis with some hitches. Cheney wanted to track TV reports of the devastation and listen in on communications with the Pentagon. "You can have sound on one or the other and he found that technically imperfect," Matalin recalled.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    It was the bunker's first test in an actual emergency, a day of crisis with some hitches. Cheney wanted to track TV reports of the devastation and listen in on communications with the Pentagon. "You can have sound on one or the other and he found that technically imperfect," Matalin recalled.
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    The Cheneys depart the White House and prepare to board Marine Two. He later took a nighttime ride past the heavily damaged Pentagon. "I recall watching the vice president, who was staring out the window at the Pentagon, and wondering what he may be thinking about, the responsibilities he would have in the future. A pretty sobering moment," said Libby, his chief of staff.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    The Cheneys depart the White House and prepare to board Marine Two. He later took a nighttime ride past the heavily damaged Pentagon. "I recall watching the vice president, who was staring out the window at the Pentagon, and wondering what he may be thinking about, the responsibilities he would have in the future. A pretty sobering moment," said Libby, his chief of staff.
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    Vice President Cheney, Lynne Cheney and I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby aboard Marine Two.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Vice President Cheney, Lynne Cheney and I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby aboard Marine Two.
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    Cheney and Lynne Cheney arrive at Camp David. This was the first in a series of "undisclosed locations" where the vice president camped out in the weeks after the attacks, <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/government-elections-politics/new-photos-show-bush-administration-reaction-to-911-attacks/" target="_blank">PBS said</a>.
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Cheney and Lynne Cheney arrive at Camp David. This was the first in a series of "undisclosed locations" where the vice president camped out in the weeks after the attacks, PBS said.
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    Cheney, shown here at Camp David on September 11, 2001. A year later, he recalled to CNN's John King: "As we lifted off and headed up the Potomac [River], you could look out and see the Pentagon, see that black hole where it'd been hit. A lot of lights on the building, smoke rising from the Pentagon. And you know, it really helped to bring home the impact of what had happened, that we had in fact been attacked."
    Photos: Photos of Cheney, Bush from 9/11 released for first time
    Cheney, shown here at Camp David on September 11, 2001. A year later, he recalled to CNN's John King: "As we lifted off and headed up the Potomac [River], you could look out and see the Pentagon, see that black hole where it'd been hit. A lot of lights on the building, smoke rising from the Pentagon. And you know, it really helped to bring home the impact of what had happened, that we had in fact been attacked."
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    In return, Cheney touted Ryan as the best selection to lead the House before making a quip about Ryan, who ran unsuccessfully for vice president.
    "He's lately become a reminder to me that we don't always get exactly what we want in politics," Cheney said. "You got the job with actual power and authority. And I got a very nice marble bust."
    In his remarks, Cheney also had warm words for George W. Bush.
    "I worked for someone I respected and liked without reservation. He's a man of great strength and also gentleness," he said. "There is none I prize more than to have my name alongside George W. Bush."

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