Secret Service agents say Cheney was drunk when he shot lawyer

SuzeQuze · #1 02-23-2006, 03:15 PM

From Capitol Hill Blue

By DOUG THOMPSON
Feb 22, 2006, 07:35

Secret Service agents guarding Vice President Dick Cheney when he shot Texas lawyer Harry Whittington on a hunting outing two weeks ago say Cheney was "clearly inebriated" at the time of the shooting.
Agents observed several members of the hunting party, including the Vice President, consuming alcohol before and during the hunting expedition, the report notes, and Cheney exhibited "visible signs" of impairment, including slurred speech and erratic actions.

According to those who have talked with the agents and others present at the outing, Cheney was drunk when he gunned down his friend and the day-and-a-half delay in allowing Texas law enforcement officials on the ranch where the shooting occurred gave all members of the hunting party time to sober up.

We talked with a number of administration officials who are privy to inside information on the Vice President's shooting "accident" and all admit Secret Service agents and others say they saw Cheney consume far more than the "one beer' he claimed he drank at lunch earlier that day.

"This was a South Texas hunt," says one White House aide. "Of course there was drinking. There's always drinking. Lots of it."

...

http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artma...cle_8184.shtml

gldstwmn · #2 02-23-2006, 03:19 PM

I figured as much. Cheney's had more DUI's than Bush, I think.

SuzeQuze · #3 02-23-2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

I figured as much. Cheney's had more DUI's than Bush, I think.

Randi says 2. Apparently one of the agents asked to be reassigned and the other was reassigned after this incident.

CelticGypsy · #4 02-23-2006, 03:29 PM

Not surprised about this news at all. Men who hang out together always have a few drinks whether they are on the golf course, at a sporting event or out hunting. Unfortunately, it happens more than we think. Why would anyone think Dick Cheney was any different from our husbands or boyfriends? I don't like Dick Cheney. He could fall off the earth for all I care. I am sure all that booze is doing his heart a world of good

SuzeQuze · #5 02-23-2006, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CelticGypsy

Not surprised about this news at all. Men who hang out together always have a few drinks whether they are on the golf course, at a sporting event or out hunting. Unfortunately, it happens more than we think. Why would anyone think Dick Cheney was any different from our husbands or boyfriends? I don't like Dick Cheney. He could fall off the earth for all I care. I am sure all that booze is doing his heart a world of good

And his arteries, he's got very poor circulation. Knock 'em back, Dick! Most have assumed the reason for the delay in getting the police involved was drunkenness and now there is apparently some evidence of this.

DavidMn · #6 02-23-2006, 03:35 PM

So anyway I heard Jimmy Buffett is going to re-record his old classic in honor or Mr Cheney. One thing though, the title will slightly change, no it's gonna be called WHY DONT WE GET DRUNK AND SHOOT!!

madformac · #7 02-23-2006, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

And his arteries, he's got very poor circulation. Knock 'em back, Dick! Most have assumed the reason for the delay in getting the police involved was drunkenness and now there is apparently some evidence of this.

Is it any wonder he was drunk and was waving a gun? He's an elected official, it's part of the job to be wreckless and get away with it.

SuzeQuze · #8 02-23-2006, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madformac

Is it any wonder he was drunk and was waving a gun? He's an elected official, it's part of the job to be wreckless and get away with it.

He's sent directly from hell! :shudder:

strandinthewind · #9 02-23-2006, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

I figured as much. Cheney's had more DUI's than Bush, I think.

Anyone who has ever been hunting in the South pretty much knows there always is drinking. So I think Cheney was hammered - probably not. But, my guess is it was not beer, it was scotch or bourbon - and they take snorts, not cocktails. Trust me, I have been there, though not with this crowd.

SuzeQuze · #10 02-23-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Anyone who has ever been hunting in the South pretty much knows there always is drinking. So I think Cheney was hammered - probably not. But, my guess is it was not beer, it was scotch or bourbon - and they take snorts, not cocktails. Trust me, I have been there, though not with this crowd.

It was reported he was slurring. Who knows how bad off he actually was. But this explains how he could've done something so dumb.

strandinthewind · #11 02-23-2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

It was reported he was slurring. Who knows how bad off he actually was. But this explains how he could've done something so dumb.

How credible is the story or at least how credible is the reporting site?

Also, I am sure Whittington was loaded as well.

Finally, I think it is interesting to note they were hunting with two women who were not their wives - right?

I guess we will never know the whole story, but I said it before and I will say it again, a significant reason exists for that 24 or so hour delay - otherwise why do that knowing the turmoil that would surround it?

I mean I think most people realize this was an accident and could care a less whether booze was involved. I think the vast majority of people are pissed about the apparent cover up.

Interestingly, in many states, alcohol in the body is de facto intent. In other words, if you kill someone while driving drunk, you are presumed to have the intent to harm even though the accident was not caused in any way by the presence of alcohol in the body a la a blow out or something like that.

Livia · #12 02-23-2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Anyone who has ever been hunting in the South pretty much knows there always is drinking. So I think Cheney was hammered - probably not. But, my guess is it was not beer, it was scotch or bourbon - and they take snorts, not cocktails. Trust me, I have been there, though not with this crowd.

Of course he was hammered! Quail and dove hunting both take place at dusk, during happy hour!