The Cheney Factor

For a while last fall, with the Republican "thumping" in the November election, vice-president Dick Cheney seemed back in the bunker. The most powerful vice-president in the history of the republic looked sidelined.

But in the last few weeks, as tensions have risen over Iraq strategy and the White House has looked almost spoiling for a fight with Iran, Dick Cheney is very much back in the limelight. Claiming "enormous successes" in Iraq. Saying the US Congress "won't stop us" in Iraq.

Damaged White House credibility? "Hogwash," says the VP - as his own former chief of staff is on trial for perjury. His message to critics? "I'm vice-president, and they're not."

This hour On Point: the superpower VP, Dick Cheney, and his role right now.

Guests:

Lou DuBose, author of "Vice: Dick Cheney and the Hijacking of the American Presidency"

Ron Suskind, author of "The One Percent Doctrine"

Laura Rozen, Senior Correspodent for The American Prospect

Jonathan Turley, Professor of Law at George Washington University