...the real story from Cheney's interview with Brit Hume, which I originally mentioned in the post below, came toward the end:
Q: On another subject, court filings have indicated that Scooter Libby has suggested that his superiors — unidentified — authorized the release of some classified information. What do you know about that?
A: It's nothing I can talk about, Brit. This is an issue that's been under investigation for a couple of years. I've cooperated fully, including being interviewed, as well, by a special prosecutor. All of it is now going to trial. Scooter is entitled to the presumption of innocence. He's a great guy. I've worked with him for a long time, have enormous regard for him. I may well be called as a witness at some point in the case and it's, therefore, inappropriate for me to comment on any facet of the case.
And here comes the chess move.
Q: Let me ask you another question. Is it your view that a Vice President has the authority to declassify information?
A: There is an executive order to that effect.
Q: There is.
A: Yes.
Q: Have you done it?
A: Well, I've certainly advocated declassification and participated in declassification decisions. The executive order ...
Q: You ever done it unilaterally?
A: I don't want to get into that. There is an executive order that specifies who has classification authority, and obviously focuses first and foremost on the President, but also includes the Vice President.
I'd guess that this issue is going to come up again in the near future.
