Reply #56: Here's my TRANSCRIPT of CNN's version of events.

[VolcanoJen]

This is freakin' hilarious... unfortunately, we don't know exactly what Cheney said to Leahy, but it's not much of a stretch to use one's imagination.

ON EDIT: Paul Begala just confirmed on CNN's "Crossfire" that Cheney's words were "Go Fuck Yourself." :D

TRANSCRIPT

CNN's Inside Politics, Thursday, June 24, 2004

Ed Henry, CNN Congressional Correspondent: "Judy, there's been an unrelenting Democratic assault on Vice President Dick Cheney, mostly over his ties to the company Halliburton, which he used to run. This spilled over, it looks like it might have gotten to Cheney a little bit on Tuesday. CNN confirms that the Vice President used the "F" word as he confronted Senator Patrick Leahy on the Senate floor Tuesday. This occurred when all 100 Senators were taking the official Senate photo. This is supposed to be a happy occasion, but the smiles turned to snarls. What we're told happened, is that Vice President Cheney went up to Leahy, who has been leading the assault about Halliburton, and said he is not happy about the investigation. Leahy responded that Cheney once called him a bad Catholic. To that, Mr. Cheney used the "F" word, right back to Leahy. This has been spreading around among Senators. Senator Leahy confirmed this to CNN, let me read to you what he told us:

"I think he was just having a bad day. I was shocked to hear this kind of language on the Senate floor."

We also have a statement from the Vice President's office. Spokesman Kevin Callums tells CNN, "That doesn't sound like the kind of language the Vice President would use, but I can confirm that there was a frank exchange of views."

Bottom line, Judy, as if we needed another sign this Presidential campaign is underway. Tempers are flaring, nerves are frayed, and this is just another example, Judy.

transcribed by VolcanoJen, thanks to Tivo!

ON SECOND EDIT:Here's a link to more information about Cheney calling Leahy a "Bad Catholic." It's all related to Democratic opposition to the nomination of William Pryor to the federal appeals court in Atlanta.

Scroll down to "Know-Nothings Hatch Their Plan."

http://www.badculture.com/archives/2003_07.html