August 5, 2008: The Democratic National Committee has launched a website, The Next Cheney, which compares John McCain's prospective running mates to Vice President Dick Cheney. According to a DNC press release on the site, "The most important thing the voters need to know about each of John McCain's potential vice presidential picks: no matter who he chooses, any ticket with John McCain on it means more of the same."1
The website profiles seven leaders and politicians considered likely to be on McCain's shortlist of VP picks. Each profile makes links between Cheney and the subject, including allegations of corruption, ineptitude, insensitivity and/or opportunism.2
Dick Cheney's own route to the vice presidency is unique. He was selected in 2000 to head the search for a Bush running mate—a position held in the McCain camp by Republican attorney Arthur Culvahouse Jr. However, after helping to investigate a number of prospects, including New York Governor George Pataki and Congressman John Kasich, Cheney himself was selected. Though it was originally reported that Bush "asked" Cheney to serve as his running mate, it was later claimed that Cheney had actually "suggested himself" for the role.10 11