[This article was written by Mickey Kaus and Ruth Shalit. It also appears in Salon.]

For months we worked closely together to review the qualifications of many impressive candidates. As we worked to evaluate the strength of others, I saw firsthand Dick Cheney's outstanding judgment. I benefited from his keen insight. I was impressed by the tough and thorough way he addressed his mission. ... When Secretary Cheney visited me and Laura at our ranch in Crawford, Texas over the last Fourth of July weekend, we reviewed many candidates, all of whom are very impressive. But I continued to believe the best candidate might be sitting next to me.

--Gov. George W. Bush, July 25, 2000

July 4, 2000

BUSH: Hey, terrific news. Powell's guys are sending out feelers.

CHENEY: That's great! He'd sew it up for us. His approval ratings are through the roof.

(Pause.)

BUSH: So, what do we do? Should I call him? Are we done?

CHENEY: Almost. There is one thing.

BUSH: What?

CHENEY: Well, I'm sure you remember, back in your father's term, that incident at the dinner for the Japanese prime minister.