If we have reason to believe someone is preparing an attack against the U.S., has developed that capability, harbours those aspirations, then I think the U.S. is justified in dealing with that, if necessary, by military force.

Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that if the United States believes someone is planning to attack them, has the ability to do so, and wants to attack, then the U.S. can use military force to stop that person, if necessary. In other words, the U.S. may use military action if they think someone is a threat and is preparing to attack them.

About Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney, a powerful and influential American politician, served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. He had a long and distinguished career, working in various government roles, including White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Representative, and Secretary of Defense. Despite facing criticism for some of his policies, Cheney left a significant mark on American politics and is considered one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in history.

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More quotes from Dick Cheney

Cheney, Cheney, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

When George Bush asked me to sign on, it obviously wasn’t because he was worried about carrying Wyoming. We got 70 percent of the vote in Wyoming, although those three electoral votes turned out to be pretty important last time around.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

Direct threats require decisive action.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

I think Barack Obama is a one-term President.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

Senator Kerry says he sees two Americas. It makes the whole thing mutual – America sees two John Kerrys.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

I think the record speaks for itself. These are two individuals who have been for the war when the headlines were good and against it when their poll ratings were bad.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

The plan was criticized by some retired military officers embedded in TV studios. But with every advance by our coalition forces, the wisdom of that plan becomes more apparent.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

There comes a time when deceit and defiance must be seen for what they are. At that point, a gathering danger must be directly confronted. At that point, we must show that beyond our resolutions is actual resolve.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

A little tough talk in the midst of a campaign or as part of a presidential debate cannot obscure a record of 30 years of being on the wrong side of defense issues.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

We will, in fact, be greeted as liberators.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

We must be prepared to face our responsibilities and be willing to use force if necessary.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

From kindergarten to graduation, I went to public schools, and I know that they are a key to being sure that every child has a chance to succeed and to rise in the world.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

The Iraqi forces are conducting the Mother of all Retreats.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

We have to make America the best place in the world to do business.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

I’m absolutely convinced that the threat we face now, the idea of a terrorist in the middle of one of our cities with a nuclear weapon, is very real and that we have to use extraordinary measures to deal with it.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

In his years in Washington, Senator Kerry has been one vote of a hundred in the United States Senate – and fortunately on matters of national security he was very often in the minority.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

The Columbia is lost, but the dreams that inspired its crew remain with us.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

The Senator from Massachusetts has given us ample grounds to doubt the judgment and the attitude he brings to bear on vital issues of national security.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

You got to have people at the top who respond to and are selected by presidents.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

Had the decision belonged to Senator Kerry, Saddam hussein would still be in power today in Iraq. In fact, Saddam Hussein would almost certainly still be in control of Kuwait.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

If we have reason to believe someone is preparing an attack against the U.S., has developed that capability, harbours those aspirations, then I think the U.S. is justified in dealing with that, if necessary, by military force.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

Except for the occasional heart attack, I never felt better.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

We urge all democratic nations and the United Nations to answer the Iraqi Governing Council’s call for support for the people of Iraq in making the transition to democracy.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

I can think of a lot of words to describe Senator Kerry’s position on Iraq; “consistent” is not one of them.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

I’ve worked for four presidents and watched two others up close, and I know that there’s no such thing as a routine day in the Oval Office.

Dick Cheney

vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009