Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency

In 2008, Barton Gellman and The Washington Post were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for their incisive analysis of Dick Cheney's domestic policies. However, in his book Angler, Gellman delves even deeper into Cheney's actions and their far-reaching consequences, particularly his role in crucial decisions during the Bush administration, such as the shift in focus from Al Qaeda to Iraq, the expansion of domestic surveillance by the National Security Agency, and the endorsement of harsh interrogation methods. With new insights and untold stories, Angler paints a picture of a man driven by unwavering convictions and relentless determination, reshaping not only his own office but also the era in which he served.

Dick Cheney wielded significant influence in matters ranging from national security and foreign policy to the economy, the environment, and the interpretation of the law, often operating behind the scenes. Gellman pulls back the curtain of secrecy to reveal how Cheney operated and the impact of his actions. Throughout his two terms as vice president, Cheney played the role of a loyal and esteemed adviser to the president, yet his actions posed threats to the administration. One gripping account in Angler details a crisis over NSA surveillance in which Cheney's tight control over information left President George Bush in the dark.

Through a meticulous examination of documents, BlackBerry messages, notes, and interviews, Gellman exposes how Cheney's unwavering determination almost led to disaster for the Bush presidency before a course correction was made. Cheney had already redefined his role before joining the ticket in 2000, as shown in the detailed accounts of his selection as running mate and his influence during the presidential transition. The events of September 11 elevated Cheney's influence further, with Gellman illustrating how he steered the administration's response to terrorism towards Iraq and expanded domestic surveillance measures.

Please be aware that the audio quality of this book may be subpar but represents the best available version at this time.

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