Cheney Says He Intends to Serve Out His Term

Vice President Dick Cheney, a lightning rod for criticism of administration policies, on Sunday rejected the notion of resigning and said he would serve out his term.

“I made sure both in 2000 and 2004 that the president had other options. I mean, I didn’t ask for this job. I didn’t campaign for it. I got drafted,” Cheney said on CBS’ “Face The Nation.”

Being in the administration was a highlight of his career, Cheney said. “I’ve now been elected to a second term. I’ll serve out my term,” he said.

Among other things, Cheney has been criticized for the Iraq war and seeking to exempt the CIA from a torture ban.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld has said that he twice offered his resignation to President Bush during the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal and that the president declined it.

With Bush’s approval ratings at the lowest of his presidency, there has been speculation about a shake-up at the White House.

“The president hasn’t indicated he plans to make any changes. If he does and when he does, I’m sure he’ll announce it,” Cheney said.

The vice president, often portrayed as the real power at the White House, said his role was to advise the president.

“I don’t run anything. I’m not in charge of the White House. I’m not in charge of the Defense Department, as I once was, or a congressman from Wyoming,” Cheney said.

Cheney reiterated that he had no plans to run for president, as previous vice presidents have done. “I made it clear from the outset that I’m not a candidate for president,” he said. “I won’t run for president. I’ve been very, very firm on that.”