His approval rating is lower than his boss' dismal numbers. The McCain campaign considered Cheney so toxic with moderate and independent voters that he never campaigned with the Republican nominee last fall.

Even a close pal calls him "the most divisive public official in modern political history."

While Bush has been given to some introspection and a few second thoughts in his farewell interviews, Cheney is unrepentant.

However history assesses Cheney, his forceful advocacy of expanding presidential authority has altered the balance of power between the White House and Congress.