Mouthy Cheney Gains Popularity: Poll

A new poll shows that Dick Cheney, currently making headlines for his stance on torture, is gaining popularity. 37% of those polled by CNN hold a favorable opinion of the former vice president, up 8% from when he left office; 55% still view him unfavorably. Former president Bush, who’s remained out of the spotlight, gained 6% and now has a 41% rating.

“Is Cheney’s uptick due to his visibility as one of the most outspoken critics of the Obama administration? Almost certainly not,” says CNN’s polling director. The numbers come ahead of a speech today in which Cheney is expected to defend the Bush administration record on terror and, once again, chastise President Obama and his proposed Guantanamo closure. (More George W. Bush stories.)