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.