Dick Cheney speaks at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center

The Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Lecture series welcomed former Vice President Dick Cheney Jan. 23 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center.

However, it turns out Cheney is the vice president who almost wasn’t.

Cheney, who held the office in President George W. Bush’s administration, originally turned down the invitation to join him on the ticket.

“I never met a vice president who was happy,” Cheney said.

In initially turning down the offer, Cheney agreed to help Bush find a running mate. In the end, though, Cheney's work as a recruiter ended up falling short. He agreed to Bush's offer on one condition.

“I have to be able to come down and sit down with you and tell you all the reasons this is a bad idea,” Cheney remembers telling Bush.

Cheney wasn’t able to convince Bush that his candidacy was a bad idea, but he said he is glad for it.

“He never accepted 'no' for answer, and in the end I’m glad I said 'yes,'” Cheney said.