Cheney makes surprise appearance at CPAC

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Vice President Dick Cheney says Donald Rumsfeld may have more influence on President Barack Obama's national security policies than his current aides.

Cheney surprised a gathering of conservatives on Thursday to present the former two-time defense secretary an award. The vice president joked that Rumsfeld twice served as defense secretary and added that "maybe if we give him a third term, he might get it right."

Cheney also drew laughs when he wondered aloud if Rumsfeld may have more influence on Obama than his current advisers.

Obama campaigned against the Bush White House's national security policies and yet has continued many of the tactics now that he is in power.

Protesters interrupted Cheney, calling him a "draft dodger" and "war criminal."