Former Vice President Dick Cheney Speaks At Desert Town Hall

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for more than 150 desert students on Thursday as more than 150 students who listened to former Vice President Dick Cheney speak at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells along with his aughter, Liz, to kick off the 20th annual Berger Foundation Desert Town Hall Series.

The Cheneys were promoting the new book they co-authored, “In My Time.”

The two talked about their experiences in life and politics, and why they believe young people should serve in public office.

“It’s a unique experience,” said Logan Baron, 17, a junior at Xavier Prep in Palm Desert.

Baron said it was a night that he and the more than 150 students who attended the Cheneys’ speech will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

“I’m probably never going to have something like this again, so it’s pretty cool,” said Baron.

The Youth Ambassador Program allows students from Coachella Valley high schools to attend the Town Hall.

Baron had the honor of introducing the Cheneys to his peers.

“He’s had a huge effect on the country,” said Baron.

During his speech, Dick Cheney focused on the future and encouraged the audience to work hard and serve their country.

“It’s a pretty nasty business, and speaking as a former vice president, I can tell you, you need a pretty thick hide to jump in the arena, but it’s well worth it,” said Dick Cheney.

Liz Cheney, who is now a political commentator, echoed those comments. She said the country needs more young people running for office.

“Anybody who really has the gumption and dedication to put their name on the ballot and to set up an organization can get out there and run,” said Liz Cheney.

The first speech lasted about a half-hour, along with a question and answer session.

The Cheneys then moved into a larger ballroom and spoke for about an hour to a crowd of 1,250 people, some of whom payed $1,150 to be a part of the night.

The students watched that on the big screen from their ballroom.

Sayra Garcia, 17, wants to be a journalist, and she said she was thrilled to hear the Cheneys’ views “and what I can do to get more into the political side more.”

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is scheduled to appear in March.