Is Egypt's Hosni Mubarak a Good Friend? Dick Cheney Says Yes

Everyone else might want to flee from Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president who is battling against the voices of reform, but former Vice President Dick Cheney believes the U.S. should be careful of alienating, and so quickly, a "good friend."

Cheney, who was speaking at a celebration for Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday, told a group of young Conservatives, without criticizing President Barack Obama, that the administration needs to keep the channels of communication open and private with Mubarak.

"So he’s been a good man and a good friend and ally of the United States, and we need to remember that," said Cheney, according to Politico. "You’re looking for balance here, but I do hope that there is a channel of communication.”

Mubarak has resisted, so far, the demands by thousands of protesters to resign. The Egyptian strongman, who has held power for 30 years by using intimidation techniques, including torture and random arrests, has said he can't leave the presidency until there is an orderly transition.

An election is set for September. An early resignation by Mubarak would force an election within 60 days. Opponents fear that the longer he stays in office, the longer he will have to consolidate his power.