Meaning: This quote by Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States, refers to his experience being selected as the running mate for George W. Bush in the 2000 presidential election. The quote reflects Cheney's acknowledgment of the fact that Wyoming, his home state, was not a significant factor in the electoral college outcome, yet the three electoral votes from Wyoming played a crucial role in the election.

Cheney's statement underscores the significance of individual states and their electoral votes in determining the outcome of a presidential election. Despite Wyoming being a sparsely populated state with only three electoral votes, the outcome of the election hinged on the close margin in several states, including Wyoming. This highlights the unique dynamics of the electoral college system in American presidential elections.

In the context of the 2000 election, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney were running against the Democratic ticket of Al Gore and Joe Lieberman. The election results were extremely close, with the outcome ultimately decided by the electoral votes in a few key states, including Wyoming. While Wyoming may not have been a battleground state in the traditional sense, its three electoral votes became pivotal in determining the final result.

Cheney's reference to winning 70 percent of the vote in Wyoming demonstrates the overwhelming support he and Bush received from the state's voters. Despite the landslide victory in Wyoming, the significance of those three electoral votes became evident in the overall electoral college tally, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual state outcomes in the broader context of a presidential election.

The quote also sheds light on the strategic considerations that go into selecting a running mate. Cheney's remark about Bush asking him to "sign on" acknowledges that his selection as the vice presidential candidate was not based on the expectation of carrying Wyoming. Instead, it underscores the broader political strategy and the importance of choosing a running mate who can bring different strengths and appeal to a broader segment of the electorate.

Furthermore, Cheney's acknowledgment of the importance of Wyoming's electoral votes serves as a reminder of the intricacies of the electoral college system and how it can impact the outcome of a presidential election. The electoral college, with its allocation of votes based on state representation in Congress, can give disproportionate influence to smaller states in the presidential election process. This can lead to scenarios where individual states, regardless of their size or population, play a decisive role in determining the winner of the presidency.

In sum, Dick Cheney's quote provides insight into the significance of individual states and their electoral votes in the context of a presidential election. It underscores the nuanced interplay between state-level outcomes and the overall electoral college tally, as well as the strategic considerations involved in selecting a running mate. Additionally, it highlights the unique dynamics of the electoral college system and its impact on the outcome of presidential elections.