Today, Vice President Dick Cheney called Howard Dean "over the top" for his recent remarks about Republicans. I looked up the phrase "over the top" and here's one definition I found: "too extreme and not suitable, or demanding too much attention or effort, especially in an uncontrolled way." Now, let's look at some of Dick Cheney's past actions and comments to see if they fit the definition of "over the top."
Actions
*While a member of Congress, Cheney opposed a resolution urging South Africa's apartheid government to release Nelson Mandela from prison, the establishment of Martin Luther King Day as a holiday, and the Head Start early childhood development program. (1978-1989)
Quotes
*"Let us rid ourselves of the fiction that low oil prices are somehow good for the United States" -- said when oil prices were about as high as they are now (1984)
*"I had other priorities in the 60's than military service" -- explanation regarding why he didn't serve in Vietnam (1989)
*"We will, in fact, be greeted as liberators [in Iraq]." (3/16/03)
*"We know (Saddam Hussein)'s been absolutely devoted to trying to acquire nuclear weapons, and we believe he has, in fact, reconstituted nuclear weapons." (3/16/03)
*"Go Fuck Yourself" - to Sen. Patrick Leahy (6/24/04)