Cheney Splits Party, Disses Mother of Powell

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has made a move history will note as "the split of the Republican Party." After Colin Powell suggested his party disassociate themselves from divisive public figures such as conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, Cheney took the defense of Limbaugh, suggesting Powell was a sort of party traitor for his endorsement of Barack Obama:
The former vice president noted that Powell endorsed then-Sen. Barack Obama in last year's presidential race. "I assume that that's some indication of his loyalty and his interests," Cheney said.
The implication is by endorsing Obama, Powell's loyalty and interests are not aligned with the Republican Party. By logic, he implies the Republican Party's loyalty is not in endorsing Obama, a statement Limbaugh made more boldly January 16th, 2009.
Limbaugh is a conservative radio talk show host (think white, plus Oprah, plus radio), yet has the republican party at odds over their elected leader Michael Steele. Steel also suggested the party reform their image by separating from Limbaugh's image, but has received extreme resistance from Limbaugh's audience, now including Cheney.
The significance is now that Cheney, a once legitimate politician, has taken sides with Limbaugh, less important ones like Rick Perry will scream and shout until all high level party members are forced to choose a side as well.
First the opinion of an extremist, then the opinion of a politician, to the founding principles of THE NEW REPUBLICAN PARTY...
Cheney was also later overheard saying, "Powell's mama is such a democrat, she puts the authenticity of this joke to a vote."