Cheney stays out of Rev. Wright fray

MUSCAT, Oman, March 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney declined Wednesday to offer an opinion on Sen. Barack Obama's relationship with his controversial pastor.

Asked during an interview with ABC News whether the Democratic presidential contender did the right thing by denouncing the comments of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright without completely severing his ties to the minister, Cheney begged off by saying he's avoided getting in the middle of the opposition party's primary process "and I think I'll stay there."

"It was an important speech, but I will let the Democrats wrestle with their own issues and problems," Cheney said, while adding "I obviously don't agree with" Wright -- who has been quoted making racially charged statements about the United States' historical treatment of blacks.

Cheney, who is on a tour of the Mideast, went on to say he'll be doing "everything I can to help" the Republicans' presumptive presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona. However, when asked if he thinks McCain will want his help, Cheney replied, "I don't have any idea at this stage."

The Republican vice president declined comment on whether he thinks the Democratic campaign has been too negative.

"I will restrain my enthusiasm for the fray," he said.