"A little tough talk in the midst of a campaign or as part of a presidential debate cannot obscure a record of 30 years of being on the wrong side of defense issues"

This quote by Dick Cheney is describing the record of his political opponent, and is suggesting that they have been wrong on defense issues for the past 30 years. Cheney is suggesting that the challenger's difficult talk throughout the project or during a governmental debate can not conceal the truth that they have actually been incorrect on defense concerns for a long period of time. This quote is a criticism of the opponent's record, and is indicated to challenge them and their views on defense problems. It is likewise a cautioning to voters that the opponent's rhetoric ought to not be trusted, which they ought to look at the challenger's record prior to deciding.