But Cheney's quick stump speech was as much about rallying American voters to keep President Bush in the White House as helping Swallow defeat Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson in Utah's 2nd Congressional District.

Normally, partisan politicians lie low while their opponents gather at national conventions every four years. But in a tight presidential contest this year, Cheney has taken an unusual campaign tour of Western states - stopping in Washington, Oregon and California before his two-hour stop in Utah - the same week the Democratic Party faithful gather in Boston.

In a half-hour speech similar to those he delivered on earlier stops, Cheney touted the president's fight against terror while chiding Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry for his changing votes in the Senate, seeking greater international support for the war in Iraq and suggesting a rollback of the Bush tax cuts.

"The president and I have some important differences with the folks gathering in Boston," Cheney said. "What we're hearing on the other side is the failed thinking of the past. And we're not going back."

The vice president's wife, Lynne Cheney, took her own shot at Democrats.

"I've been watching what's been going on in Boston. And it's kind of unpleasant," she said. "It's such a different approach. It's a mind-set that they know better than the rest of us.

"Here in Utah, we know better. We know the greatness of this country does not rest with politicians in Washington, D.C. It rests with the people."

A crowd of more than 300 faithful Republicans - who paid $250 each for Little America Hotel's spinach salad, chicken and ice cream and the chance to listen to the vice president - interrupted the Cheneys with frequent applause.

In many ways, Swallow's luncheon was a Republican reunion, reuniting Utah conservatives after sometimes bitter convention and primary battles. Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens, who endorsed Swallow's opponent, Tim Bridgewater, in the June 22 primary, was there, as was Bridgewater campaign manager Alan Crooks. Former gubernatorial candidate Fred Lampropoulos acted as host.

Sen. Bob Bennett, Republican gubernatorial nominee Jon Huntsman Jr., Gov. Olene Walker and Swallow urged Republicans to remain united behind Bush and GOP congressional candidates.

"Democrats are doing what they can to make us forget what they stand for," Swallow said. "It's our job to let people know there's a difference between the parties."

Added Huntsman, "Now is a time of unity for the Republican Party. This state recently survived a hard-fought convention and primary. You have winners and losers. But our party transcends individuals. Let's remember in November."

Security was stifling, with agents checking under cars with bomb-sniffing dogs and escorting reporters to the restroom.

The focal point of that security, Cheney, said terrorists are as determined to destroy America as were the "Axis powers" of Germany, Italy and Japan during World War II. Borrowing a quote from the 9-11 Commission's report on the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the vice president said the terrorists are "sophisticated, patient, disciplined and lethal."

"This enemy is perfectly prepared to slaughter anyone - man, woman and child - to achieve its ends," Cheney said. "This is not an enemy we can reason with. This is an enemy we must vanquish."

Despite the postwar turmoil, Cheney declared the administration's anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq a success. The Taliban and Saddam Hussein are removed from power, he said. "These nations will never go back to tyranny and terror."

And the vice president dismissed Kerry's campaign pledges to recruit international partners for the fight against terror and the war in Iraq. He insisted the Bush administration already has worldwide backing, without compromising with unreasonable foreign partners.

"From the beginning, America has sought and maintained international support for the war on terror," he said. "But President Bush will never seek a permission slip to secure the safety of Americans."

Then Cheney slipped out before lunch. He will stay at his Jackson, Wyo., home before a campaign stop in Reno, Nev.