The Fourth branch of government

It appears that Dick Cheney is promoting the idea that he is a fourth branch of government with unique powers not held by any of the others and, perhaps, superior to theirs. Here's part of a post from Kevin Drum on the subject:

OUTSIDE THE LAW....Every executive agency in the government, including the president's office, is required to issue an annual report disclosing statistics on document classification and declassification activity. Every executive agency, that is, except for one: the vice president's office. U.S. News & World Report explains:

Megan McGinn, Cheney's deputy press secretary, says the vice president's office is exempt.

"This matter has been thoroughly reviewed," McGinn told U.S. News, "and it has been determined that reporting requirements do not apply to the office of the vice president, which has both legislative and executive functions."

Sorry, you media guys. I guess that makes you the "fifth estate."