Actually, the price of at least one of dresses Michelle Obama wore at the DNC was mentioned -- $138.00. Of course, there was no mention of the price of her jewelry, etc., but I think it would be safe to assume it was not an ostentatious display.

Going back to the subject matter of this thread, comparing what Cheney has done in the past 4 years to what Palin might do is comparing apples and oranges. The Vice President's role in an administration really is decided by the President. Some VPs are very active in national and international affairs. Cheney has met with several foreign dignataries, both here and abroad. Some VPs are so far removed from the office of the President that they may as well be a minor staffer. Some VPs sit in on every or almost every cabinet meeting; some are not even informed when they are to occur. So, what Cheney has or has not done is irrelevant. What is relevant is: what role does McCain see for Palin if he wins?