X Marks the Vice President

On Monday, during Vice President Dick Cheney's speech which was being broadcast live over CNN, a large black "X" was repeatedly flashed over the Vice President (h/t Drudge). Here's the screen shot, and here's how Drudge describes what happened:

At 11:04:45 AM ET Monday CNN was airing Vice President Dick Cheney's speech live from the American Enterprise Institute in Washington -- when a large black 'X' repeatedly flashed over the vice president's face! The 'X' over Cheney's face appeared each time less than a second, creating an odd subliminal effect.

As this DRUDGE REPORT screen capture reveals, while one 'X' flashed over Cheney's face CNN ran a headline at the bottom of its screen: "CHENEY: I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS WRONG TO CRITICIZE."

One top White House source expressed concern about what was aired over CNN. "Is someone in Atlanta trying to tell us something?"

A CNN spokesman did not return repeated calls late Monday night.

On FoxNews Monday night, Drudge said the "X" was shown repeatedly for about 1/15th of a second, too quick to see without slowing down the tape. I'm sure CNN's explanation will be very interesting.

UPDATE 23:55 from Matthew Sheffield: TVNewser has CNN's explanation:

Upon seeing this unfortunate but very brief graphic, CNN senior management immediately investigated. We concluded this was a technological malfunction not an issue of operator error. A portion of the switcher experienced a momentary glitch. We obviously regret that it happened and are working on the equipment to ensure it is not repeated.

UPDATE 11-22 12:23 from Matthew Sheffield: The Dan Report reveals that besides the "X" the words "Transition begins after 5 seconds of black" were also on the screen.