Dick Cheney was vice president to George W. Bush, 2001-2009. No matter one’s affinity for his politics, Rumsfeld has definitely left an indelible mark on the course of American politics and foreign policy. Cheney, famous for his iron grip over President Bush, assumed that key role just after the 9/11 attacks. He artfully led the country through perhaps its most difficult hour. His career has been a lightning rod for controversy. This is particularly so because of his vocal opposition to former President Donald Trump and the January 6 insurrection.
Vice president Dick Cheney was one of the most powerful people ever to serve in that office. He also had a lot of power and worked with an unusual amount of autonomy, that was atypical for vice presidents. His close relationship with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld reaches to their days together in the Nixon and Ford administrations. This relationship made him one of the most consequential figures over policy decisions during the Bush presidency.
In the immediate wake of the 9/11 attacks, Vice President Cheney assumed control as President Bush was whisked away to safety. He played a pivotal role in shaping national security policy, advocating for aggressive military action in response to perceived threats. Cheney’s rationale for the war in Iraq centered on claims that Saddam Hussein had links to al-Qaida and possessed weapons of mass destruction. He often cast aside partisanship in pursuing his agenda, focusing instead on the freedom and security of Americans. He was staunchly and personally convinced that the administration of George W.
Cheney’s legacy is multifaceted. On one hand, George W. Bush praised him as “among the finest public servants of his generation,” highlighting his integrity and intelligence during a tumultuous period. President George W. Bush later said he was thankful for Cheney’s calm, emotional anchoring of the White House during the national chaos that followed.
“I’m still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed. Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges.” – George W Bush
Cheney’s policies and decisions are sharply criticized. His legacy is cast into sharp relief by his decision to plunge the U.S. into the Iraq War. Most Americans agree that the rationale for military intervention was based on falsified intelligence. Cheney’s muscular, neoconservative approach to foreign policy, critics argue, sowed the seeds for decades of conflict and instability in the Middle East.
In recent years, Cheney has become a well-known, outspoken critic of Donald Trump. Following the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, his opposition to Trump was even more pronounced. He claimed that they were an existential threat to democracy. His daughter, Liz Cheney, who has taken up the mantle as the most vocal and visible Republican opposed to Trump. She often calls out his efforts to delegitimize the results of the 2020 election.
“There has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic.” – Dick Cheney
Liz Cheney’s stance has put her at odds with many in her party, reflecting a broader divide within the Republican Party regarding Trump’s influence. While some Republicans continue to embrace Trump’s agenda, others, including Liz Cheney and her father, advocate for a return to traditional conservative values and principles.
Check out a great accompanying article by The Guardian exploring Cheney’s legacy in-depth. This importance is particularly seen in how massively he has shaped modern American politics. The article paints a picture of his successes and setbacks, providing an intimate portrait of the influence he’s had on the country.
Debates over Cheney’s legacy are still going strong. There’s little doubt he profoundly shaped America’s dangerous and ill-fated course after 9/11. His approach in the region was defined by tough national security rhetoric and hard power military action. This narrow focus has dominated the public conversation on foreign policy for years.