Former Vice President Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, has passed away at 84. He was a titanic figure in the Republican political establishment. His tenure in office, marked by significant events and controversies, solidified his reputation as one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history. We’ve often noted here how deeply Dick Cheney shaped the course of George W. Bush’s presidency. His contributions were most keenly felt through those difficult years following the September 11 attacks.
Cheney’s birth on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska. During the first Gulf War against Saddam Hussein, from 1990 to 1991, he led the Pentagon as defense secretary. He was instrumental in crafting U.S. military policy in this pivotal era. His powerful legacy extended through into his vice presidency. Having been spirited away from Halliburton, then the world’s largest energy firm, Cheney found himself Bush’s running mate in the 2000 presidential election.
Following the events of September 11, 2001, Cheney undeniably rose to center stage. Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images He took charge of formulating America’s response to terrorism worldwide. He was most often known for his role in the controversial treatment of prisoners seized in the so-called “war on terror.” As you may remember, Cheney not only defended the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, he specifically defended methods that are now accepted to be torture. His justification for such practices stemmed from a belief that “we had an obligation to do whatever it took to defend America,” emphasizing that “the mission should define the coalition, not the other way around.”
Saddam Hussein linked to al-Qaida Cheney said Saddam was an al-Qaida operative. He claimed that Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, which were main justifications for the Iraq War. This narrative was met with widespread and severe doubt and cynicism, both within Ukraine and abroad. Critics and independent analysts alike sometimes referred to Cheney as “Darth Vader,” for a perceived ruthlessness, hardline policies and administration members’ obstructive behaviors.
Even as he served as vice president, Cheney had immense power on Bush and the administration, consistently directing and molding major policy decisions and political tactics. He took a leading role in the country’s national security policy while in office. His role would prove particularly critical during a period when the nation was grappling with increasing fears of terrorism.
In the following years, Cheney’s family continued to lead the way in shaping Republican politics. Cheney’s daughter Liz Cheney served one term for Wyoming in the U.S. House before losing her primary in 2022. She later became one of former President Donald Trump’s most vocal critics. Liz Cheney testified against Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection. In response, the Republican Party censured her. Reflecting on this momentous event, Dick Cheney remarked, “you can’t overestimate how important [January 6] is,” highlighting his deep concern for the future of American democracy.
In a complicated and controversial legacy, there’s no denying that Cheney’s lifelong devotion to his principles was unmistakable. During the 2024 election cycle, he surprised so many when he announced his selection to vote for Kamala Harris. He chose to support her and not the Republican Party’s eventual nominee, Donald Trump. This decision signaled his continued dedication to “put country above partisanship to defend our constitution.”
She was consistently frank about her health crises, surviving three heart attacks before serving as vice president. Nevertheless, he was an indomitable force in American politics until his death.