Cheney’s Passing and Legacy
Former Vice President Dick Cheney died Monday at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and long-term heart and vascular conditions, his family announced. Cheney was one of the most influential figures in modern American politics, known for his firm views on national defense and executive authority.
Born in Nebraska and raised in Wyoming, Cheney rose from a Capitol Hill intern to one of Washington’s most powerful policymakers. His career spanned nearly 40 years across key government roles, including White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Representative, and Secretary of Defense before serving as Vice President under President George W. Bush.
From Capitol Hill to the White House
At just 34 years old, Cheney became the youngest White House Chief of Staff in history under President Gerald Ford. He later represented Wyoming in Congress for six terms, serving in Republican leadership positions before joining President George H.W. Bush’s Cabinet in 1989 as Secretary of Defense.
During his tenure at the Pentagon, Cheney oversaw the U.S. invasions of Panama and Kuwait. The 1991 Gulf War successfully expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait but stopped short of removing Saddam Hussein, a decision Cheney later defended as a measured act of restraint.
In the late 1990s, Cheney led Halliburton, an oilfield services company that would later attract scrutiny for its federal contracts during the Iraq War.
Vice Presidency and the War on Terror
Cheney was selected as Bush’s running mate in the 2000 presidential campaign, initially heading the vice-presidential search committee. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Cheney became a central architect of the War on Terror and the 2003 invasion of Iraq, policies that defined much of his legacy.
Support for the war waned over time as intelligence claims used to justify the invasion were discredited. Still, Cheney maintained that the decision to remove Saddam Hussein was necessary for U.S. and global security.
Known for his strategic precision and preference for executive authority, Cheney’s influence on U.S. defense, energy, and intelligence policy was extensive. His quiet but forceful role in shaping national security earned him both strong admiration and deep criticism.
Health Challenges and Later Years
Cheney faced major heart problems for decades, surviving five heart attacks and undergoing multiple procedures, including a pacemaker in 2001, a mechanical heart pump in 2010, and a heart transplant in 2012. Despite these challenges, he remained active in political and public life.
After leaving office, Cheney continued to defend the Bush administration’s policies, including the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, while maintaining that the Iraq War was justified.
In later years, Cheney broke ranks with many in his party, sharply criticizing President Donald Trump and backing his daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney, for her stance during the January 6 Capitol riot investigations. His 2024 endorsement of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris reflected a deep divide between traditional conservatives and the party’s newer populist faction.
A Lasting Impact
Cheney’s decades-long career left an enduring mark on American defense policy and the modern vice presidency. He was remembered by family and allies as a man of conviction and duty. “Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country,” his family said in a statement.
Former President George W. Bush called Cheney “a calm and steady presence amid great national challenges,” praising his loyalty and judgment during one of the most consequential eras in U.S. history.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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