Dick Cheney, Influential and Controversial Vice President, Passes Away
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing figures in modern American politics, died Monday at age 84 from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a family announcement. Cheney served as the 46th vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009 and was often described as the most influential vice president in American history.
A Political Career Spanning Decades
Cheney's political journey began in the 1970s when he worked as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger before joining the Nixon and Ford administrations. He served as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford from 1975 to 1977, becoming the youngest person to hold that position at age 34. 'He had an incredible understanding of how Washington worked,' said political historian Robert Dallek in an interview with POLITICO.
Cheney was elected to Congress in 1978, representing Wyoming's at-large district for five terms until 1989. He then served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993, overseeing Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War. After leaving government service, he became CEO of Halliburton from 1995 to 2000.
The Most Powerful Vice President
In 2000, Cheney was tasked by George W. Bush to find a suitable vice presidential candidate but ultimately selected himself for the position. The Bush-Cheney ticket won the controversial 2000 election that required Supreme Court intervention to resolve. Cheney's extensive experience in both the executive and legislative branches made him uniquely positioned to wield significant influence.
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks transformed Cheney's role into what many considered the most powerful vice presidency in history. He became the chief architect of the Bush administration's response to terrorism, advocating for enhanced surveillance capabilities and the controversial invasion of Iraq in 2003. 'If you want to be popular, you should be a movie star,' Cheney famously said in defense of his policies.
Controversial Legacy and Health Battles
Cheney's tenure was marked by significant controversy over policies including the establishment of Guantánamo Bay detention camp, support for enhanced interrogation techniques like waterboarding, and the Iraq War based on intelligence about weapons of mass destruction that was later proven incorrect. His approval rating plummeted to 13% by the end of his term, though it had reached 68% immediately after 9/11.
Throughout his life, Cheney battled serious heart problems, suffering his first heart attack in 1978 at age 37 and four more over the following decades. In 2012, at age 71, he underwent a successful heart transplant after 20 months on the waiting list. Doctors predicted he could live another ten years with his new heart - a prognosis he exceeded by three years.
Later Years and Political Evolution
In his post-vice presidential years, Cheney became increasingly critical of the Republican party's direction under Donald Trump. He supported his daughter Liz Cheney's political career and her opposition to Trump following the January 6 Capitol attack. In a surprising move during the 2024 election, Cheney announced he would vote for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, stating Trump represented 'a greater threat to our republic' according to USA Today.
Cheney is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynne, daughters Elizabeth and Mary, and seven grandchildren. His death marks the passing of a figure who shaped American foreign policy for decades and whose legacy continues to spark debate about presidential power and national security.