Former Vice President Dick Cheney Passes Away at 84

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84. His family announced that he passed away on the evening of July 9, 2023, due to complications from pneumonia and underlying cardiac and vascular disease. He was surrounded by his wife, Lynne Cheney, their daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members.

Cheney was a significant figure in U.S. politics for over three decades. Before his tenure as vice president in the George W. Bush administration, he held key roles including Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff, and a Congressman representing Wyoming. His family remembered him as a “great and good man” who instilled values of courage, honor, and love in his children and grandchildren.

Political Influence and Legacy

In the year 2000, Cheney was selected by Bush to help choose a running mate. Ultimately, he became the vice presidential nominee himself, bringing extensive experience and gravitas to the ticket. Cheney believed he could contribute significantly to the governance of the nation, stating, “He really wanted me to come on board because he thought I could help govern.”

Cheney’s vice presidency is often characterized by his significant influence on U.S. foreign policy, especially during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was a vocal advocate for military action against Iraq, famously declaring in 2002, “Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction.” However, the absence of such weapons following the 2003 invasion led to ongoing criticism and controversy regarding his decisions and the broader implications of the Iraq War.

His daughter, Liz Cheney, emerged as a prominent Republican figure, known for her criticism of President Trump. She lost her position as a leading Republican in the House due to her outspoken stance against Trump’s claims regarding the 2020 election. Dick Cheney publicly supported her during her 2022 reelection campaign, asserting that “there has never been an individual that was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.”

Early Life and Career

Born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney grew up in Wyoming. He initially attended Yale University but transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he completed his degree. After marrying his high-school sweetheart, Lynne, he began a career in Washington, D.C.

Cheney’s political journey began when he was appointed White House Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford at the age of 34, making him the youngest person to hold that position. He went on to serve six terms in the House of Representatives and was appointed Secretary of Defense by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. He played a crucial role in the U.S. victory during the first Gulf War.

Following his government service, Cheney became chairman and CEO of Halliburton, a leading oil field services company, amassing significant wealth. He returned to public service in 2000 when he joined the Republican ticket alongside Bush.

Cheney’s health issues were well-documented; he suffered five heart attacks throughout his life. After receiving a heart transplant in 2012, he expressed gratitude for the additional time he was given, stating, “You wake up every morning with a smile on your face because you’ve got a new day you never expected to have.”

Cheney’s enduring legacy is marked by his polarizing influence on American politics, particularly regarding national security and executive power. He will be remembered as one of the most formidable vice presidents in U.S. history, whose decisions and policies continue to spark debate and discussion.