Cheney Remembered for Both Influence and Controversy
Dick Cheney, the former vice president whose steady hand shaped U.S. policy after the September 11 attacks, has died at 84 following complications from pneumonia and heart disease. His family, gathered by his side, described him as a loving patriarch and patriot who inspired courage and public service among his children and grandchildren.
“War on Terror” and Larger-than-Life Figure
Serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, Cheney gained a reputation as one of the most influential vice presidents in modern history, effectively steering decisions behind the scenes in national security, foreign policy, and the response to 9/11. He pushed for an aggressive and controversial campaign against terrorism, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and authorized secretive intelligence and military operations.
Legacy of Policy, Division, and Personal Battles
Cheney’s leadership was marked by his advocacy for sweeping presidential powers, a strong stance on national defense, and willingness to make unpopular decisions. Yet, he was also criticized for his role in launching the Iraq War on faulty intelligence and for backing “enhanced interrogation techniques” widely denounced as torture. A master tactician in Washington, Cheney’s time in office left a deep imprint on both supporters and critics as he shaped two decades of American security policy.
Later Years: Party Rift and Personal Conviction
In his final decades, Cheney distanced himself from the Trump-era GOP, openly condemning Donald Trump and expressing deep alarm at the state of American democracy. In a historic gesture, he cast his last presidential vote for Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024, highlighting his opposition to the direction of his party. Despite enduring repeated heart attacks and a transplant, he remained outspoken until the end, defending his choices and calling for courage and integrity in public life.
From Wyoming Beginnings to Lasting Impact
Cheney’s rise from small-town Nebraska roots to White House chief of staff, defense secretary, and ultimately vice president, traced a remarkable, sometimes controversial American career. Whether celebrated or criticized, Cheney’s imprint on U.S. history is undeniable, reflected in tributes from presidents, critics, and allies alike.