WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former Vice President Dick Cheney has passed away at the age of 84. Renowned for his influential yet divisive role alongside President George W. Bush, Cheney’s tenure marked him as one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history. His family confirmed that he died from pneumonia, compounded by cardiac and vascular disease.
Cheney, often described as the driving force behind President Bush, was a formidable figure in the political arena. He staunchly defended the Bush administration’s policies while vocally opposing those of President Obama, particularly criticizing decisions like closing Guantanamo Bay.
A polarizing figure, Cheney was both admired by conservatives and criticized by liberals, earning nicknames like “Darth Vader” for his hardline stances. Despite his conservative views, he notably supported gay rights, influenced by his daughter’s identity.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Cheney was raised in Casper, Wyoming. He married Lynne Vincent in 1964. His political journey began in Washington in 1969, working for President Nixon’s Chief of Staff, Donald Rumsfeld. Cheney later succeeded Rumsfeld in 1975.
After Jimmy Carter’s victory over President Ford, Cheney returned to Wyoming, where he was elected to Congress and served five terms. President George H.W. Bush appointed him Secretary of Defense, and Cheney later became CEO of Halliburton before joining George W. Bush’s vice-presidential selection team.
Following the events of September 11, Cheney played a pivotal role in developing the U.S. response, advocating for preemptive action that expanded the War on Terror into Iraq. He emphasized America’s responsibility to maintain global peace and prevent terrorist violence.
Cheney’s career was not without controversy. In 2006, he accidentally shot a campaign contributor during a hunting trip. Additionally, his former chief of staff, Lewis “Scooter” Libby, was convicted of perjury, though President Bush commuted the sentence.
His daughter, Liz Cheney, continued the family’s political legacy, notably voting to impeach former President Trump after the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Cheney himself visited the Capitol on the anniversary of that day, underscoring his enduring influence.