Former Vice-President Dick Cheney Dies at 84, Leaving a Complex Legacy

Dick Cheney, the 46th vice-president of the United States and a significant figure in the Republican Party, has died at the age of 84, as confirmed by a statement from his family. Cheney, who was vice-president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly through the controversial “war on terror” and the invasion of Iraq.

Cheney’s political career spanned decades, during which he became a highly influential and polarizing figure within Washington. His tenure saw the U.S. engage in prolonged military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, actions that were later scrutinized for their justifications and execution. Despite his hardline conservative views, Cheney faced increasing isolation within the Republican Party in his later years, particularly due to his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump.

Early Life and Political Rise

Dick Cheney was born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He later moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he met his future wife, Lynne. His educational journey took him to Yale University, but after struggling to adapt, he transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he earned degrees in political science.

Cheney’s political career began in earnest when he became a congressional aide during the Nixon administration. He worked his way up through various government roles, including serving as White House Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford and as Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush. His reputation as a skilled political operator set the stage for his selection as Bush’s running mate in the 2000 presidential election, despite initially declining the offer.

Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy

Cheney’s influence peaked following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. From a secure location, he directed emergency responses and advocated for a robust military response. His arguments for pre-emptive war and regime change became central to U.S. policy, particularly regarding Iraq, where he asserted that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction.

“At that moment, you knew this was a deliberate act. This was a terrorist act,” Cheney reflected on 9/11 in a 2002 interview.

However, post-war investigations revealed that many of the claims made by Cheney and other officials were exaggerated or inaccurate. Despite this, he maintained that his decisions were based on the intelligence available at the time, denying allegations of distortion or fabrication.

The debates surrounding Cheney’s policies highlighted the ethical and legal dilemmas of the U.S. response to terrorism, including practices such as “enhanced interrogation” techniques, which many observers condemned as torture.

Later Years and Criticism of Trump

After leaving office, Cheney remained active in political discourse, penning memoirs and publicly criticizing the actions of subsequent administrations, particularly that of Barack Obama. As the Republican Party shifted under Trump’s leadership, Cheney found himself at odds with the new direction, culminating in a public rebuke of Trump’s actions surrounding the 2020 election and the subsequent January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection.

In a striking reversal from his party affiliation, Cheney indicated his support for Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice-president, during the 2024 election, stating he would cast his vote for her as a matter of principle over partisanship. This decision reflected his disillusionment with the populist turn of the GOP.

Cheney is survived by his wife Lynne, their two daughters, Liz and Mary, and seven grandchildren. His death marks the end of a complex legacy, characterized by significant achievements in foreign policy and deep controversies that continue to influence American political dialogue.