WASHINGTON (AP) — Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative known for his influential and often polarizing role as vice president, has passed away at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and heart disease, his family confirmed Monday night.
Cheney served as a central figure in American politics, holding multiple significant positions throughout his career, including White House Chief of Staff, Congressman for Wyoming, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President under George W. Bush. The family noted in a statement, 'Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country and live lives of courage and honor.'
His tenure as Vice President was marked by his strong advocacy for the Iraq War, where he played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during tumultuous times, particularly after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Cheney emerged as a formidable political force, often considered the 'shadow president' given his influence over the Bush administration's decisions.
Despite his successes, Cheney's legacy is fraught with controversy. His aggressive approach to terrorism and national security policy generated significant backlash, especially regarding the Iraq War decisions which were criticized for their justification.
Cheney weathered health issues throughout his life, surviving five heart attacks and ultimately receiving a heart transplant. He once remarked on living his life on borrowed time, expressing gratitude for each day.
Towards the end of his career, Cheney found himself at odds with factions within the Republican Party, particularly with former President Donald Trump. He publicly criticized Trump during the aftermath of the 2020 elections, labeling him a threat to democracy in a notable defense of his daughter, Liz Cheney, who faced backlash for her stand against Trump.
A figure with a polarizing legacy, Cheney leaves behind a complex history woven into the fabric of American politics, remembered for both his steadfast commitments to conservatism and the contentious decisions during his vice presidency.
Cheney served as a central figure in American politics, holding multiple significant positions throughout his career, including White House Chief of Staff, Congressman for Wyoming, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President under George W. Bush. The family noted in a statement, 'Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country and live lives of courage and honor.'
His tenure as Vice President was marked by his strong advocacy for the Iraq War, where he played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during tumultuous times, particularly after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Cheney emerged as a formidable political force, often considered the 'shadow president' given his influence over the Bush administration's decisions.
Despite his successes, Cheney's legacy is fraught with controversy. His aggressive approach to terrorism and national security policy generated significant backlash, especially regarding the Iraq War decisions which were criticized for their justification.
Cheney weathered health issues throughout his life, surviving five heart attacks and ultimately receiving a heart transplant. He once remarked on living his life on borrowed time, expressing gratitude for each day.
Towards the end of his career, Cheney found himself at odds with factions within the Republican Party, particularly with former President Donald Trump. He publicly criticized Trump during the aftermath of the 2020 elections, labeling him a threat to democracy in a notable defense of his daughter, Liz Cheney, who faced backlash for her stand against Trump.
A figure with a polarizing legacy, Cheney leaves behind a complex history woven into the fabric of American politics, remembered for both his steadfast commitments to conservatism and the contentious decisions during his vice presidency.
