Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney
Born	Richard Bruce Cheney (1941-01-30) January 30, 1941 Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, businessman
Years active	1969–present
Known for	46th Vice President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff, U.S. Representative from Wyoming

Richard Bruce Cheney (born January 30, 1941) is a former American politician and businessman who held the office of the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 during President George W. Bush's administration. He is frequently cited as the most influential vice president in U.S. history. Cheney's career also includes serving as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, representing Wyoming's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1979 and 1989, and acting as the 17th United States secretary of defense under President George H. W. Bush.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney spent his early years there and later in Casper, Wyoming. He initially attended Yale University but completed both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in political science at the University of Wyoming. Cheney’s political journey began with an internship for Congressman William A. Steiger, leading to roles within the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations. From 1975 to 1977, he served as White House chief of staff. After his election to the House in 1978, he remained a member until 1989, briefly holding the position of House minority whip. As Secretary of Defense from 1989 through 1993, he directed significant military campaigns such as Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm. Following his public service, Cheney was chairman and CEO of Halliburton between 1995 and 2000.

In July 2000, Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush selected Cheney as his vice-presidential candidate. The Bush-Cheney ticket defeated incumbents Vice President Al Gore and Senator Joe Lieberman in the 2000 election and secured re-election in 2004 against Senators John Kerry and John Edwards. During his vice presidency, Cheney was instrumental in formulating the administration’s strategies following the September 11 attacks and throughout the Global War on Terrorism. He was an early proponent of the Iraq War, citing alleged weapons of mass destruction and connections between Saddam Hussein’s government and Al-Qaeda—assertions that were subsequently disproven. Cheney also played a role in shaping intelligence reports to justify military intervention. His tenure drew criticism for backing NSA warrantless surveillance programs and supporting contentious interrogation methods.

Cheney publicly disagreed with President Bush’s opposition to same-sex marriage in 2004 but emphasized that it should remain a state matter. His time as vice president concluded with approval ratings falling to 13 percent after initially peaking at 68 percent post-9/11. Since leaving office, Cheney has voiced disapproval of contemporary Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, and has endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential race. He holds the distinction of being the oldest living former U.S. vice president and is the most recent to have never sought the presidency.

Early life and education

Richard Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Marjorie Lorraine (née Dickey) and Richard Herbert Cheney. His father was employed as a soil conservation agent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while his mother was known for her softball achievements during the 1930s. Cheney attended Calvert Elementary School before relocating with his family to Casper, Wyoming, where he enrolled at Natrona County High School.

He began studies at Yale University but left due to difficulties adjusting; during this period, professor H. Bradford Westerfield notably influenced his perspectives on foreign policy. Subsequently, Cheney earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in political science from the University of Wyoming and commenced doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison but did not complete them.

At age 21, Cheney faced two convictions for driving under the influence, incidents that led him to reevaluate his life choices. In 1964, he married Lynne Vincent, his high school girlfriend.

During the Vietnam era, Cheney obtained five draft deferments based on educational commitments and family hardship considerations. These deferments covered his college years and early marriage; by January 1967, upon turning 26, he became ineligible for military conscription.

In 1966, Cheney left his doctoral program to accept a staff aide position under Governor Warren Knowles. Two years later, he earned a congressional fellowship from the American Political Science Association and moved to Washington to continue his political career.

Early career

Cheney launched his political journey in 1969, working as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger during the Richard Nixon Administration. Shortly thereafter, he became part of Donald Rumsfeld's team while Rumsfeld directed the Office of Economic Opportunity from 1969 to 1970. Cheney subsequently occupied several positions: White House Staff Assistant in 1971, Assistant Director of the Cost of Living Council from 1971 to 1973, and Deputy Assistant to the President between 1974 and 1975. In his role as deputy assistant, Cheney counseled Rumsfeld on tactics for the Ford administration, including engaging the US Justice Department, to mitigate repercussions from a The New York Times report that exposed Navy submarine espionage activities targeting Soviet communications under Operation Ivy Bells.

White House Chief of Staff

From December 1974 until November 1975, Cheney held the posts of Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford. Following Rumsfeld’s appointment as Secretary of Defense, Cheney took over as White House Chief of Staff. He subsequently directed Ford’s campaign during the 1976 presidential race.

Elections

Cheney secured election to the U.S. House representing Wyoming in 1978, succeeding retiring Democrat Teno Roncalio after defeating Bill Bagley. He was re-elected five consecutive times, serving through 1989.

Leadership

In 1987, Cheney was chosen as Chairman of the House Republican Conference, and in 1988 he advanced to House Minority Whip. His tenure in this leadership role was brief, ending when he was appointed Secretary of Defense following the Senate’s rejection of John G. Tower’s nomination in 1989.

Votes

Cheney opposed establishing the United States Department of Education, citing concerns about federal overreach and fiscal impact, and initially voted against funding for the Head Start Program, though by 2000 he had reversed his position. He initially resisted but eventually supported creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

A backer of Republican leader Bob Michel, Cheney endorsed Governor Ronald Reagan early in the 1980 presidential race. In 1986, he voted against overriding Reagan’s veto on economic sanctions targeting South Africa’s apartheid system and generally opposed unilateral sanctions, arguing they are often ineffective and can adversely affect civilians.

That same year, Cheney voted against a non-binding resolution calling for South Africa to free Nelson Mandela, expressing concerns about the African National Congress's associations with violent tactics and communist influences; this resolution failed. He publicly defended his stance by emphasizing national security priorities.

Committee assignments

Initially hesitant, Cheney was convinced by Congressman Barber Conable to join the moderate Republican Wednesday Group, which helped advance his leadership prospects. From 1981 to 1987, he served as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee and was Ranking Member on the Select Committee investigating the Iran-Contra Affair. Throughout his tenure, he actively advocated for Wyoming’s petroleum and coal sectors, reflecting his state’s economic priorities.

Secretary of Defense (1989–1993)

After the Senate declined to confirm John Tower, President George H. W. Bush nominated Cheney for the position of United States Secretary of Defense, where he was unanimously approved with a 92–0 vote. Cheney held this office from March 1989 through January 1993, directing significant military engagements such as the United States invasion of Panama and Operation Desert Storm. His contributions earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom alongside the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service.

Cheney has identified his time at the Pentagon as the most rewarding segment of his governmental career. He recounted a meaningful encounter with President Bush near The Peacemakers painting, reflecting on his great-grandfather's service under General Sherman during the Civil War and the enduring tradition of U.S. military leadership.

Early tenure

During his initial period in office, Cheney collaborated extensively with Pete Williams, then Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, and Paul Wolfowitz, who served as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. While focusing largely on external defense matters, Cheney delegated much of the internal Department of Defense administration to Deputy Secretary of Defense Donald Atwood.

Budgetary practices

One of Cheney’s foremost challenges upon assuming office was overseeing the Department of Defense’s budget. Emphasizing reductions, he sought to decrease military spending and downsize forces following the extensive buildup during the Reagan Administration's Cold War period. For fiscal year 1990, Cheney critically evaluated high-cost programs including the Avenger II naval attack aircraft, B-2 stealth bomber, V-22 Osprey tiltrotor helicopter, Aegis destroyer, and MX missile, which collectively represented approximately $4.5 billion amid evolving global dynamics. Despite Congressional appropriations for the V-22 program, Cheney opposed it and initially withheld contracts before ultimately acquiescing.

The 1990 budget that passed Congress reflected a compromise between the Administration’s proposals and recommendations from the House Armed Services Committee. Subsequent budgets followed a similar approach, with Cheney unveiling a 1991 plan aimed at reducing military personnel from 2.2 million to 1.6 million by the mid-1990s. His 1993 defense budget further eliminated programs favored by Congress but not requested by the Department, excluding unrequested reserve forces.

Throughout his four years as Secretary, Cheney successfully downsized military forces while maintaining budgets that exhibited negative real growth despite Congressional demands for increased weapons procurement. The Department of Defense’s total obligational authority contracted from $291 billion to $270 billion, with active-duty personnel numbers declining by 19%, from roughly 2.2 million in 1989 to 1.8 million in 1993. Despite these reductions, Cheney directed efforts to develop a Pentagon strategy ensuring continued U.S. military superiority in the post-Cold War environment.

Political climate and agenda

Cheney voiced apprehension that countries such as Iraq, Iran, and North Korea might obtain nuclear materials following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The conclusion of the Cold War and dissolution of the Warsaw Pact led the first Bush Administration to reevaluate NATO’s role. Viewing NATO as vital for European security, Cheney advocated for its support of emerging democracies in Eastern Europe.

He expressed skepticism about peaceful transitions within former Eastern Bloc nations, doubting the Bush Administration’s optimism toward figures like Mikhail Gorbachev and Russian President Boris Yeltsin. Cheney not only supported the breakup of the USSR but also favored further fragmentation within Russia itself. He worked diligently to preserve robust U.S.–European alliances.

Cheney also played a pivotal role in securing Saudi Arabia’s consent to host American military bases—a critical factor underpinning success during the Gulf War, though it remained a source of friction with Islamist factions opposing foreign military presence near sacred sites.

International affairs

The United States employed economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure to remove Panamanian leader General Manuel Antonio Noriega after he invalidated the 1989 election victory of Guillermo Endara. Following armed confrontations and the death of a U.S. serviceman, Cheney authorized the 1989 U.S. military intervention in Panama aimed at apprehending Noriega on narcotics charges, safeguarding American interests, and reinstating civil rights. Despite facing criticism, U.S. forces took control of the situation, Endara was installed as president, and Noriega was later convicted in 1992 on charges including racketeering and drug trafficking.

In reaction to the 1991 outbreak of the Somali Civil War, the United States initiated humanitarian airlifts starting in August 1992. Cheney ordered the deployment of an initial force of 26,000 troops under the Unified Task Force (UNITAF) to secure the delivery of aid and ensure safety. Subsequent administrations continued to confront difficulties related to conflicts in Somalia and Bosnia.

Iraqi invasion of Kuwait

On August 1, 1990, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein commanded an invasion into Kuwait, a nation rich in oil resources, sparking the Persian Gulf War and widespread international denunciation. Iraqi forces numbering roughly 140,000 swiftly captured Kuwait City and advanced toward the border with Saudi Arabia. Anticipating such aggression, U.S. Central Command under General Norman Schwarzkopf had already devised defensive strategies to protect Saudi Arabia’s crucial oil fields.

U.S. and global response

Vice President Cheney collaborated closely with General Schwarzkopf in orchestrating the American military reaction. Cheney maintained frequent consultations with military officials to stay informed on operational details.

Following Iraq’s incursion, Cheney traveled to Saudi Arabia where King Fahd requested American military assistance. The United Nations condemned Iraq’s invasion and authorized the use of "all necessary means" to remove Iraqi forces by January 15, 1991. By that time, approximately 500,000 U.S. troops had been stationed in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding Gulf region. Allied countries such as Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Syria, and Egypt contributed troops, while nations including Germany and Japan supported financially during Operation Desert Shield.

On January 12, 1991, Congress granted President Bush authorization to employ military force to enforce UN resolutions against Iraq.

Combat operations

Operation Desert Storm commenced on January 17, 1991, initiating an aerial assault targeting Iraqi command centers located in cities like Baghdad and Basra. Cheney assigned other Defense Department responsibilities to Deputy Secretary Atwood and provided briefings to Congress throughout both air strikes and ground operations. He also accompanied General Powell in finalizing plans for the ground offensive.

After five weeks of sustained bombing campaigns, Coalition ground forces launched their assault on February 24. Within four days—approximately 100 hours—Iraqi troops were driven out of Kuwait; General Schwarzkopf announced that the principal mission was accomplished on February 27. Following discussions with Cheney and his national security advisors, President Bush ordered a cessation of hostilities. Cheney later commended this team’s unparalleled cooperation and mutual trust as unmatched by any Republican administration since Eisenhower’s tenure.

Aftermath

Combat operations resulted in the deaths of 147 U.S. military members, with an additional 236 fatalities attributed to accidents or other non-combat causes. Iraq consented to a formal armistice on March 3, followed by a permanent cease-fire agreement on April 6. This led to ongoing discussions regarding whether Coalition forces should have proceeded to Baghdad to depose Saddam Hussein. President Bush endorsed the decision to conclude ground combat when they did, yet the debate persisted as Hussein remained in control and worked to restore his military capabilities.

The central controversy revolved around whether U.S. and Coalition troops withdrew prematurely. In a 1994 interview on C-SPAN, Cheney contended that occupying Iraq would have been unwise and could have resulted in a prolonged "quagmire." He pointed out the absence of Arab backing for an invasion beyond Kuwait and underscored the difficulties involved in dismantling Saddam's regime within a highly unstable region. Cheney warned of potential territorial fragmentation involving Syria, Iran, and Kurdish groups, as well as the likelihood of significant American casualties. He stressed that the decision weighed military achievements against human costs, ultimately concluding that advancing further to remove Saddam was not justified by the potential loss of additional U.S. lives.

Cheney regarded the Gulf War as emblematic of persistent challenges facing the U.S. in the Middle East, remarking:

U.S. involvement in the Middle East is inevitable—perhaps even ingrained in our national identity... You might deploy forces, win battles, and expect problems to disappear, but that is not how it operates in this region. It never has, nor is it likely to during my lifetime.

Private sector career

During his final congressional term from 1987 to 1989, Cheney served on the Council on Foreign Relations board. Following President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in January 1993, he joined the American Enterprise Institute and resumed a directorship at the Council on Foreign Relations from 1993 through 1995.

Cheney held the positions of chairman and CEO at Halliburton, a Fortune 500 corporation, from October 1, 1995, until July 25, 2000. He stepped down as CEO on the day he was publicly named George Bush’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2000 election.

Wall Street analysts offered mixed evaluations of Cheney’s leadership at Halliburton. The 1998 merger with Dresser Industries attracted scrutiny over accounting transparency issues. Shareholders initiated a class-action lawsuit alleging artificial inflation of stock prices during this timeframe; Cheney was not personally implicated. In June 2011, the United States Supreme Court permitted the lawsuit to advance. Additionally, Cheney was mentioned in a December 2010 Nigerian government corruption complaint against Halliburton, which culminated in a $250 million settlement by the company.

Under Cheney’s direction, Halliburton revised its revenue recognition policies concerning disputed construction expenses. After assuming vice-presidential office, Cheney asserted that his resignation as CEO and establishment of a blind trust effectively eliminated any conflict of interest. His estimated net worth—ranging between $19 million and $86 million—is primarily attributed to his tenure at Halliburton. In 2006, combined gross income reported with his spouse approached $8.82 million.

Prior to becoming vice president, Cheney also served on the advisory board of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA).

2000 presidential election

At the start of 2000, while serving as Halliburton's CEO, Cheney chaired the vice-presidential selection committee for then-Governor of Texas George W. Bush. After assessing Cheney’s recommendations, Bush surprised many by choosing Cheney himself as his running mate on July 25. Prior to this, Halliburton reportedly consented on July 20 to let Cheney retire with a compensation package estimated around $20 million.

Several months before the election, Cheney listed his Dallas residence for sale and re-registered to vote in Wyoming to adhere to the Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which bars electors from casting votes for both president and vice president if they hail from the same state.

During the campaign, Cheney opposed Al Gore’s vice-presidential candidate, Joseph Lieberman. As election results remained uncertain, the Bush-Cheney campaign lacked access to public funds for transition preparations. This led Cheney to establish a privately financed transition office in Washington tasked with vetting candidates for key cabinet roles. According to Craig Unger, Cheney pushed for Donald Rumsfeld to become Secretary of Defense as a counterweight to Colin Powell at State and unsuccessfully advocated for Paul Wolfowitz to replace George Tenet as CIA director.

First term (2001–2005)

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Cheney maintained physical separation from President Bush for security reasons. He stayed at several undisclosed locations, later disclosed in his memoir In My Time to include his official vice presidential residence, his Wyoming property, and Camp David.<ref>Cheney’s security detail was extensive, utilizing a motorcade of 12 to 18 government vehicles during his daily travels between Number One Observatory Circle and the White House.<ref>

On June 29, 2002, Cheney assumed the role of acting president from 7:09 a.m. until 9:24 a.m., invoking the 25th Amendment while President Bush underwent a colonoscopy.

Iraq War

Following the events of 9/11, Cheney was instrumental in advocating for renewed military action against Iraq. He contributed significantly to shaping Bush’s "War on Terror" policy, publicly asserting that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction and personally challenging CIA analysts over their intelligence assessments. Cheney also alleged connections between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda despite a classified President’s Daily Brief from September 2001 indicating no credible evidence supported such claims. The 2004 9/11 Commission similarly concluded there was no "collaborative relationship" between Iraq and al-Qaeda. Nevertheless, Cheney continued to maintain claims of a decade-long association between Saddam and al-Qaeda as late as 2014.

After the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Cheney remained an unwavering advocate, describing it as an "enormous success story" and making frequent visits to the country. He condemned critics of the war as "opportunists" spreading misinformation for political advantage while American troops were engaged in combat. Senator John Kerry responded by stating that few officials had less credibility on Iraq than Cheney.

During a March 2008 interview marking five years since the war began, Cheney dismissed waning public support with a curt "So?" This comment sparked considerable backlash, including criticism from former Republican Congressman Mickey Edwards, who had been a longtime personal friend.

Second term (2005–2009)

In the 2004 United States presidential election, Bush and Cheney secured a second term by defeating the Democratic ticket of John Kerry and John Edwards. Throughout the campaign, considerable media focus was placed on Cheney’s daughter, Mary Cheney, particularly regarding her sexual orientation amid the ongoing same-sex marriage debate. Cheney personally supported gay marriage but asserted that the decision should rest with individual states. His former chief legal counsel, David Addington, assumed the role of chief of staff until Cheney’s departure from office. Meanwhile, John P. Hannah held the position of national security adviser. Prior to his 2005 indictment and resignation, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Jr. fulfilled both roles.

On July 21, 2007, Cheney temporarily assumed the duties of acting president while President Bush underwent a medical procedure requiring sedation, transferring presidential authority for approximately two hours.

Though there was occasional speculation about Cheney running in the 2008 United States presidential election, he consistently declared his intention to retire at the conclusion of his vice presidency and did not participate in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries. The Republican nomination was ultimately secured by Senator John McCain.

Disclosure of documents

Cheney played a prominent role in the National Energy Policy Development Group (NEPDG), commonly referred to as the Energy Task Force, which included representatives from the energy industry as well as executives from Enron. In the aftermath of the Enron scandal, the Bush administration faced allegations concerning inappropriate political and business connections. In July 2003, the United States Supreme Court ordered the US Department of Commerce to release NEPDG documents that mentioned companies holding contracts to extract petroleum in Iraq.

Beginning in 2003, Cheney’s staff refused to submit required reports to the National Archives and Records Administration or permit examination of their record-keeping practices. Invoking executive privilege, Cheney denied congressional requests for access to these documents. Media organizations such as Time and CBS News raised questions about whether Cheney had effectively established a "fourth branch of government" operating beyond legal oversight.

In response, historians and advocates for government transparency filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, seeking a ruling that Cheney’s vice-presidential records fall under the Presidential Records Act of 1978. This action aimed to prevent destruction or withholding of these records without proper review.

CIA leak controversy

On October 18, 2005, The Washington Post revealed that Vice President Cheney's office played a central role in the inquiry surrounding the Valerie Plame CIA leak case, particularly focusing on Cheney's former chief of staff, Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Libby stepped down later that month following his indictment.

In February 2006, The National Journal disclosed that Libby testified before a grand jury, stating that he had been authorized by senior officials, including Cheney, to share classified information with the media concerning Iraq’s weapons intelligence. By September of the same year, former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage publicly acknowledged being the individual who disclosed Plame’s CIA affiliation, while denying any involvement in a conspiracy.

On March 6, 2007, Libby was found guilty on four felony charges such as obstruction of justice and perjury. Independent prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald referred to a "cloud over the vice president," alluding to Cheney’s FBI interview that was made public in 2009. Cheney unsuccessfully lobbied President George W. Bush for a complete presidential pardon for Libby until Bush’s term ended, characterizing Libby as a "soldier on the battlefield." Eventually, President Donald Trump granted Libby a pardon in April 2018.

Assassination attempt

During Vice President Cheney's visit to Afghanistan on February 27, 2007, a suicide bombing near Bagram Airfield resulted in 23 fatalities and 20 injuries. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which targeted Cheney and alleged that Osama bin Laden had overseen the operation. The explosion occurred approximately half a mile from where Cheney was located inside the base. The purpose of Cheney’s trip was to urge Pakistan to present a united stance against the Taliban.

Policy development

Cheney has been recognized as arguably the most influential Vice President in U.S. history, noted for his comprehensive grasp of federal government functions. He operated multiple offices, including one adjacent to the House chamber and another within the West Wing, underscoring his proactive involvement in policymaking.

He championed broadening executive powers, viewing efforts to challenge laws enacted after Vietnam and Watergate as attempts to restore presidential authority. A 2007 series by The Washington Post depicted Cheney as a pivotal advisor who helped craft policies that redefined presidential power, wielding considerable sway over budgetary, tax, and environmental policies that favored business interests over regulatory measures.

Cheney played a significant role in decisions concerning the detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects, endorsing enhanced interrogation methods despite legal debates surrounding them. Alongside Donald Rumsfeld, he reportedly initiated alternative detainee interrogation programs due to skepticism about the CIA’s approach.

His office advocated for substantial redactions in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report addressing global warming’s health impacts to prevent regulatory actions on greenhouse gases. Additionally, Cheney diverged from other Bush administration officials by supporting a Supreme Court challenge against Washington D.C.’s gun regulations based on Second Amendment rights.

In 2010, Cheney publicly reiterated his endorsement of waterboarding and enhanced interrogation techniques as effective tools in counterterrorism efforts.

Post–vice presidency (2009–present)

In 2008, Cheney acquired a property on Chain Bridge Road located in McLean, Virginia, a suburb of Washington. He replaced the existing structure with a newly constructed residence. Additionally, he owns homes in Wyoming and on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Political activity

In July 2012, Cheney organized a private fundraising event at his Wyoming residence to support Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, successfully generating over $4 million for the campaign.

Cheney appears in the documentary The World According to Dick Cheney, which debuted on Showtime in March 2013. He was also portrayed in an HBO miniseries inspired by Barton Gellman's 2008 biography Angler as well as in the 2006 PBS documentary The Dark Side.

Following his departure from office, Cheney remained a prominent figure in public discourse, frequently voicing criticism of the Obama administration's national security strategies. In May 2009, he publicly endorsed same-sex marriage, becoming one of the leading Republicans to do so, and reportedly advocated for Maryland lawmakers to legalize it in 2012.

Although former vice presidents generally receive Secret Service protection for six months, President Obama extended Cheney's coverage beyond this standard period.

On July 11, 2009, CIA Director Leon Panetta disclosed that under Cheney's directive, the CIA had concealed details of a covert counter-terrorism program from Congress for eight years. This initiative, launched after September 11, 2001, focused on planning and training for capturing or eliminating al Qaeda operatives but never reached full operational status.

Cheney described the Tea Party Movement as having a "positive influence on the Republican Party." In May 2016, he publicly endorsed Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee. Later that November, his daughter Liz secured election to his former congressional seat; Cheney expressed confidence in her capabilities and stated he would provide guidance only upon request.

In March 2017, Cheney referred to Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections as "an act of war."

Views on President Obama

On December 29, 2009, just four days following the attempted bombing on a U.S.-bound flight, Cheney criticized President Barack Obama, stating: "[We] are at war and when President Obama pretends we aren't, it makes us less safe... Why doesn't he want to admit we're at war? It doesn't fit with the view of the world he brought with him to the Oval Office. It doesn't fit with what seems to be the goal of his presidencysocial transformationthe restructuring of American society." In response, White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer posted on the official White House blog that Cheney and others were more intent on attacking the Administration than condemning the attackers, engaging in political tactics instead of cooperating to strengthen national security.

During an appearance on ABC's This Week on February 14, 2010, Cheney reiterated his opposition to Obama’s policies regarding suspected terrorists, disagreeing with treating terror incidents as criminal cases rather than acts of war.

In an ABC News interview dated May 2, 2011, Cheney commended the Obama administration for conducting the covert military operation in Pakistan that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.

In a 2014 interview with Sean Hannity, he labeled Obama a "weak President" following announcements about plans to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan.

Memoir

In August 2011, Cheney released his memoir titled In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir, co-authored with Liz Cheney. The narrative presents Cheney's viewpoints on the 9/11, the War on Terrorism, the 2001 Afghanistan conflict, the events leading to the 2003 Iraq War, and the use of "enhanced interrogation techniques". Barton Gellman, author of Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency, noted that Cheney’s version differs from official accounts concerning the NSA surveillance program.

Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America

In 2015, Cheney once again collaborated with Liz Cheney to publish Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America. This work examines U.S. foreign policy and military history from Franklin Roosevelt’s era through the Obama administration, highlighting America’s distinctive position as a global guardian of liberty since World War II. Utilizing the principle of American exceptionalism, the authors critique policies implemented during the tenures of Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, while outlining approaches to revitalize American global leadership and strength.

Views on President Trump

Cheney has voiced criticism of contemporary Republican leadership. In May 2016, he endorsed Donald Trump during the 2016 United States presidential election. By May 2018, he supported Trump’s decision to exit the Iran Nuclear Deal.

During the March 2019 American Enterprise Institute AEI World Forum, Cheney, alongside Vice President Mike Pence, questioned Trump’s dedication to NATO and expressed disapproval over his habit of announcing policy changes via Twitter prior to consulting senior advisors. Cheney observed that at times, the administration’s foreign policy resembled that of Obama more than traditional Republican doctrine.

On the first anniversary of the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Cheney joined his daughter Liz Cheney at remembrance ceremonies held at the Capitol. Liz was notably the sole Republican member of Congress to attend despite invitations extended broadly. Subsequently, in a 2022 primary campaign advertisement for Liz, Cheney labeled Trump a "coward" and a "threat to our republic" due to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. That year, Liz Cheney was defeated in her Wyoming congressional race by Harriet Hageman, who was endorsed by Trump, losing by a margin exceeding 30%.

On September 6, 2024, Cheney publicly announced his intention to cast his vote for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 United States presidential election. He stated:

Public perception and legacy

Cheney's public approval ratings initially peaked at 68% following the September 11 attacks, but steadily decreased throughout his second term, bottoming out at 13% prior to his departure from office. Polls from Gallup and other organizations reflected similar patterns:

• April 2001 – 63% approval, 21% disapproval
• January 2002 – 68% approval, 18% disapproval
• January 2004 – 56% approval, 36% disapproval
• January 2005 – 50% approval, 40% disapproval
• January 2006 – 41% approval, 46% disapproval
• July 2007 – 30% approval, 60% disapproval
• March 2009 – 30% approval, 63% disapproval

In April 2007, Cheney was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service by Brigham Young University, where he also delivered the commencement speech. The decision sparked debate; however, university officials emphasized that the honor recognized his role as vice president rather than any political affiliation. BYU permitted protests under conditions prohibiting personal or institutional attacks.

Widely acknowledged as arguably the most influential vice president in U.S. history, Cheney was frequently compared by critics to Darth Vader, a comparison he and his team later embraced with humor.

Cheney admitted responsibility for authorizing the contentious "enhanced interrogation techniques" program. This admission prompted demands from government officials, media entities, and advocacy organizations for legal action against him under statutes prohibiting torture and war crimes.

In Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush (2015), former President George H. W. Bush commended Cheney but also described him as "having his own empire" and characterized him as "very hard-line."

In popular culture

• Eminem's 2002 track "Without Me" alludes to Cheney's medical challenges with the lyrics "I know that you got a job, Ms. Cheney / But your husband's heart problem's complicated."
• The character Raymond Becker (portrayed by Kenneth Welsh) in The Day After Tomorrow acts as a satirical representation of Cheney.
• Oliver Stone's 2008 biographical comedy-drama W. includes Richard Dreyfuss in the role of Cheney.
• The 2016 film War Dogs features the phrase "God bless Dick Cheney's America," highlighting his endorsement of U.S. military operations in Iraq.
• In the 2018 political satire series Who Is America?, Sacha Baron Cohen tricked Cheney into endorsing a waterboarding kit.
• Christian Bale stars as Cheney in the 2018 biographical film Vice, written and directed by Adam McKay; Bale received a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for this performance.
• Andrew Hodwitz portrays Cheney in the 2020 historical drama miniseries Mrs. America on FX.
• Parody musician Bob Rivers released a song titled "Cheney's Got a Gun" in 2003.
• The Amazon Prime dramedy Patriot includes an episode named "Dick Cheney," referencing the notorious hunting mishap when protagonist John Lakeman accidentally shoots his adversary during a duck hunt.

Personal life

Cheney is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and holds the distinction of being the first Methodist vice president serving alongside a Methodist president.

His brother, Bob, previously worked as a civil servant at the Bureau of Land Management.

Cheney's spouse, Lynne, led the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 until 1996 and currently is a public speaker, author, and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

They have two daughters: Elizabeth ("Liz") and Mary Cheney, along with seven grandchildren. Liz, formerly a congresswoman representing Wyoming, is married to Philip J. Perry, who served as General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. Mary, who has worked with the Colorado Rockies and Coors Brewing Company, contributed to the Bush re-election campaign and resides in Great Falls, Virginia with her wife Heather Poe. Since leaving office, Cheney has publicly expressed support for same-sex marriage.

Health problems

Cheney has faced long-standing cardiovascular issues and recurrent urgent medical interventions, prompting questions about his suitability for public office. After smoking approximately three packs of cigarettes daily over nearly two decades, he experienced his first of five heart attacks on June 18, 1978, at age 37. Additional heart attacks occurred in 1984, 1988, November 22, 2000, and February 22, 2010, leading to moderate impairment of left ventricular function. His treatments have included four-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery in 1988, coronary stenting in 2000, emergency angioplasty in 2001, and implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator in June 2001.

On September 24, 2005, he underwent a six-hour endovascular operation to correct bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms found during a routine examination; this condition was not immediately life-threatening. Later that year he was hospitalized due to shortness of breath; an ultrasound performed in April 2006 indicated improvement.

In March 2007, Cheney was diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis in his left leg and treated with anticoagulants before returning to work. By November of that year, he was diagnosed and treated for atrial fibrillation. A cardiology evaluation in July 2008 revealed a normal heartbeat given his medical history; his pacemaker had recorded no arrhythmias. He briefly received hospital care in October 2008 for a minor irregular heartbeat.

In January 2009, after straining his back while moving boxes, Cheney used a wheelchair for two days including during President Obama's inauguration.

On February 22, 2010, he was admitted with chest pain and diagnosed with a mild heart attack. He was again hospitalized in June 2010 due to discomfort.

In July 2010, worsening congestive heart failure led to Cheney receiving a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) at Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute. This centrifugal pump sustained blood flow despite eliminating his pulse for nearly fifteen months. He was released in August but faced the choice of pursuing a full heart transplant.

On March 24, 2012, after more than twenty months on the waiting list, Cheney underwent a seven-hour heart transplant at Inova Fairfax Hospital. His cardiologist remarked that an otherwise healthy individual his age could anticipate living another ten years following transplantation.

Hunting incident

On February 11, 2006, then-Vice President Dick Cheney unintentionally shot Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old attorney from Texas, during a quail hunting outing at the Armstrong ranch located in Kenedy County, Texas. Following the incident, Secret Service personnel and medical staff attended to Whittington’s injuries caused by birdshot pellets affecting his cheek, neck, and chest areas. He was initially taken by ambulance to Kingsville before being airlifted to Corpus Christi Memorial Hospital. On February 14, Whittington experienced a non-fatal heart attack accompanied by atrial fibrillation, attributed to lead pellets lodged near his heart. Medical professionals chose to leave approximately 30 pellets inside his body rather than attempt removal.

The Secret Service informed the local sheriff about an hour after the shooting occurred; Kenedy County Sheriff Ramone Salinas III was notified around 5:30 p.m. The following day, Katharine Armstrong, owner of the ranch, disclosed the event to the media. Cheney publicly addressed the incident during a televised interview on February 15, emphasizing that it was accidental; both Cheney and Whittington affirmed this description. Initial accounts implied they were friends and that the injuries were minor; however, Whittington later clarified their relationship was more distant and refrained from commenting on whether an apology was issued by Cheney.

Reports released by the sheriff’s office detailed that the shooting took place on a clear day with Whittington positioned approximately 30 to 40 yards away while attempting to locate a downed bird. Armstrong confirmed that all participants wore blaze-orange safety clothing and that no alcohol had been consumed during the hunt. Cheney acknowledged having consumed one beer four to five hours prior to the incident. Independent reenactments suggested that the actual distance between Cheney and Whittington was shorter than official statements indicated.

This event adversely affected Cheney’s approval ratings, which declined by five percentage points to 18% within two weeks following the incident. Additionally, it became a frequent target for satire and widespread public criticism.

Works

• Clausen, Aage R.; Cheney, Richard B. (March 1970). "A Comparative Analysis of Senate–House Voting on Economic and Welfare Policy, 1953–1964". American Political Science Review. 64 (1): 138–152.
• Cheney, Richard B.; Cheney, Lynne V. (1983). Kings of the Hill: Power and Personality in the House of Representatives. Continuum, New York.
• Cheney, Dick (1997). Professional Military Education: An Asset for Peace and Progress. Center for Strategic & International Studies, Washington, D.C.
• Cheney, Dick; Liz Cheney (2011). In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir. Threshold Editions, New York.
• Cheney, Dick; Reiner, Jonathan; Liz Cheney (2013). Heart: An American Medical Odyssey. Scribner, New York.
• Cheney, Dick; Liz Cheney (2015). Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America. Simon & Schuster, New York.

Bibliography

• Dick Cheney: A Life in Public Service by Elaine K. Andrews, Millbrook Press, 2001
• Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House by Peter Baker, Doubleday, 2013
• Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency by Barton Gellman, Penguin Press, 2008
• Cheney, Vice Presidential Power and the War on Terror by Joel K. Goldstein, APSA Meeting Paper, 2009
• Cheney: The Untold Story of America's Most Powerful and Controversial Vice President by Stephen F. Hayes, HarperCollins, 2007
• The contemporary presidency: Cheney, vice presidential power, and the war on terror by Joel K. Goldstein, Presidential Studies Quarterly, 2010
• Rise of the Vulcans: The History of Bush's War Cabinet by James Mann, Penguin Books, 2004
• Dick: The Man Who Is President by John Nichols, New Press, 2004

External links

• Directory of Biographies for the United States Congress
• C-SPAN Video Archive
• Archived profile from the U.S. Department of State
• The New York Times archive featuring Dick Cheney