Dick Cheney, Controversial Vice President and Architect of War on Terror, Dies at 84
Dick Cheney, the powerful and polarizing vice president who reshaped American foreign policy and expanded executive power after the 9/11 attacks, has died at age 84. The former Wyoming congressman and defense secretary served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures ever to hold the office.
News of Cheney’s passing prompted a wave of reactions across the political spectrum, reflecting the deeply divided legacy of a man who was simultaneously celebrated as a steadfast defender of national security and condemned as a war criminal whose policies authorized torture and led the United States into a protracted war in Iraq.
A Statesman Remembered: Political Tributes Pour In
Former President George W. Bush led the tributes to his vice president, describing Cheney as “a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges.” In an official statement, Bush wrote that he would remember Cheney “for the decent honorable man that he was” and that history would remember him “as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence and seriousness of purpose to every position he held.”
Republican lawmakers from across the country echoed this sentiment, praising Cheney’s long career in public service that spanned multiple administrations and included roles as White House chief of staff, congressman, defense secretary, and vice president. Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming expressed that “Wyoming mourns the passing of Vice President Dick Cheney,” acknowledging the deep connection between the former vice president and his home state.
“He devoted much of his life to serving the United States – from Congress to the Pentagon to the White House,” wrote Republican senator Jon Husted of Ohio. “He had an unwavering commitment to our nation’s security, strength, and founding values.”
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa highlighted what many conservatives viewed as Cheney’s greatest achievement, writing: “Whether Vice President, Secretary of Defense, or in Congress, Dick Cheney was always proud to be an American. His commitment to defeat terrorism ensured there was never another 9/11. He served his country honorably and dutifully. May he rest in peace.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recalled serving with Cheney in Congress, noting “He was thoughtful, steady, and an advocate for his beloved Wyoming. Our nation saw his leadership as US Secretary of Defense, directing our military strategy during Operation Desert Storm. Vice President Cheney served his country faithfully in every office he held. He will be missed.”
Even some Democrats offered condolences, focusing particularly on the Cheney family. Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman and Democratic candidate in Tuesday’s election for Virginia governor, wrote: “My prayers are with the family of Vice President Dick Cheney today — his wife Lynne Cheney, his daughters Liz and Mary, and their families — as they mourn his passing.”
A Contested Legacy: Criticism from Left and Right
Despite the respectful tributes from political colleagues, Dick Cheney’s death also prompted sharp criticism from those who viewed his legacy through the prism of the Iraq War, enhanced interrogation techniques, and the expansion of executive power. His role in the Iraq war, programs of torture and extraordinary rendition and the rightward tilt of Republican politics left lingering enemies on the left, while his turn away from Trump and populism in his last years produced enemies on the right.
Progressive voices were particularly vocal in their condemnation of Cheney’s policies and actions. Omar Suleiman, a US Islamic scholar and civil rights activist, wrote of Cheney’s death: “May the 1 million murdered souls of Iraq haunt you for eternity.” This sentiment reflected the enduring anger among those who believe Cheney bears responsibility for the human cost of the Iraq War.
Hasan Piker, a progressive political commentator wrote bluntly on X that Cheney was “genuinely one of the most evil people to exist in modern history, i cannot stress this enough. he got zero punishment for his actions. caused incalculable harm to entire regions. millions killed, tens of millions displaced and he got to pass away quietly surrounded by family”.
Surprisingly, criticism also came from the far right, with radio host Alex Jones declaring “Dick Cheney, one of the most evil men in modern history, died yesterday at 84.” Jones continued, “Whereas I don’t really like to ever celebrate anybody’s death, this is just another bellwether sign of the old evil neocon globalist establishment dying and passing away.” This criticism from both ends of the political spectrum underscores how Dick Cheney became a figure who transcended traditional left-right divisions, creating alliances of opposition across ideological lines.
According to coverage from The Guardian, the mixed reactions to Cheney’s death reflect the deep divisions that characterized his political career. George Santos, disgraced former Republican congressman from New York, captured this dichotomy when he wrote: “Dick Cheney will meet his maker and will have lots of explaining to do. I wish his family well all things considered, but I haven’t and won’t ever shed a tear for a war criminal of his ilk.”
The international perspective on Cheney’s legacy, as covered by outlets including Africa News Desk, often focuses on the global consequences of his foreign policy decisions, particularly the War on Terror’s extension beyond Afghanistan and Iraq into multiple regions including Africa, where counterterrorism operations expanded significantly during and after his tenure.
The Architect of a New American Century
Richard Bruce Cheney’s political career spanned five decades, beginning in the late 1960s when he served as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger. He quickly rose through Republican ranks, becoming White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford at just 34 years old. After serving six terms representing Wyoming in the House of Representatives, he served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, where he oversaw Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
However, it was his tenure as vice president that would define his legacy. After the September 11 attacks, Cheney became the leading advocate for a robust response that included the invasion of Afghanistan and, more controversially, Iraq. He was a principal architect of the Bush Doctrine of preemptive war and championed the controversial Patriot Act, which expanded government surveillance powers.
As noted in his official biography, Cheney was “a force in the conservative movement and made a profound impact on our country,” according to Robert Doar, president of the center-right thinktank American Enterprise Institute, where Cheney had previously been affiliated.
Perhaps most controversially, Cheney was a staunch defender of what the administration called “enhanced interrogation techniques” that critics universally condemned as torture. His advocacy for waterboarding and other methods remains one of the most contentious aspects of his legacy, with human rights organizations arguing that he authorized war crimes.
In his later years, Dick Cheney experienced a remarkable political evolution in the eyes of some observers. After largely retreating from public life following the Bush administration, he reemerged as a vocal critic of Donald Trump, particularly after the January 6th Capitol attack. His daughter Liz Cheney’s role as vice chair of the House January 6 committee created a striking image of the former vice president’s family becoming leaders of the Republican resistance to Trump.
This late-career stance earned him praise from some former critics. Betty McCollum, a Democratic representative from Minnesota, wrote: “My condolences are with my former colleague Liz Cheney and her family as they mourn the death of her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney. Her father was at her side as she stood up to Donald Trump and worked to protect our democracy.”
The death of Dick Cheney closes a significant chapter in American political history. As documented by News24, his influence on American politics and global affairs remains profound and deeply contested. From his early days as a congressional intern to his position as one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history, Cheney leaves behind a complex legacy that continues to shape debates about national security, executive power, and America’s role in the world.
As the nation reflects on his life and career, the polarized reactions to his passing suggest that historical assessments of Dick Cheney will likely remain as divided as the political landscape he helped shape. His impact on American institutions, foreign policy, and the vice presidency itself ensures that his legacy will be studied and debated for generations to come.
