It is the end of an era in American politics. Former Vice President Dick Cheney passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.

Former Vice President Cheney Dead at Age 84

The man known as the most powerful vice president in American history died of complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. A statement from the Cheney family detailed that he passed away with his wife, Lynne, and his daughters, Liz and Mary, at his side.

Regardless of your views on politics, nobody will dispute the power that Cheney had over the American political landscape. Cheney served as vice president for eight years under President George W. Bush. Prior to that, Cheney was the defense secretary during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. His career in politics also included time as a representative in the House and as White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford.

The Republican from Wyoming will go down as a polarizing figure in Washington, D.C., serving during a critical time in the nation's history, most notably during the September 11 terror attacks. Former President George W. Bush issued a statement on Tuesday, calling Cheney a "decent, honorable man." Bush said that "history will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation."

The 46th vice president of the United States struggled with cardiovascular disease for much of his life. After surviving several heart attacks, Cheney received a life-saving heart transplant in 2012.

Most Americans will remember Cheney as the divisive figure who served as Bush's right-hand man when the country was attacked by al Qaeda terrorists on September 11, 2001. President Bush was visiting an elementary school in Florida when the terror attacks unfolded in New York City, putting Cheney in the spotlight as he was in charge at the White House.

Cheney later said that the moment when the second hijacked plane was flown into the World Trade Center changed his life. He recounted that in that moment, he made it his mission to avenge the attacks and work to instill a neo-conservative set of standards throughout the Middle East. This event also marked the beginning of Cheney's role as the chief architect of the American war on terror.

Opponents of Cheney frequently criticized his hawkish stances on war, particularly in the Middle East. He left office with a 31% approval rating, largely due to his decision to invade Iraq, believing that they were producing weapons of mass destruction.

Despite his legion of critics, politicians for both sides of the aisle have offered up their tributes to Cheney in the hours since his passing. For example, former presidents Bill Clinton and Joe Biden took the time to highlight Cheney's commitment to public service.

Cheney's Changing Stance Over the Years

While Cheney remained a hardline conservative throughout his life, his frequent and vocal criticism of President Donald Trump drew the ire of many GOP leaders in recent years. Cheney famously branded Trump as a "coward," also warning that he was the greatest threat in history to the republic.

In what many staunch conservatives saw as the ultimate betrayal, Cheney confirmed that he voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. He defended his decision to cast his vote for Harris, saying that it was his “duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution."

Cheney retreated to private life after leaving the White House, writing two memoirs in the years that followed. Cheney's daughter Liz went on to pursue her own career in politics, serving the family's home state of Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives. Liz Cheney also ruffled feathers within the GOP when she turned against Trump.

The former Rep. Cheney led the charge to impeach Trump following the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Dick Cheney returned to Capitol Hill on the first anniversary of the riots with his daughter. In a statement that day, Cheney noted his disappointment in many members of the GOP for their failure to recognize the true scope of the January 6 riots and the threat that still faces the nation.

One of the most striking moments of Cheney's return to the U.S. Capitol happened when several Democrats fell in line to shake his hand. Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reached out to hug Cheney, creating a scene that was the perfect illustration of the change that has been happening in Washington, D.C. over the last decade.

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