Dick Cheney
Richard Bruce “Dick” Cheney (1941– ) served as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Known for his expansive view of executive power, Cheney was one of the most influential and controversial vice presidents in U.S. history. His tenure was marked by his role in shaping foreign and domestic policy during the War on Terror, his advocacy for military intervention in Iraq, and his championing of expanded presidential authority.
Early Life and Education
Dick Cheney was born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Richard Herbert Cheney, a soil conservation agent, and Marjorie Lorraine Dickey Cheney, a homemaker. The family later moved to Casper, Wyoming, where Cheney was raised. Growing up in a middle-class household, Cheney exhibited an early interest in public affairs and leadership. His upbringing in Wyoming fostered a sense of self-reliance and pragmatism that would define his political philosophy (Hayes, 2007).
Cheney attended Yale University in 1959 but struggled academically and eventually left without completing his degree. After returning to Wyoming, he enrolled at the University of Wyoming, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1965 and a master’s degree in political science in 1966. During this time, Cheney developed a keen interest in government and politics, which led him to pursue a career in public service (Gellman, 2008).
Entry into Politics
Cheney’s political career began in 1969 when he joined the Nixon administration as a congressional intern. He quickly advanced, serving as a staff assistant to Donald Rumsfeld, who became his mentor. Under Rumsfeld’s guidance, Cheney developed a reputation for his organizational skills and political acumen. By 1974, Cheney was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and, later, Chief of Staff in 1975 when Rumsfeld became Secretary of Defense (Hayes, 2007).
In 1978, Cheney returned to Wyoming and successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the state’s at-large congressional district. He served in the House from 1979 to 1989, during which he rose to prominence as a conservative leader. Cheney was a strong advocate for military strength, fiscal conservatism, and limited government. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, he gained expertise in national security and foreign policy, laying the groundwork for his future roles in government (Gellman, 2008).
Secretary of Defense
In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed Cheney as Secretary of Defense, a position he held until 1993. Cheney’s tenure coincided with the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War, both of which shaped his approach to U.S. foreign policy and military strategy. He played a central role in Operation Desert Storm, the U.S.-led coalition effort to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The success of the operation solidified Cheney’s reputation as a decisive and effective leader (Mann, 2004).
Cheney also focused on restructuring the U.S. military in the post-Cold War era, overseeing significant budget cuts and reductions in force size. Despite these challenges, he maintained a strong commitment to ensuring the readiness and capability of the armed forces. His tenure as Secretary of Defense earned him bipartisan respect and reinforced his belief in the importance of a robust national defense (Hayes, 2007).
Vice Presidency
In 2000, George W. Bush selected Cheney as his running mate in the presidential election. Cheney’s extensive experience in government and national security was seen as an asset to the Bush campaign, particularly in balancing Bush’s relative inexperience in federal politics. The Bush-Cheney ticket won a contentious election against Democratic candidates Al Gore and Joe Lieberman, and Cheney was inaugurated as Vice President on January 20, 2001 (Gellman, 2008).
Role and Influence
Cheney redefined the vice presidency, transforming it from a largely ceremonial role into one of significant influence and power. He became a key advisor to President Bush, shaping decisions on national security, foreign policy, and energy. Cheney’s office, staffed with experienced professionals and policy experts, functioned as a parallel power center within the administration, allowing him to exert considerable authority over key issues (Hayes, 2007).
Response to 9/11 and the War on Terror
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, marked a turning point in Cheney’s vice presidency. He became a leading architect of the War on Terror, advocating for the invasion of Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power. Cheney also supported controversial measures such as the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, warrantless surveillance, and the detention of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay. These policies, while effective in some respects, sparked widespread criticism for their perceived infringement on civil liberties and human rights (Mann, 2004).
The Iraq War
Cheney was a vocal proponent of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, arguing that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and posed a threat to global security. He played a central role in shaping the administration’s case for war, often emphasizing the risks of inaction. However, the failure to find WMDs in Iraq and the subsequent instability in the region undermined Cheney’s credibility and led to intense scrutiny of his leadership (Gellman, 2008).
Controversies and Criticism
Cheney’s tenure as Vice President was marked by numerous controversies, many of which centered on his expansive view of executive power. Critics accused him of undermining democratic norms and consolidating authority within the executive branch. His close ties to Halliburton, a multinational energy corporation where he served as CEO from 1995 to 2000, also drew criticism for potential conflicts of interest (Mann, 2004).
The 2006 hunting accident in which Cheney accidentally shot a friend, Harry Whittington, during a quail hunt further damaged his public image. While the incident was ultimately resolved without serious consequences, it became a symbol of the secrecy and insularity often associated with Cheney’s leadership style (Hayes, 2007).
Post-Vice Presidency
After leaving office in 2009, Cheney remained active in public life, frequently speaking out on national security and foreign policy issues. He published his memoir, In My Time, in 2011, offering a detailed account of his career and defending his decisions as Vice President. Cheney also became a prominent critic of the Obama administration, particularly its approach to counterterrorism and military strategy (Gellman, 2008).
In 2012, Cheney underwent a heart transplant, a procedure that highlighted his long history of cardiovascular health issues. Despite these challenges, he continued to engage in political discourse, advocating for a strong national defense and warning against the perceived threats posed by adversaries such as Iran and China (Mann, 2004).
Personal Life and Character
Cheney married Lynne Vincent in 1964, and the couple has two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth Cheney, known as Liz, followed her father into politics, serving as a U.S. Representative from Wyoming. Mary Cheney, who is openly gay, sparked public debate when her sexual orientation became a topic during the 2004 presidential campaign. The Cheneys have been praised for their unwavering support of their family despite political disagreements (Hayes, 2007).
Cheney’s character is often described as pragmatic, disciplined, and intensely focused. While his critics view him as secretive and overly hawkish, his supporters admire his steadfast commitment to national security and his ability to make difficult decisions under pressure (Gellman, 2008).
Final Summary
Dick Cheney’s career exemplifies the complexities of political leadership and the enduring debates over executive power and national security. From his early days as a congressional aide to his transformative role as Vice President, Cheney consistently prioritized the principles of strength and stability in governance.
References
Gellman, B. (2008). Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency. New York: Penguin Press.
Hayes, S. F. (2007). Cheney: The Untold Story of America’s Most Powerful and Controversial Vice President. New York: HarperCollins.
Mann, J. (2004). Rise of the Vulcans: The History of Bush’s War Cabinet. New York: Viking.
Ricks, T. E. (2006). Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq. New York: Penguin Press.
Woodward, B. (2002). Bush at War. New York: Simon & Schuster.