Dick Cheney, American businessman and politician, 46th Vice President of the United States

Richard Bruce Cheney, often known as Dick Cheney, is a prominent American politician and businessman who significantly shaped U.S. policy and politics for decades. Born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, his career trajectory led him to the highest echelons of government, culminating in his service as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush from January 20, 2001, to January 20, 2009. His tenure as Vice President is widely regarded as one of the most influential in American history, though it concluded with him being an unpopular figure in American politics, largely due to the Bush administration's policies on national security and foreign affairs.

As of 2024, Dick Cheney holds the distinction of being the oldest living former U.S. Vice President, a status he assumed following the passing of Walter Mondale in April 2021.

Early Life, Education, and Ascending Political Career

Cheney's formative years were spent in Lincoln, Nebraska, before his family relocated to Casper, Wyoming. His academic journey included attending Yale University, though he did not complete his degree there. He subsequently pursued higher education at the University of Wyoming, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in political science. These academic foundations prepared him for a remarkable career in public service.

His political career began to take shape with an internship for Congressman William A. Steiger. This early experience propelled him into the executive branch, where he quickly ascended through the ranks within the Nixon and Ford administrations. A particularly significant role was his service as White House Chief of Staff from 1975 to 1977 under President Gerald Ford, making him the youngest individual to hold that demanding position at the time.

Congressional Service and Cabinet Leadership

In 1978, Cheney successfully transitioned to the legislative branch, winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives. He proudly represented Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 1979 to 1989. During his decade in Congress, he rose to a leadership position, briefly serving as House Minority Whip in 1989, demonstrating his growing influence within the Republican party.

Following his congressional service, Cheney was appointed as Secretary of Defense by President George H. W. Bush, a role he held from 1989 to 1993, for the majority of Bush's single term. This period was marked by profound geopolitical shifts, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union. As Secretary of Defense, Cheney was instrumental in overseeing Operation Desert Storm in 1991, a massive military operation that successfully expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War. His leadership during this critical period showcased his capacity to manage complex military operations and strategic planning on a global scale.

After the Bush Sr. administration, Cheney spent the Clinton years outside of direct government service, moving into the corporate sector. From 1995 to 2000, he served as the chairman and CEO of Halliburton, a prominent global energy services company. This experience further diversified his resume, adding significant business and corporate management expertise to his already extensive political background.

The Vice Presidency: Power, Policy, and Controversy

In July 2000, Dick Cheney was selected by then-presumptive Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush as his running mate for the 2000 presidential election. The Bush-Cheney ticket ultimately triumphed over their Democratic opponents, incumbent Vice President Al Gore and Senator Joe Lieberman, following a highly contested election decided by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in *Bush v. Gore*.

Reelected in 2004 alongside President Bush, defeating Democratic Senators John Kerry and John Edwards, Cheney served a full eight years as Vice President. His tenure was largely defined by the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the subsequent Global War on Terrorism.

Key Roles and Controversial Policies

Cheney played a profoundly influential, often behind-the-scenes, role in shaping the George W. Bush administration's response to the 9/11 attacks and the broader coordination of the War on Terror. His influence extended to:

• National Security Strategy: He was a key architect of the administration's national security policies, advocating for an assertive posture in confronting global terrorism.
• Iraq War Advocacy: Cheney was an early and forceful proponent for the invasion of Iraq. He asserted that Saddam Hussein's regime possessed a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program and maintained operational ties with Al-Qaeda. Both claims, however, were never substantiated by post-invasion investigations, raising significant questions about the pre-war intelligence.
• Intelligence Community Pressure: He was also criticized for allegedly pressuring intelligence agencies to provide intelligence that aligned with the administration's rationales for invading Iraq, particularly through channels like the Office of Special Plans within the Department of Defense.

Throughout his vice presidency, Cheney faced significant criticism regarding several Bush administration policies, particularly those related to the campaign against terrorism:

• NSA Wiretapping: His support for the National Security Agency's (NSA) warrantless wiretapping program, initiated after 9/11, drew widespread condemnation for perceived infringements on civil liberties and Fourth Amendment rights.
• Enhanced Interrogation Techniques: Cheney was a vocal endorser of what the administration termed "enhanced interrogation techniques," which included methods such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation, and stress positions. These practices were widely labeled as torture by human rights organizations and critics, sparking a vigorous debate about their legality and morality under international law and the Geneva Conventions.
• Unitary Executive Theory: He was a strong proponent of the "unitary executive theory," an expansive view of presidential power that argued for broad, unchecked executive authority, particularly in matters of national security.

Despite his staunch conservative stance on many issues, Cheney publicly diverged from President Bush's position against same-sex marriage in 2004, stating his belief that states should decide the issue. This stance was notable given his daughter Mary Cheney is openly gay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard "Dick" Cheney

When was Dick Cheney the Vice President of the United States?

Dick Cheney served as the 46th Vice President of the United States from January 20, 2001, to January 20, 2009, during both terms of President George W. Bush's administration.

Why is Dick Cheney considered one of the most powerful Vice Presidents?

Cheney's significant influence stemmed from his close relationship with President George W. Bush, his vast experience in government, and his assertive approach to policy-making, particularly in national security and foreign policy. He played a central role in shaping the administration's response to the September 11 attacks and the Global War on Terrorism.

What were some major controversies associated with Dick Cheney's vice presidency?

Key controversies included his advocacy for the Iraq War based on unsubstantiated claims of WMDs and links to Al-Qaeda, his support for the NSA's warrantless wiretapping program, and his endorsement of "enhanced interrogation techniques" which critics widely deemed torture.

Is Dick Cheney still alive?

Yes, as of 2024, Dick Cheney is still alive and holds the distinction of being the oldest living former U.S. Vice President.