Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney was remembered during a funeral held at Washington National Cathedral, attended by both Democrats and Republicans. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, passed away at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
In a eulogy, Bush characterized Cheney as a “thinker and a listener,” highlighting the significant role he played in the Bush administration, particularly as an architect of the post-9/11 “war on terror” and an early proponent of the Iraq invasion. President Joe Biden also attended the service, reflecting on Cheney’s political influence.
During the ceremony, Bush recalled how Cheney had offered to withdraw from the re-election ticket in 2004, emphasizing his loyalty and value as a vice president. “They do not come any better than Dick Cheney,” Bush stated, echoing sentiments shared by many attendees regarding Cheney’s contributions to American politics.
Despite his earlier prominence within the Republican Party, Cheney faced challenges in recent years, particularly for his criticisms of former President Donald Trump following the 2020 election. This discord extended to his daughter, Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman who has also been vocal about her political stance. At the funeral, she paid tribute, underscoring her father’s belief in prioritizing the defense of the Constitution over party loyalty.
The ceremony drew various prominent figures, including former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Al Gore, along with Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably absent were Trump, and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. In a significant political move, both Dick Cheney and his daughter endorsed the Democratic nominee in the last presidential election.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93x3er4l9zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss