An influential figure in American politics passed away. He was 84.
By Catholics for Catholics
Dick Cheney, one of the most emblematic figures in American politics ever since the Gulf War, died from cardiac and vascular disease complications, maladies that plagued him for decades, according to Newsmax. He was 84.
Viewed by some as a fiercely loyal number two man to then president George W. Bush or as a sort of Machiavellian, almost behind-the-scenes player, Cheney was at the forefront of U.S. politics as a Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff and as Vice President.
“Richard B. Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, died last night, November 3, 2025. He was 84 years old,” according to a statement released by his family.
“His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed. The former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
“For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming’s Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States.
“Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.
“We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.”
The legacy of Cheney is one of great weight on American politics and national security. Climbing from his early years as White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford, Cheney built a reputation as a shrewd strategist and steady hand in government.
But after he left office, Cheney became a target of President Donald Trump, especially after daughter Liz Cheney became the leading Republican critic and examiner of Trump’s 2020 election integrity investigations and the protest at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
In a change that many conservatives would never have imagined, Cheney announced in 2024 that he was voting for Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic adversary for the presidency.
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