It’s a sad day in the political world. This stunning news was not expected.
As a former Republican vice president has reportedly passed away.
In a somber announcement, former Vice President Dick Cheney has passed away at the age of 84. His family shared the news early Tuesday.
Cheney, who held the vice presidency for two terms alongside President George W. Bush, faced his final battle overnight. The cause was complications from pneumonia combined with longstanding cardiac and vascular issues, as detailed in the family’s heartfelt statement.
Cheney left this world surrounded by those who cherished him most. “His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed,” the Cheneys noted.
Heart troubles shadowed Cheney for decades, starting with his first attack at just 37 years old. Over time, he endured five such episodes and even underwent a heart transplant back in 2012, showing the grit that defined his life.
The family’s tribute captures the essence of the man perfectly. “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,” they said, reminding us of the simple joys he embraced amid his monumental duties.
They went on to express profound thanks for his contributions. “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.”
As a no-nonsense conservative, Cheney became one of the most talked-about vice presidents ever, often clashing with the liberal elite who couldn’t handle his straightforward approach.
His influence extended across generations of Republican leadership. Cheney served as defense secretary under President George H.W. Bush during the Persian Gulf War.
Years later, he stepped back into the spotlight as the running mate for George W. Bush in the 2000 election, bringing unmatched experience to the ticket.
From 2001 to 2009, Cheney pushed hard for decisive action, including the 2003 push into Iraq. He highlighted potential connections between Saddam Hussein’s regime, al Qaeda, and the horrors of September 11, refusing to let America sit idle.
Even when no weapons of mass destruction turned up, Cheney never wavered. He maintained that removing Saddam was the correct call, based on what we knew then.
Hailing from humble roots in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney relocated to Wyoming as a kid.
He started at Yale but chose a different path, dropping out to chase real-world opportunities.
His Washington journey kicked off in 1969 as a congressional intern, quickly climbing the ranks with roles in the Nixon and Ford administrations.
For a full decade, Cheney represented Wyoming as its sole congressman, building a rock-solid conservative track record.
His daughter Liz carried on the family tradition in Congress, though not without stirring debates within the Republican Party.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
