Reactions to the Death of Dick Cheney

Former vice presidents have expressed their thoughts following the recent passing of Dick Cheney, who served as vice president under former President George W. Bush and left a polarizing legacy.

Kamala Harris, the former vice president, shared her sadness on a social platform, stating, “I am saddened to learn of the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney.” She continued by highlighting Cheney’s commitment, noting, “Vice President Cheney was a dedicated public servant from Capitol Hill to numerous leadership positions in multiple presidential administrations. His death marks the loss of a man who, with a strong sense of dedication, gave so much of his life to the country he loved.”

Cheney, a significant figure in American politics for the last century, passed away on Monday at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family on Tuesday morning. They reported that the cause of death was complications from pneumonia along with heart and blood vessel disease.

Former President Biden, who was vice president under President Obama, remarked, “Dick Cheney dedicated his life to public service, from Wyoming Congressman to Secretary of Defense and then Vice President of the United States.” He acknowledged their differing views while expressing personal sentiment, saying, “Although we didn’t really see eye to eye, he, like me, believed that family is the beginning, middle, and end. Jill and I send our love to my wife Lynn, daughters Liz and Mary, and all of their grandchildren.”

Cheney is noted as one of the most influential vice presidents in modern U.S. history, playing a key role in the “war on terror” and advocating for the war in Iraq after the September 11, 2001 attacks. His involvement, along with others in the Bush administration, faced intense scrutiny following the invasion of Iraq, largely due to the unfounded claims regarding weapons of mass destruction.

Mike Pence, the first vice president under Donald Trump, conveyed his sorrow on the X Show, saying he and his wife were “saddened to learn of the passing of Vice President Dick Cheney” and extended their thoughts and prayers to Lynn and the entire Cheney family. He reflected on Cheney’s extensive service, mentioning, “Dick Cheney first served as Wyoming’s representative in Congress, then as White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States, serving alongside three U.S. presidents.”