George Stephanopoulos Reflects on Dick Cheney’s Legacy Following His Passing

On Tuesday, ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos spoke fondly of former Vice President Dick Cheney after his passing, specifically commending Republican leaders who have recently stood against former President Donald Trump.

During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” Stephanopoulos highlighted Cheney’s willingness to prioritize constitutional integrity over party loyalty. “He really set a strong example in recent years, asserting that the Constitution and rule of law carry more weight than long-held party policies,” he remarked.

Dick Cheney, who served as the 46th vice president, passed away on Monday night due to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, as reported by his family. He was 84.

In his later years, Cheney became known for his sharp criticism of Trump, particularly in support of his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, who became a notable opponent of the former president following the January 6 Capitol incident. “There has never been a greater threat to our country than Donald Trump, who tried to steal the last election using lies and violence,” he stated in an ad backing Liz’s unsuccessful re-election campaign in 2022.

Interestingly, both Dick and Liz Cheney continued to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign against Trump for the 2024 election.

ABC News Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl noted that Cheney’s position on Trump was aligned with his commitment to safeguarding the nation. “It’s quite a twist for someone who was once a staunch partisan Republican. Yet, he saw his actions as consistent with his long-standing dedication to protecting America from existential threats,” Karl stated. “Ultimately, he defended Trump and his movement against what he viewed as threats to American democracy.”

In agreement, “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts commented, “He was really more of a country guy than a party guy.” This sentiment resonates, given Cheney’s complex relationship with the political landscape in recent years.