Reflections on Dick Cheney

To many, he was the Vice President of the United States, but to us, he was simply “Boss.” Truly, he embodied what it meant to be a boss.

Dick Cheney was tough—that much is clear. But, honestly, a lot of other aspects of him are misunderstood. The man I worked for over eight years, and grew to respect, was not really the figure most people think they know.

As a leader, he set high expectations. If you couldn’t keep up, well, you probably wouldn’t stick around too long. Yet, I think he did a pretty good job at it. When you imagine the ideal qualities in a boss, Dick Cheney had them covered.

The White House can be chaotic. You’re constantly facing emergencies, and the weight of significant global issues often feels overwhelming. In such a tumultuous environment, my boss was a steady presence. He maintained a consistent schedule and managed to tackle issues swiftly, which helped minimize crises that were beyond our control.

What stood out even more was his love for family. He not only allowed us to prioritize family time but truly encouraged it within the constraints of our jobs. His devotion was evident; Air Force 2 often had kids onboard. I recall a time after our administration ended when I was flying commercially with my son, Charlie, who was about four. He wanted to sit with the pilot, and I had to gently explain that wasn’t permitted. Charlie had grown so accustomed to enjoying that privilege on Air Force 2 that he didn’t realize it wasn’t typical. I entered the administration childless but ended up with three, and despite our crazy hours, thanks to Cheney, we didn’t miss out on their formative years.

Cheney was incredibly knowledgeable about the government and public policy, which made it enjoyable for a policy geek like me. He was always eager to learn. We often looked forward to staff meetings that commenced with a joke, and they usually contained fascinating stories from his extensive career. Watching new staff members evolve from anxious newcomers to confident veterans was truly gratifying.

He had a unique sense of humor too. There was a time when the press dubbed him Darth Vader, and he found it amusing. I remember joking about high-quality Darth Vader masks, and he challenged me to buy one. To everyone’s surprise, when we delivered it, he donned the mask during a meeting in the Oval Office. I still have the receipt for that mask!

Above all else, Dick Cheney was fiercely loyal. When Scooter Libby faced unjust charges, Cheney stood by him, advocating for presidential pardons until the very end of the administration.

The average person tends to stay in the White House for about two years. By the end of the Bush administration, the president hosted a dinner for those of us who had remained, a small group of just eight. Despite having a much smaller staff compared to the president, nearly half of those attending worked for Cheney. We genuinely loved our work alongside him.

Through all the controversies, it’s easy to overlook something essential: Dick Cheney was truly a product of America. Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, he earned a scholarship to Yale but missed the chance due to youthful mistakes. Still, his determination led him to graduate from the University of Wyoming and then achieve incredible milestones—youngest White House chief of staff, congressman, and secretary of defense—eventually becoming vice president. Many countries don’t offer opportunities like that, yet he was given two in America.

Initially criticized by many on the left, he later even faced backlash from the right. I may not agree with every decision he made, but I don’t believe there was malice behind them. What sticks with me most are my memories of a truly exceptional boss.