Dick Cheney talks politics, diplomacy in 2015 USA TODAY interview
Dick and Liz Cheney talk about global diplomacy and U.S. politics in a 2015 interview with USA TODAY.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney died on Monday, November 3, at the age of 84, his family announced.
Dick Cheney, a prominent and controversial Republican politician, is known for his work under the young George W. Bush. His family said he died of complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease.
Cheney served two terms in the White House with President Bush from 2001 to 2009. He is considered to be influential in the Iraq war, a key indicator of the Bush administration.
Although Cheney was second only to the president in shaping policy and strategy in areas such as foreign affairs, national security, and energy issues, her influence waned and her relationship with Bush cooled toward the end of her tenure.
“He was certainly the most powerful vice president, but I hate to bash him by that nickname,” said Paul Wright, a political scientist at New York University and author of “Vice President Power: Advice and Influence in the White House.”
Wright continued, “He was much more than a vice president. He ended up doing a lot of things that were much more than a vice president.”
President Bush issued a statement expressing his condolences to Cheney’s family, adding that Cheney’s death was “a loss to our nation and a sadness to his friends.”
President Bush said, “Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House in the midst of great national challenges. I relied on his honest and candid advice, and he never failed to give his best.”
“He stood by his beliefs and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. During his two terms in office and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheney’s accomplishments always reflected his faith in the country he loved.”
See more photos of Dick Cheney and George W. Bush over the years
This story has been updated to add new information.
Contributor: Susan Page, USA TODAY
Taylor Eardley is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact tardrey@gannett.com.
