Bush lauds Dick Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ at funeral

In a rare display of unity, prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor the life and legacy of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, passed away in early November at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. His funeral, held at the Washington National Cathedral, drew a diverse crowd of political leaders, including former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden. Bush, in his heartfelt eulogy, praised Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ in a profession often dominated by talkers, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty and competence as a second-in-command. Cheney, a pivotal figure in shaping Bush’s ‘war on terror’ post-9/11 and a staunch advocate for the Iraq invasion, was remembered as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. However, his later years saw him fall out of favor within the Republican Party after he publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results. This rift extended to his daughter, former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, who also clashed with Trump. Notably, both Cheneys endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 White House election. Harris, along with former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Al Gore, attended the funeral, while Trump and Vice President JD Vance were absent. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Cheney’s enduring impact on American politics, despite the controversies that marked his career.