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Former Vice President Dick Cheney passed away on Tuesday (November 4) at the age of 84. His family announced that he died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney, who served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was surrounded by his wife, Lynne, and daughters, Liz and Mary, at the time of his passing.
Cheney's political career was marked by his influential role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, particularly during the Iraq War. He was often considered a key architect of the war, advocating for the invasion of Iraq following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Cheney's "One Percent Doctrine" emphasized preemptive action against potential threats to the United States, significantly impacting the Bush administration's foreign policy decisions.
Throughout his tenure, Cheney was a polarizing figure, admired for his strategic acumen but also criticized for his aggressive stance on national security. He was often compared to "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader for his assertive approach. Despite controversies, Cheney remained a steadfast advocate for strong presidential powers, arguing against congressional limitations imposed after the Vietnam War.
Before his vice presidency, Cheney served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, where he played a crucial role in the Gulf War. He also held various positions in the Nixon and Ford administrations and was a long-time congressman from Wyoming.
In recent years, Cheney supported his daughter Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman, in her opposition to President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. His legacy remains a topic of debate, reflecting his complex and impactful career in American politics.