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Dick Cheney Memorial Draws a rare gathering of political rivals. Washington National Cathedral hosted the service Thursday. The ceremony honored the influential, yet polarizing, U.S. vice president. Cheney served under President George W. Bush. In later years, he became a harsh critic of Donald Trump. Trump, publicly silent since Cheney’s Nov. 3 death, did not receive an invitation.
Presidents and Vice Presidents Gather
Two former presidents attended the memorial service. Republican George W. Bush delivered a eulogy. He honored the man who served as his Vice President. Democrat Joe Biden also attended the service. Biden once called Cheney “the most dangerous vice-president.” Now, Biden honored Cheney’s commitment to his values and family.
Powerful figures from recent history mingled before the service. Bush and Biden sat together in the same row. Their wives also joined them. Former Vice President Kamala Harris chatted with Mike Pence. Al Gore and Dan Quayle sat side-by-side behind them. Biden greeted Republican Senator Mitch McConnell. McConnell served as the longtime Senate leader. Biden also spoke with McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sat nearby. This Dick Cheney Memorial Draws politicians from across the political spectrum.
Daughter and Colleagues Offer Tributes
Liz Cheney delivered an address at the grand church. She is the former Vice President’s daughter. Her political career was damaged by Trump’s MAGA movement. Bush joined her in addressing the gathering. Other speakers offered personal tributes. Jonathan Reiner, Cheney’s long-time cardiologist, spoke. Pete Williams was Cheney’s former Pentagon spokesman. Williams also delivered a tribute. Cheney’s grandchildren also participated in the service. Hundreds of guests were expected to attend.
Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, did not attend. Vance spoke at another event that morning. He acknowledged Cheney served his country. Vance wished the grieving Cheney family “all the best.”
A Legacy of Influence and Controversy
The deeply conservative Cheney wielded legendary influence. His critics found his tenure tragic. He strongly advocated for the U.S. invasion of Iraq. This push relied on intelligence that proved faulty. Cheney also defended extreme tools of surveillance and detention. These measures followed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Bush credited Cheney with keeping the country safe.
Cheney battled heart disease for many decades. He underwent a heart transplant after the Bush administration. He died at 84 from complications. Pneumonia and cardiac disease caused his death. The White House lowered its flags to half-staff. Trump did not issue a presidential proclamation. He has not commented publicly on Cheney’s passing.
The Trump Conflict
Liz Cheney co-chaired the Jan. 6 investigative committee. This happened after the 2020 election. She accused Trump of summoning a violent mob. She said Trump plunged the nation into “maximum danger.” Consequently, Republicans removed her from leadership. She ultimately lost her 2022 primary in Wyoming.
Dick Cheney campaigned strongly for his daughter. He called Trump a “coward” in a TV ad. He claimed Trump tried to steal the last election. Cheney said Trump used lies and violence to stay in power. Last year, Cheney said he would vote for Kamala Harris. This decision upset Trump greatly. Trump told Arab voters to pause over Cheney’s support for Harris. He claimed Cheney “killed more Arabs than any human being.” This Dick Cheney Memorial Draws attention to the deep rift within the Republican Party.
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