Dick Cheney's death has sparked a wave of tributes, but the silence from some corners is deafening. While former President George W. Bush led the chorus of praise for his former Vice President, the conspicuous absence of any statement from Donald Trump and current Vice President JD Vance raises eyebrows and fuels speculation about the lasting impact of political divides. But here's where it gets controversial... Was this silence a deliberate snub, a reflection of deep-seated ideological differences, or simply a matter of timing?
Dick Cheney, who passed away at the age of 84 from complications related to pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, was a towering figure in American politics. Widely considered one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in US history, he served alongside George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. His influence extended far beyond the ceremonial, shaping the Bush administration's response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and playing a key role in the decision to invade Iraq in 2003. To provide some context, before serving as Vice President, Cheney held prominent positions, including Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush and White House Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford, becoming the youngest person to ever hold that role.
However, Cheney's legacy is far from universally celebrated. He became a vocal and unwavering critic of Donald Trump and the direction of the Republican Party under Trump's influence. In a powerful 2022 television advertisement, Cheney didn't mince words, stating that Trump posed "a greater threat to our republic than any individual" in the nation's history. He accused Trump of attempting to overturn the 2020 election through lies and violence, branding him a "coward."
Following Cheney's death on Monday night (Tuesday AEDT), the White House lowered its flags to half-mast, a traditional gesture of respect. Trump, however, remained silent, instead focusing his attention on social media posts concerning elections across the US and criticizing political opponents. He even went so far as to suggest that any Jewish person voting for a particular New York City mayoral candidate was "a stupid person." Trump also reiterated his call for congressional Republicans to abolish the Senate filibuster and commented on the declining ratings of MSNBC host Joe Scarborough. And this is the part most people miss... The juxtaposition of these actions with the passing of a former Vice President paints a stark picture of the current political climate.
At a press briefing, Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, did not initially mention Cheney's death. When questioned by a reporter, she stated that the White House was not currently involved in planning Cheney's funeral, emphasizing that lowering the flag was simply adhering to protocol.
In contrast to Trump's silence, George W. Bush issued a heartfelt tribute, describing Cheney as "among the finest public servants of his generation" and a "patriot" who brought "integrity, high intelligence and seriousness of purpose to every position he held." Bush highlighted Cheney's calm presence during national crises and valued his "honest, forthright counsel." Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice echoed these sentiments, calling Cheney a mentor and friend, and praising his dedication to defending the country after 9/11. Senator Mitch McConnell, a long-serving Republican leader, lauded Cheney's "immense organisational competence, far-sighted vision and sheer force of will."
These tributes stand in stark contrast to the silence emanating from Trump and prominent figures within the "Make America Great Again" movement. The tension between Trump and the Cheney family is well-documented. During the previous election, Trump publicly feuded with Cheney's daughter, Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman who supported Democrat Kamala Harris, labeling her a "radical war hawk." Furthermore, while current Vice President JD Vance is often compared to Cheney in terms of potential influence, his isolationist worldview clashes sharply with Cheney's long-standing advocacy for military interventionism.
Cheney's controversial legacy also drew criticism even after his death. Kenneth Roth, the former head of Human Rights Watch, accused Cheney of pursuing a "utterly lawless approach" to the war on terror, including the use of torture, forced disappearances, and indefinite detention without trial. Roth emphasized that Cheney's opposition to Trump did not absolve him of responsibility for these actions. It's important to remember that even figures who oppose each other can both be subject to scrutiny and criticism.
It's worth noting that Cheney, despite facing criticism for his role in the Iraq War, never wavered from his convictions. He famously predicted a swift and successful military operation, stating that US forces would be "greeted as liberators." Even as the war dragged on and resulted in significant casualties, Cheney maintained that the "big issues" were handled correctly and that the majority of Iraqis were grateful for the US intervention.
So, what does this all mean? Is the silence from Trump and Vance a sign of a fractured Republican Party, a deliberate act of disrespect, or simply a reflection of differing priorities? And what will Dick Cheney's lasting legacy be, considering both his contributions to American politics and the controversies that surrounded his career? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
