Dick Cheney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dick Cheney
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Official portrait, 2003
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| 46th Vice President of the United States | |
| In office January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Al Gore |
| Succeeded by | Joe Biden |
| 17th United States Secretary of Defense | |
| In office March 21, 1989 – January 20, 1993 |
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| President | George H. W. Bush |
| Deputy | Donald J. Atwood Jr. |
| Preceded by | Frank Carlucci |
| Succeeded by | Les Aspin |
| House Minority Whip | |
| In office January 3, 1989 – March 20, 1989 |
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| Leader | Robert H. Michel |
| Preceded by | Trent Lott |
| Succeeded by | Newt Gingrich |
| Chair of the House Republican Conference | |
| In office June 4, 1987 – January 3, 1989 |
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| Leader | Robert H. Michel |
| Preceded by | Jack Kemp |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Lewis |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming's at-large district |
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| In office January 3, 1979 – March 20, 1989 |
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| Preceded by | Teno Roncalio |
| Succeeded by | Craig L. Thomas |
| 7th White House Chief of Staff | |
| In office November 21, 1975 – January 20, 1977 |
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| President | Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Donald Rumsfeld |
| Succeeded by | Hamilton Jordan (1979) |
| White House Deputy Chief of Staff | |
| In office December 18, 1974 – November 21, 1975 |
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| President | Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Landon Butler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Bruce Cheney
January 30, 1941 Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
| Education | |
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Richard Bruce Cheney (pronounced CHAY-nee; born January 30, 1941) is an American former politician and businessman. He served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. Many people have called him one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history. Before this, Cheney was White House Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford. He also represented Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1989. Later, he became the 17th United States secretary of defense under President George H. W. Bush.
Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up there and in Casper, Wyoming. He studied at Yale University and later earned degrees in political science from the University of Wyoming. He started his political career as an intern and worked his way up in the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations. He was White House Chief of Staff from 1975 to 1977. In 1978, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Wyoming. He served there until 1989, even becoming House minority whip for a short time.
President George H. W. Bush appointed Cheney as Secretary of Defense. He held this job from 1989 to 1993. As Secretary, he oversaw important military actions like Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East. After leaving this role, he was the chairman and CEO of Halliburton, a large company, from 1995 to 2000.
In July 2000, George W. Bush chose Cheney as his running mate for the 2000 presidential election. They won against Al Gore and Joe Lieberman. In 2004, Cheney was reelected for a second term as vice president. During his time as vice president, he played a key role in the Bush administration's response to the September 11 attacks and the Global War on Terrorism. He supported the Iraq War, believing Iraq had dangerous weapons and links to Al-Qaeda. However, these claims were not proven. He also supported certain policies related to fighting terrorism, like wiretapping and "enhanced interrogation" programs.
Cheney's approval ratings dropped by the end of his vice presidency. After leaving office, he has shared his views on current politics. He is the oldest living former U.S. vice president.
Contents
- Early Life and Education
- Early Career in Government
- U.S. House of Representatives (1979–1989)
- Secretary of Defense (1989–1993)
- Private Sector Career
- 2000 Presidential Election
- Vice Presidency (2001–2009)
- Post–Vice Presidency (2009–Present)
- Public Perception and Legacy
- Personal Life
- Images for kids
- See also
Early Life and Education
Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. His parents were Marjorie Lorraine and Richard Herbert Cheney. His father worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His mother was a softball player. He was one of three children.
He went to Calvert Elementary School. Later, his family moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he attended Natrona County High School. He went to Yale University but found it hard to adjust and left. He later attended the University of Wyoming, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in political science. He started, but did not finish, a higher degree in political science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
In 1964, he married Lynne Vincent, his high school sweetheart. They had met when he was 14. During the Vietnam War, Cheney received several deferments from the military draft. He explained that he needed to finish college and work to pay for his education.
In 1966, Cheney left his doctoral program to work for Governor Warren P. Knowles. In 1968, he moved to Washington, D.C., for a congressional fellowship.
Early Career in Government
Cheney's political career began in 1969. He started as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger during the Richard Nixon Administration. He then joined the staff of Donald Rumsfeld. Over the next few years, he held several roles in the White House. These included White House Staff Assistant and Assistant Director of the Cost of Living Council. He also served as Deputy Assistant to the President from 1974 to 1975.
White House Chief of Staff
Cheney became Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff under Gerald Ford in December 1974. In November 1975, when Rumsfeld became Secretary of Defense, Cheney took over as White House Chief of Staff. He also managed Ford's 1976 presidential campaign.
U.S. House of Representatives (1979–1989)
Elections and Service
In 1978, Cheney was elected to represent Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives. He won against Bill Bagley and took the place of retiring Congressman Teno Roncalio. Cheney was re-elected five times and served until 1989.
Leadership Roles
In 1987, he was chosen as Chairman of the House Republican Conference. The next year, he was elected House Minority Whip. He served in this role for about two and a half months. He then became Secretary of Defense.
Key Votes and Positions
Cheney voted against creating the U.S. Department of Education. He was concerned about government spending and states' rights. He also initially voted against funding the Head Start Program, but changed his mind in 2000.
He first opposed a national holiday for Martin Luther King Jr. in 1979. However, he supported the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day five years later in 1983.
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan vetoed a bill to place economic sanctions on South Africa because of its policy of apartheid. Cheney was one of 83 Representatives who voted against overriding Reagan's veto. He later explained his opposition to such sanctions, saying they "almost never work" and could harm the people.
Secretary of Defense (1989–1993)
President George H. W. Bush nominated Cheney to be Secretary of Defense. The Senate approved him with a vote of 92 to 0. He served from March 1989 to January 1993. He led the United States invasion of Panama and Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East. In 1991, President Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Cheney has said his time at the Pentagon was the most rewarding part of his public service. He called it "the one that stands out."
Budget and Military Changes
One of Cheney's first tasks as Secretary of Defense was managing the Department of Defense budget. After the Cold War ended, he decided to cut the budget and make the military smaller. He reduced military strength from 2.2 million people in 1989 to about 1.8 million by 1993. Despite these cuts, Cheney worked on a plan to make sure the U.S. military remained strong after the Cold War.
International Events
Cheney was concerned that countries like Iraq, Iran, and North Korea might get nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. He believed that NATO should remain strong to help with European security.
Cheney also convinced Saudi Arabia to allow U.S. ground troops and war planes to be based there. This was very important for the success of the Gulf War.
Panama and Somalia
The United States worked to remove Panamanian ruler General Manuel Antonio Noriega from power. In December 1989, after Panamanian soldiers killed a U.S. serviceman, the United States invasion of Panama began under Cheney's direction. The goal was to capture Noriega, protect U.S. lives, and restore freedom in Panama. U.S. forces took control of Panama, and Noriega was later imprisoned.
In 1991, the Somali Civil War caused a lot of suffering. In August 1992, the U.S. began sending food and aid. At President Bush's request, Cheney sent 26,000 U.S. troops to Somalia as part of the Unified Task Force (UNITAF). This mission aimed to provide security and food relief.
Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
On August 1, 1990, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein sent his forces to invade neighboring Kuwait. This started the Persian Gulf War. Cheney and General Norman Schwarzkopf planned the U.S. military operation.
Soon after the invasion, Cheney visited Saudi Arabia. King Fahd asked for U.S. military help. The United Nations also condemned Iraq's actions and demanded they leave Kuwait. By January 1991, the U.S. had about 500,000 troops in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Other countries also sent troops or financial support for the effort, called Operation Desert Shield.
On January 12, 1991, Congress allowed President Bush to use military force against Iraq.
Military Action
The first part of Operation Desert Storm began on January 17, 1991. It was an air attack to gain control of the sky and target Iraqi forces. After more than five weeks of air attacks, Coalition forces started the ground war on February 24. Within 100 hours, Iraqi forces were driven out of Kuwait. On February 27, the main goal of expelling Iraq from Kuwait was met. After talking with Cheney and others, President Bush stopped the fighting.
Aftermath of the War
About 147 U.S. military personnel died in combat during the Gulf War. Iraq agreed to a truce on March 3 and a permanent cease-fire on April 6. There was a debate about whether Coalition forces should have gone all the way to Baghdad to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Cheney believed that going to Baghdad would have been a "bad idea" and could have led to a "quagmire." He explained that other countries would not have joined them, and it would have been difficult to decide what government to put in place. He also noted that it would have caused many more casualties.
Private Sector Career
Between 1987 and 1989, Cheney was on the board of the Council on Foreign Relations, a foreign policy organization. After leaving government in January 1993, Cheney joined the American Enterprise Institute. He also served a second term as a Council on Foreign Relations director from 1993 to 1995.
From October 1, 1995, to July 25, 2000, he was chairman and chief executive officer of Halliburton, a large company. Cheney resigned from Halliburton on the same day he was chosen as George Bush's vice-presidential running mate in 2000.
2000 Presidential Election
In early 2000, while leading Halliburton, Cheney led then-Governor of Texas George W. Bush's search committee for a vice-presidential candidate. On July 25, Bush surprised many by asking Cheney himself to join the Republican ticket.
Before the election, Cheney moved his official residence back to Wyoming. This was needed because of a rule that prevents electors from voting for both a president and vice president from the same state. Cheney campaigned against Al Gore's running mate, Joseph Lieberman. The Bush-Cheney team won the 2000 presidential election.
Vice Presidency (2001–2009)
First Term (2001–2005)
After the September 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney stayed in various secure, undisclosed locations for safety reasons. He later shared that these included his official vice presidential home, his Wyoming home, and Camp David. He also used a large security team for his daily travel.
On June 29, 2002, Cheney served as acting president for a short time while President Bush had a medical procedure.
Iraq War and Policy
After 9/11, Cheney played a key role in arguing for a war against Iraq. He helped shape President Bush's approach to the "War on Terror." Cheney often stated that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and links to Al-Qaeda. However, U.S. intelligence later found no strong evidence connecting Saddam Hussein to the 9/11 attacks or a significant relationship with Al-Qaeda.
After the U.S. invaded Iraq, Cheney continued to support the war strongly. He visited the country many times. He often criticized those who opposed the war.
Second Term (2005–2009)
Bush and Cheney were re-elected in the 2004 presidential election. They ran against John Kerry and John Edwards. During the election, his daughter Mary's pregnancy and personal life became a public topic. Cheney later stated his personal support for same-sex marriage, but believed each U.S. state should decide on the issue.
On July 21, 2007, Cheney again served as acting president for a short time while President Bush had another medical procedure. Cheney decided not to run for president in the 2008 presidential election.
Government Transparency and Records
Cheney was an important member of the National Energy Policy Development Group (NEPDG), also known as the Energy Task Force. This group included people from the energy industry. After a scandal involving the company Enron, the Bush administration was accused of improper ties. In July 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that the US Department of Commerce had to release some NEPDG documents.
Starting in 2003, Cheney's staff chose not to file required reports with the National Archives and Records Administration. This office ensures that the executive branch protects classified information. Cheney refused to release some documents, citing his executive privilege. Some media outlets and groups questioned if Cheney had created a "fourth branch of government" that was not subject to certain laws.
Policy Influence
Cheney has been described as one of the most powerful and influential Vice Presidents in history. Both his supporters and critics see him as a smart and knowledgeable politician. He had offices in several locations, showing his active role in policy-making.
Cheney actively supported expanding the powers of the presidency. He believed that the Bush administration's actions were "a restoration" of the president's power. Articles in The Washington Post described Cheney's influence on decisions about holding suspected terrorists and the rules for questioning them. They also highlighted his influence on budget, tax, and environmental policies.
In June 2008, Cheney reportedly tried to stop efforts by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to make a deal with North Korea about its nuclear program. In July 2008, a former official stated that Cheney's office pushed for large parts of a report on the health effects of global warming to be removed. This was reportedly to avoid regulating greenhouse gases.
In his role as President of the U.S. Senate, Cheney supported a challenge to gun laws in Washington, D.C., based on the Second Amendment. In February 2010, Cheney repeated his support for "enhanced interrogation techniques" for suspected terrorists.
Post–Vice Presidency (2009–Present)
After leaving office, Cheney bought a home in McLean, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. He also has homes in Wyoming and Maryland.
Political Activities
In July 2012, Cheney hosted a fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at his Wyoming home. This event raised over $4 million.
Cheney has been the subject of documentary films, including The World According to Dick Cheney. He has remained publicly active, often criticizing the Obama administration's national security policies. In May 2009, Cheney spoke about his support for same-sex marriage, saying people should be free to enter any union they wish. He also noted that marriage has historically been a state issue.
In July 2009, CIA Director Leon Panetta stated that the CIA had kept information about a secret counter-terrorism program from Congress for eight years, following direct orders from Cheney. This program involved planning and training but never became fully operational.
Cheney has said that the Tea Party Movement was a "positive influence on the Republican Party." In May 2016, Cheney supported Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president. In November of that year, his daughter Liz won election to the House of Representatives, taking his former congressional seat. In March 2017, Cheney said that Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections could be seen as "an act of war."
Views on Recent Presidents
On December 29, 2009, Cheney criticized President Barack Obama's approach to national security. He said that pretending the U.S. was not at war made the country less safe. In May 2011, Cheney praised the Obama administration for the military operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden. In 2014, he called Obama a "weak President" after Obama announced plans to withdraw forces from Afghanistan.
Cheney has also criticized modern Republican leadership. In May 2018, he supported President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal. In March 2019, Cheney questioned President Trump's commitment to NATO.
On the one-year anniversary of the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Cheney joined his daughter Liz at the Capitol. In 2022, he appeared in a campaign ad for Liz, calling Trump a "coward" and a "threat to our republic." On September 6, 2024, Cheney publicly stated that he planned to vote for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. He said that Trump was the greatest threat to the republic and could not be trusted with power again.
Memoirs and Books
In August 2011, Cheney published his memoir, In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir, co-written with his daughter Liz Cheney. The book shares Cheney's memories of 9/11, the War on Terrorism, the 2001 War in Afghanistan, and the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War.
In 2015, Cheney published another book, Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America, also with his daughter Liz. The book discusses U.S. foreign policy and military actions from Franklin Roosevelt's time through the Obama administration. The authors argue for the unique role of the United States as a defender of freedom worldwide since World War II. They criticize the foreign policies of Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Public Perception and Legacy
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Cheney's early public approval ratings were positive, reaching 68 percent after the September 11 attacks. However, his approval numbers gradually declined during his second term, reaching 13 percent before he left office.
In April 2007, Cheney received an honorary doctorate from Brigham Young University. His selection as a speaker was debated, but the university explained it was an honor for someone holding the high office of vice president.
Cheney has been called the most powerful vice president in American history. He has sometimes been compared to the character Darth Vader, a comparison he and his family have humorously adopted.
Personal Life
Cheney is a member of the United Methodist Church. His wife, Lynne, was chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 to 1996. She is now an author and public speaker.
The couple has two daughters, Elizabeth ("Liz") and Mary Cheney, and seven grandchildren. Liz is a former congresswoman from Wyoming. Mary lives in Great Falls, Virginia, with her wife Heather Poe. Cheney has publicly supported gay marriage since leaving the vice presidency.
Health Challenges
Cheney has a long history of cardiovascular disease and has needed medical care many times. He had his first of five heart attacks in 1978 at age 37. He had more heart attacks in 1984, 1988, 2000, and 2010. He underwent several heart procedures, including bypass surgery in 1988 and the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator in 2001.
In 2005, he had a procedure to repair popliteal artery aneurysms in his legs. In 2007, he was treated for a deep-vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his left leg. He also experienced atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat.
In July 2010, Cheney received a left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) to help his heart pump blood. This device allowed him to live without a pulse for nearly 15 months. On March 24, 2012, Cheney underwent a seven-hour heart transplant procedure. He had been on a waiting list for over 20 months.
Hunting Accident
On February 11, 2006, Cheney accidentally shot Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old Texas attorney, during a quail hunt. Whittington was hit by birdshot pellets in his face, neck, and chest. He was taken to the hospital and later had a heart attack due to a pellet near his heart. Doctors decided to leave some pellets in his body because they were too small to remove safely.
The incident was reported to the sheriff about an hour after it happened. Both Cheney and Whittington called it an accident. Early reports said the injuries were minor and that they were friends, but Whittington later said they were acquaintances. The incident affected Cheney's public approval ratings.
Images for kids
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Cursive signature in ink
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The Bush–Cheney ticket won the 2000 presidential election with 271 electoral votes but with only 47.9% of the popular vote, less than their opposition ticket, Gore–Lieberman, which received 48.3%.
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The Bush–Cheney ticket won the 2004 presidential election with 50.7% of the popular vote and 286 electoral votes.
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Handwritten note above Joe Wilson's editorial by Cheney referring to the covert agent before the leak took place
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Vice President Cheney speaks to the press flanked by fellow Republicans Mitch McConnell (left) and Trent Lott (right), April 2007.
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Cheney attending the state funeral of George H. W. Bush in December 2018
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Cheney in 2012, promoting his book
See also
In Spanish: Dick Cheney para niños
