On November 9, 2024, the memorial for former Vice President Dick Cheney at Washington National Cathedral became a focal point of political reflection, serving as a poignant reminder of the complex legacy left by one of America’s most significant and controversial figures. Cheney, who passed away at 84 from complications related to pneumonia and heart disease, was a central architect of U.S. defense policy, his tenure marked by decisions that sparked intense debate and division long after he left office.
The gathering drew an array of political leaders and officials, many of whom have publicly opposed the political currents that Cheney’s daughter has championed. Rather than an occasion of unified mourning, it appeared almost as a reunion of historical adversaries, amplifying the deep fractures within the current political landscape.
Political commentator Pedro Gonzalez articulated the sentiment of discontent circulating among conservatives when he remarked that Cheney’s funeral felt “essentially a holiday party for Treasonists.” His sharp statement reflects the growing rift felt by many traditional conservatives toward an entrenched political elite they perceive as indifferent to their concerns. The gathering, highlighting both Democrats and establishment Republicans, served as a vivid illustration of a political coalition that has overseen prolonged foreign conflicts and what critics label a disregard for core American values.
Prominent figures in attendance included President Joe Biden and former Presidents Bush and Clinton, alongside other notable leaders. This presence symbolized a striking convergence of political ideologies and factions. Biden—in his eulogy—honored Cheney as “a man of deep conviction,” despite their policy disagreements. Bush recounted their shared history during the post-9/11 years, stating, “They do not come any better than Dick Cheney.” Both comments indicate an acknowledgment of Cheney’s significant role in shaping U.S. policy, even among those who opposed him during key moments.
Cheney’s daughter, Liz, reflected on her father’s steadfast commitment to the Constitution, emphasizing that he believed it transcended party lines. Her tribute was tinged with irony, given her own political demise following her criticism of Trump and alignment with the January 6 investigation—a choice that incited a harsh backlash from elements of the Republican base. Liz Cheney described her father as “a giant to the end,” a testament to his enduring impact on American politics.
Notably absent from the memorial were Donald Trump and his chosen successor, J.D. Vance, both of whom have positioned themselves as part of a new Conservative wave that diverges sharply from Cheney’s era. Their absence spoke volumes. While Vance expressed respect for Cheney’s service, stating, “He was a guy who served his country,” the lack of formal acknowledgment from Trump stood in stark contrast to the traditional norms of honoring former leaders.
Within the cathedral, family stories painted a picture of a man deeply connected to his roots, characterized by warmth and loyalty. However, these personal remembrances clashed with the broader public perceptions of Cheney’s legislative choices, particularly regarding the Iraq War and expanded surveillance powers. The consequences of these policies are stark, with thousands of Americans lost and costs exceeding $2.9 trillion, overshadowing any commendations of Cheney’s leadership during crises.
As cameras captured former rivals exchanging pleasantries, the dynamics of the evening served as a microcosm of a political class perceived as insulated from the struggles of everyday Americans. People like Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, and even Dr. Fauci, once adversaries on critical issues, gathered together under the cathedral’s lofty arches, raising questions about accountability and the entrenched nature of political alliances.
Ominously, the divide between the political elite and the American public appears to grow. Polling suggests a steep decline in favorability for figures like George W. Bush and Cheney among those aligned with Trump’s populist movement. With a noted 23% of conservative voters viewing Bush favorably and only 14% among Trump supporters, it is clear that there is a significant disconnect between establishment figures and the current Republican base.
As Steven Carter, a retired Marine and Iraq veteran, poignantly expressed, the gathering was emblematic of a political elite detached from the harsh realities faced by service members and their families. “The people in that pew… are the ones who sent American boys to die on foreign soil for lies,” he noted. This sentiment resonates deeply with those who have directly experienced the repercussions of decisions made in the chambers of power.
Ultimately, the memorial served as more than a tribute to Cheney. It underscored the enduring divides and complexities of modern political discourse in America. The ceremonial hymn that concluded the memorial echoed solemnly as attendees processed their thoughts and feelings. The gathering was a moment for reflection, revealing not only admiration for Cheney but also the lingering questions of loyalty, service, and the overarching concept of what it means to truly defend the Republic. The legacy of Dick Cheney, thus, remains a point of contention, intertwining loyalty to country with loyalty to one’s political affiliations, revealing the multifaceted nature of public service in a divided nation.
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