Historian Doug Brinkley on Dick Cheney's legacy

Key Concepts

• Dick Cheney's Legacy: A multifaceted figure remembered for his roles as Secretary of Defense and Vice President, with a significant impact on foreign policy and national security.
• Secretary of Defense (1991-1993): Key architect of foreign policy during the George H.W. Bush administration, overseeing the fall of the Berlin Wall, collapse of the Soviet Union, and liberation of Kuwait.
• Vice President (2001-2009): Served under George W. Bush, becoming a prominent "hawk" after 9/11, advocating for the Patriot Act and the creation of Homeland Security.
• Patriot Act: A controversial piece of legislation enacted after 9/11, raising concerns about surveillance issues.
• Homeland Security: The establishment of this department was a direct consequence of the 9/11 attacks, with Cheney playing a significant role.
• George W. Bush's Relationship with Cheney: Characterized by deep friendship and trust, with Bush acknowledging Cheney's steadfast leadership and support.
• Constitution Over Politics: An emerging narrative highlighted by Liz Cheney's actions, emphasizing the importance of constitutional principles above partisan politics.
• January 6th Capitol Attack: A pivotal event that influenced Dick Cheney's later stance and his daughter Liz Cheney's political actions.
• Cheney Family's Stance: A unified front in defending constitutional values, even at a significant political cost, as exemplified by Liz Cheney's criticism of Donald Trump.
• Political Fallout: The consequences faced by Liz Cheney in Wyoming for her stance against Donald Trump, illustrating the state's strong Republican leanings.
• Personal Life: Cheney's later years were marked by heart ailments and a love for the wilderness in Wyoming.

Dick Cheney's Historical Remembrance

Presidential historian Doug Brinkley discusses the legacy of former Vice President Dick Cheney as his funeral services conclude at the National Cathedral. Brinkley characterizes Cheney as a "man of the West," noting his Nebraska origins and a historical connection to figures like Jerry Ford.

Career as Secretary of Defense

Cheney's significant breakout occurred during his tenure as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, from 1991 to 1993. This period is highlighted as a significant era in American foreign policy, marked by:

• The fall of the Berlin Wall.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union.
• The liberation of Kuwait, with Cheney identified as a "key architect" of this operation.

Vice Presidency and Post-9/11 Era

Cheney's second major career phase was as Vice President under George W. Bush. Following the September 11th attacks, he emerged as a prominent "hawk," advocating for:

• The Patriot Act: This legislation, while controversial due to surveillance concerns, was a direct response to the attacks.
• Creation of Homeland Security: A significant governmental restructuring aimed at enhancing national security.

Brinkley emphasizes Cheney's role as one of the "most substantive and important vice presidents in American history" due to his close relationship with President George W. Bush. He references President Bush's eulogy, where he stated he "could have gotten rid of him" but chose to keep Cheney for his "steadfast leadership and friendship."

The "Constitution Over Politics" Narrative

A significant emerging narrative, particularly highlighted by Liz Cheney's statements and actions, is the principle of "Constitution over politics." This is exemplified by Dick Cheney's decision to vote against Donald Trump in the 2020 election and instead vote for Kamala Harris, a move that underscores the gravity of the January 6th events in historical perspective.

• Courageous Stand: Both Dick and Liz Cheney are noted for their courage in prioritizing constitutional principles over party loyalty, especially in their opposition to Donald Trump's actions.
• Family's Commitment: The Cheney family is portrayed as being "about the Constitution," committed to historical truth and the role of the U.S. military, finding current President Trump's behavior "unacceptable."
• Political Toll: Liz Cheney's loss in Wyoming, a "very red meat state," is presented as a direct political consequence of her and her father's stance against Trump, demonstrating the political fallout of their principled stand.

Later Life and Personal Reflections

Cheney's "big third act" involved defending his daughter and dealing with his heart ailments. He also found solace in the wilderness of Wyoming, particularly around Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons, a region he deeply loved. Brinkley notes that while the Cheney family is "very admired by people in town" in Wyoming, their political views did not translate to statewide electoral success for Liz Cheney.

Conclusion

As the funeral services conclude and Cheney's coffin is carried from the National Cathedral, Brinkley offers a final farewell, summarizing Cheney's impactful career as a key architect of foreign policy and a significant figure in national security, whose legacy is now being viewed through the lens of his later commitment to constitutional principles above partisan politics.