Watch: George W. Bush eulogizes Dick Cheney at National Cathedral funeral

Key Concepts

• Dick Cheney's Character and Public Image: Stoical, grateful, detached, unfazed, expressionless, solid, reliable, rare, thoughtful, listener, sparing with words, measured, calm, reticent, undramatic, untrustworthy (in a political sense), courteous, approachable, gentleman, man of the West, funny, easygoing, not standard issue politician.
• George W. Bush's Perspective: Pride in Cheney as Vice President and friend, admiration for his qualities, trust in his judgment, recognition of his talent and restraint exceeding his ego, appreciation for his steadiness, low-key style, and absolute loyalty.
• Cheney's Political Career and Influence: Search for running mate, role as Vice President, influence on foreign policy, driving force behind the Iraq War and enhanced interrogation tactics, impact on presidential power, conservative values, stance against Donald Trump.
• Historical Context and Legacy: Complicated figure, powerful Vice President, driving force behind post-9/11 policies, historical scars on reputation, conservative roots, voting for Kamala Harris, putting the Constitution above party.
• Key Relationships: Lynn Vincent (wife), George W. Bush (President), Gerald Ford (former President), Marjorie and Richard Cheney (parents).

Eulogy by George W. Bush at the Funeral of Dick Cheney

Introduction and Personal Connection: Former President George W. Bush began his remarks by expressing his pride in calling Dick Cheney his Vice President and his friend. He described the task of speaking at the funeral as "easy" due to the abundance of admirable qualities in Cheney. Bush highlighted Cheney's stoicism and gratitude, particularly for his wife, Lynn, and their daughters, Heather and Phil, and grandchildren, emphasizing the deep family bond. He acknowledged the shared sense of loss felt by many in the country.

The Selection of a Vice President: Bush recounted the process of selecting his running mate in 2000. He enlisted the help of a former White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of Defense to lead the search. Bush and Cheney reviewed candidate files, discussing desired qualities: preparedness, mature judgment, rectitude, and loyalty. Crucially, Bush sought someone who could step into the presidency without being driven by personal ambition. After weeks of deliberation, Bush realized the best choice was Cheney himself. He noted Cheney's detached and analytical approach, even presenting reasons why he shouldn't be chosen, and his composure when a top advisor voiced opposition. Bush ultimately trusted his judgment, recalling his father's affirmation: "Son, you couldn't pick a better man."

Cheney's Life and Career Trajectory: Bush characterized Cheney's life as a series of opportunities where "one job always led to another," a typically understated assessment. He emphasized Cheney's self-evident abilities, restraint, and talent that exceeded his ego. Even before national recognition, people recognized Cheney as "solid, reliable, and rare." Bush cited Lynn Vincent's role in their college years, where she helped Cheney find direction, a turning point he credited with shaping his life. Within a decade, Cheney transitioned from laying transmission lines to serving as Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford. Bush noted Ford's memoir described Cheney's steadiness, low-key style, and absolute loyalty, traits not easily found in Washington.

Cheney's Communication Style and Political Acumen: Bush contrasted Cheney's approach with the typical "talkers" in politics, describing him as a "thinker and a listener." When Cheney spoke, it was with an even tone, an orderly and unexcitable manner, reflecting a "highly disciplined mind." Colleagues, legislators, and foreign leaders recognized him as a "serious man." Bush also highlighted Cheney's success as a candidate, never losing an election, including their shared congressional race in 1978. He painted a picture of Cheney campaigning in Wyoming, making a strong impression with his intelligence and polish, courtesy, approachability, and genuine equality in his interactions.

Re-selection and Presidential Trust: Bush revealed that in 2004, Cheney offered to step aside if Bush wanted a different Vice President. However, after four years of observing Cheney's treatment of people, his handling of responsibility, pressure, and criticism, Bush concluded that "they do not come any better than Dick Cheney." He stated that Cheney "lifted the standards of those around him" and was everything a president should expect in a second-in-command, embodying concentration, alertness, and composure during testing times.

Cheney's Devotion to Country and Physical Endurance: Bush described Cheney's memoir, "My Time," as reflecting an "old breed of public servant defined by their substance and character." He emphasized Cheney's total devotion to protecting the United States and its interests, with no agenda beyond that. Cheney's greatest concerns and ambitions were for his country, and his 40 years of service were consistent, faithful, and noble. Bush also touched upon Cheney's "sheer physical endurance," referencing his authority on cardiovascular disease and his resilience as a patient, a testament to resourceful doctors and a determined individual.

Cheney's Later Years and Final Reflection: Bush mentioned Cheney's enjoyment of his later life, including his grandchildren, citing an anecdote about his grandson Richard asking him to attend kindergarten for show and tell. He shared a parting reflection from Cheney in 2022: "When you can look back on a lifetime in politics and government and what you value most are the friendships, then I guess you've done all right." Bush concluded by expressing gratitude for Cheney's good life, honoring his service, and hoping to meet him again.

Analysis of George W. Bush's Eulogy by Major Garrett (CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent)

Friendship and Professional Relationship: Major Garrett noted the remarkable portrayal of not just a professional relationship but a genuine friendship between Bush and Cheney. He highlighted the detailed account of how Cheney became Bush's running mate, leading the search process and ultimately being chosen by Bush himself.

Talent and Restraint Exceeding Ego: Garrett emphasized Bush's most memorable statement: "his talent and restraint exceeded his ego." He contrasted this with Washington D.C.'s ambition-driven environment, where ego and ambition often overshadow restraint and talent.

Complicated Figure and Historical Record: Garrett acknowledged Cheney as a "complicated figure" and one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in modern history. He pointed out the historical controversies surrounding Cheney, including his driving force behind the Iraq War and enhanced interrogation tactics, which have "scarred" both his and the Bush administration's reputations. Garrett stated that Cheney's unwavering support for these initiatives, though controversial, is also part of his history.

Observations from Outside the Cathedral by Ouija Jiang (CBS News Senior White House Correspondent)

Bipartisan Attendance and Changing Political Landscape: Jiang observed leaders from across the political spectrum in attendance, suggesting that Cheney served during a time of bipartisanship that may now be considered a "bygone era." She noted the presence of all living former Vice Presidents.

Mike Pence's Recollection: Mike Pence spoke about knowing Cheney when he was in Congress and Cheney was Vice President. He described Cheney as a "trusted adviser to President George W. Bush" and credited him with laying the foundation for the strong working relationship between President Trump and himself. Pence also stated that Cheney "helped to define that role of vice president."

Absence of Donald Trump and JD Vance: Jiang found it notable that neither Donald Trump nor the sitting Vice President, JD Vance, were in attendance, with the White House stating they were not invited. This was attributed to the "tense relationship between Trump and Cheney," referencing Cheney's vote for Kamala Harris in 2024 and his warning about Trump being a threat.

Cheney's Conservative Values and Stance Against Trump: Jiang mentioned Pence's comments on Cheney's deeply rooted conservative values and how they guided his decisions. She also highlighted Cheney's outspoken opposition to Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to putting the Constitution above party.

Legacy and Historical Significance of Dick Cheney by Doug Brinkley (Professor of History at Rice University and Presidential Historian)

Wyoming Roots and Health Challenges: Brinkley reiterated that Cheney was the only high official from the Rocky Mountain West, and his "Wyoming side" was significant. He also touched upon Cheney's extensive health issues, including five heart attacks, and his subsequent work with doctors to understand cardiovascular disease.

Closeness to George W. Bush and Gravitas: Brinkley highlighted Bush's statement about choosing Cheney for a second term, emphasizing Cheney's "gravitas" and "seniority" in foreign policy, which was a key reason for Bush's selection.

Post-9/11 Policies and Middle East Focus: Brinkley identified Cheney's legacy as being most known for his role in the post-9/11 response in the Middle East, specifically regarding Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cheney's Power and Influence as Vice President: Addressing the idea that Cheney wielded significant power, Brinkley agreed, stating Cheney "came in with a heavy hand" due to his extensive connections from his time as Chief of Staff for Gerald Ford and in Congress. He noted that George W. Bush was a "foreign affairs novice," making Cheney's influence even more pronounced. Brinkley described Cheney as being "almost like part of a super cabinet officer who could over overshadow anybody and everything else."

Neoconservatism and Presidential Power: Brinkley explained that Cheney was a "neocon," deeply interested in the Middle East and the belief in bringing American-style democracy, sometimes underestimating local historical traditions. He was focused on "exerting American power" and "enhancing presidential power."

Cheney's Political Evolution and Constitutional Stance: Brinkley found Cheney's decision to vote for Kamala Harris and defend Liz Cheney significant, especially given his conservative career. He attributed this to the "strangeness of the Trump years," which led Cheney to prioritize the Constitution over party. Brinkley concluded that Cheney was unafraid of his convictions and was "loud and clear about it."