Bush lauds Dick Cheney as a 'thinker and listener' at funeral

November 20, 2025

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died in November at age 84 from pneumonia and heart-related complications, was honored at a funeral service in Washington DC that brought together politicians from both parties. Cheney served as vice president under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009 and wielded significant influence, particularly in shaping the administration's war on terror policies and the Iraq invasion.

Who is affected

The Cheney family, particularly daughter Liz Cheney
Former President George W. Bush and the Bush administration legacy
The Republican Party, which experienced division over Cheney's later positions
Democrats and Republicans who attended the funeral service
Former Vice Presidents Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, and Al Gore (attendees)
Americans who lived through the post-9/11 era and policies Cheney shaped

What action is being taken

Democrats and Republicans are mourning Cheney at his funeral in Washington DC
George W. Bush is delivering a eulogy
Liz Cheney is paying tribute to her father and speaking about his legacy

Why it matters

Cheney's death and funeral represent the passing of one of the most influential and powerful vice presidents in American history, whose decisions shaped the post-9/11 era including the war on terror and Iraq invasion. His later break with the Republican Party over Trump's refusal to accept the 2020 election results highlighted deep divisions within the GOP between traditional conservatives and Trump loyalists. The bipartisan attendance at his funeral demonstrates how Cheney's eventual stance prioritizing constitutional principles over party loyalty earned respect across political lines, even as it cost him standing within his own party.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC