Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States and a towering figure in American politics, passed away on Monday at the age of 84. His death, attributed to complications from pneumonia exacerbated by pre-existing heart and vascular conditions, marks the end of a storied yet polarizing career. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history, though his tenure was marred by controversy and declining public approval. Born in Nebraska and raised in Wyoming, Cheney earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and pursued graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. His political journey began in 1969 as a Capitol Hill intern, eventually leading to roles as White House Chief of Staff (1975–1977), U.S. Congressman (1979–1989), and Secretary of Defense (1989–1993) under President George H. W. Bush. After leaving public office during the Clinton administration, Cheney became CEO of Halliburton, a prominent energy corporation. Cheney’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his advocacy for the 2003 Iraq invasion, based on unproven claims of weapons of mass destruction and Al-Qaeda ties, and his support for enhanced interrogation techniques, including torture. Despite his influence, Cheney’s approval ratings plummeted to 13% by the end of his vice presidency. In later years, he became a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, whom he labeled a ‘coward’ and a threat to the republic. In a surprising move, Cheney endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, emphasizing the need to prioritize national unity over partisan politics.