The political establishment of Washington DC gathered in a rare show of bipartisan unity to honour former Vice President Dick Cheney, while conspicuously overlooking some prominent figures from the modern Republican movement.
A Gathering of Political Heavyweights
The National Cathedral in Washington DC hosted a who's who of American political history for Cheney's funeral service. Former President George W. Bush delivered the emotional eulogy for his one-time deputy during the 11am ceremony that attracted figures from across the political spectrum.
In the front pews sat an extraordinary collection of leaders: former President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, current Vice President Kamala Harris, former Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Al Gore and Dan Quayle. They were joined by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, creating a powerful visual of Washington's enduring institutions.
Notable Absences Speak Volumes
The guest list revealed significant political fractures within American politics. Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance received no invitation to the proceedings, according to White House officials familiar with the arrangements.
This exclusion came as little surprise given the very public animosity between Trump and Cheney's daughter, Liz. The former Republican congresswoman served as vice-chair of the House January 6 committee and became one of Trump's most vocal critics within the GOP.
Other notable absentees included former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, with a spokesperson for Clinton citing an unavoidable scheduling conflict.
Cheney's Complex Legacy
Dick Cheney, who passed away on 3 November at age 84 from complications of pneumonia and cardiac disease, remained one of America's most influential yet polarising political figures. Often compared to 'Darth Vader' by critics, his career spanned five decades and multiple administrations.
As vice president, Cheney helped direct the US response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and championed the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. He began his Washington career as a 28-year-old in the Nixon administration, eventually becoming the youngest White House chief of staff at 34 under Gerald Ford.
After a decade in Congress representing Wyoming, Cheney served as Defense Secretary under George H.W. Bush, overseeing Operation Desert Storm. His selection as running mate for George W. Bush in the contentious 2000 election cemented his place in modern conservative history.
The funeral's attendance and absences highlighted the dramatic reshaping of American politics, underscored by the appearance of liberal commentator Rachel Maddow and the Cheney family's unprecedented endorsement of Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
