On Thursday (November 20), political figures from both parties gathered at Washington National Cathedral to honor former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away at age 84. Cheney, a key figure in pre-MAGA Republican politics, received full military honors at the invitation-only memorial service. Former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush, along with former First Ladies Jill Biden and Laura Bush, attended the service. Former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle were also present.

George W. Bush eulogized Cheney, describing him as a "solid and rare and reliable" public servant whose "talent and his restraint" exceeded his ego. Bush praised Cheney's ability to "lift the standards" of those around him. Cheney's daughter, Liz Cheney, delivered a tribute, emphasizing her father's belief that the country's interests should always come before political party loyalties. She remarked, "Bonds of party must always yield to the single bond we share as Americans."

Cheney, who had lived with heart disease for decades and underwent a heart transplant in 2012, died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.

Notably absent were President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who were not invited. Cheney had been a vocal critic of Trump, and his daughter Liz Cheney's political career was impacted by her opposition to Trump’s MAGA movement.

Michael Berry