Richard B. Cheney, a significant figure in American politics, has passed away, marking the end of an era that influenced both U.S. and global affairs from the Nixon administration through the early 21st century. Cheney began his political career in his late twenties, taking on various mid-level roles during the Nixon administration. His mentor was Donald Rumsfeld, who later became chief of staff under President Gerald Ford after Nixon's resignation. When Rumsfeld was appointed Secretary of Defense in October 1975, Cheney, then just 34, succeeded him as chief of staff.

Cheney and Rumsfeld would later play pivotal roles in the George W. Bush administration, with Cheney serving as vice president and Rumsfeld returning to the Pentagon. The Nixon and Ford administrations were characterized by influential Republican figures, including George Shultz, George H.W. Bush, and James A. Baker III. Baker, now 95, was a central figure in American politics for over a decade, earning the title of "The Man Who Ran Washington" in a recent biography.

After Ford's defeat in 1976, Cheney was elected to Congress from Wyoming, quickly ascending the ranks of Republican leadership and positioning himself as a potential future Speaker of the House. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed him Secretary of Defense, where he navigated the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

By 2000, Cheney's extensive experience in presidential politics led Bush Jr. to appoint him to lead the search for a vice-presidential nominee. Ultimately, Cheney became the vice president, serving under Bush as one of the most powerful individuals in that role in American history. His unique position stemmed from his decision not to pursue the presidency, allowing him to focus on his agenda without the constraints of future political ambitions.

Cheney's long tenure near the presidency likely influenced his response to the September 11 attacks. He advocated for expansive executive power, which was both legislatively granted through measures like the PATRIOT Act and asserted through various actions. He was a key proponent of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and played a significant role in expanding the surveillance state in the U.S.

The Bush administration's "war on terror" included controversial practices such as the capture and rendition of suspected terrorists to secret sites for interrogation. Cheney defended what he termed "enhanced interrogation techniques," which many critics labeled as torture. The individuals subjected to these practices were often not viewed sympathetically, resulting in minimal political backlash for Cheney.

Throughout his career, Cheney dismissed concerns about the potential abuse of executive power, arguing that his administration would use its enhanced powers judiciously to protect American security. However, he may have privately worried about how future administrations, particularly under President Obama, would wield such power. Ironically, Cheney did not foresee that the next Republican administration, led by Donald Trump, would challenge the Bush/Cheney approach, particularly regarding the Iraq War and what Trump termed "endless wars." This shift marked a significant moment in the evolving landscape of American politics.