Dick Cheney, a polarizing figure in American politics, died recently. He left behind a legacy of public service mixed with self-righteous high-handedness.

A one-time congressman from Wyoming, he served in the government in various capacities. Under President Gerald Ford he became the youngest chief of staff and served as defense secretary in George H.W. Bush’s administration. When George W. Bush was contesting presidential election in 2000, he sought advice of his father for a running mate. The senior Bush recommended Mr. Cheney to lead the search. In the end Mr. Cheney recommended himself. People wondered why he would opt for a job that according to one of his predecessors, 32nd Vice President John Nance Garner, was not worth a bucket of warm spit.

A shrewd and calculating man, Mr. Chen

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