AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File
Former President George W. Bush and many of his top aides posted tributes on Tuesday following news that his former Vice President Dick Cheney had passed away at 84.
“The death of Richard B. Cheney is a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends. Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation – a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held,” wrote President Bush in a statement, adding:
As a young White House aide and chief of staff, a Congressman, a Secretary of Defense, and my Vice President, Dick earned the confidence and high opinion of five presidents. I asked him to join my ticket in 2000 after first enlisting him to help me find the best running mate.
In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should have – deep experience, mature judgment, character, loyalty – I realized that Dick Cheney was the one I needed. I’m still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed.
Bush’s statement went on to say Cheney “was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheney’s service always reflected credit on the country he loved.”
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also put out a statement reflecting on her time working with Cheney.
“I admired Vice President Cheney for his integrity and his love of our country. I am grateful that I had the chance to serve with him twice — when he was Secretary of Defense for President George H.W. Bush at the end of the Cold War — a triumphant time for America and its values. And then when as Vice President, he helped to chart a course to protect America after the dark days of 9/11,” said Rice, who added:
He was an inspiring presence and mentor who taught me a great deal about public service. Most of all, I will remember Dick Cheney as a mentor and a friend. I will remember his toughness but also his sense of humor. He was indefatigable in his determination to defend this country and patriotic to his core.
To Lynn, Liz and Mary and all of the members of the Cheney family I send my condolences. He was a great family man, and I know that you will miss him immeasurably. So too will all who knew him, but I am grateful for having had him in my life. May he rest in peace.
Former Bush press secretary turned Fox News host, Dana Perino, honored Cheney on air and said his passing hit her “hard.” She called into Fox & Friends and recalled how Cheney “was very good to me… As staffers, we loved him.”
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