Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney REPRepublican

Vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009

Profile Photo
Dick CheneyREPRepublican Vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009
83
Years of Age
25
Years of Experience
WYResidence (state)

Richard Bruce Cheney (CHAY-nee; born January 30, 1941) is an American politician and businessman who served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. Often cited as the most powerful vice president in American history, Cheney previously served as White House Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford, the U.S. representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 1979 to 1989, and as the 17th United States secretary of defense in the administration of President George H. W. Bush. He is the oldest living former U.S. vice president, following the death of Walter Mondale in 2021. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cheney grew up there and in Casper, Wyoming. He attended Yale University before earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in political science from the University of Wyoming. He began his political career as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger, eventually working his way into the White House during the Nixon and Ford administrations. He served as White House chief of staff from 1975 to 1977. In 1978, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and represented Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 1979 to 1989, briefly serving as House minority whip in 1989. He was appointed Secretary of Defense during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, and held the position for most of Bush's term from 1989 to 1993. As secretary he oversaw 1991's Operation Desert Storm.

Education7 - 7 of 5
University of Wyoming
Natrona County High School
Berkeley College
Yale University
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Past Positions1 - 6 of 6
Vice President
United States of America
2000 - 2008
Secretary of Defense
1989 - 1993
Member
United States House of Representatives
1978 - 1989
White House Chief of Staff
1975 - 1977
Special Assisstant to Donald Rumsfeld
White House Counsel
Chief Executive Officer
Halliburton Company
1995 - 2000
Other Experience1 - 1 of 1
Minority Whip
United States House of Representatives