Cheney's Funeral: Shock Exclusion! What Will Trump Do Now?

WASHINGTON - The Washington National Cathedral became a temporary island of civility Thursday, hosting a memorial service for Dick Cheney that drew figures from across the political spectrum. Former President George W. Bush, who tapped Cheney as his vice president, delivered a warm eulogy, while President Joe Biden, who once sharply criticized Cheney, also attended, a testament to the complexities of American politics and the respect often shown in moments of remembrance. It was a striking display of bipartisan unity, but one figure was conspicuously absent: Donald Trump.

Cheney's Funeral: Shock Exclusion! What Will Trump...

Trump, who remained publicly silent on Cheney's passing, was reportedly not invited to the service. The omission underscores the deep rift that developed between Cheney, a staunch conservative and architect of the Iraq War, and the former president. Cheney, in his later years, became a vocal critic of Trump, particularly regarding the January 6th insurrection and Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He even went so far as to call Trump a "coward."

Bush, in his eulogy, remembered Cheney as "solid and rare and reliable," praising his talent and restraint. He painted a picture of a man who, despite his considerable power, remained grounded and unpretentious. It was a touching tribute, especially given the weight of history and the controversies that defined their time in office.

Perhaps the most poignant moment came when Liz Cheney, Dick's eldest daughter, spoke. Her own political career has been dramatically impacted by Trump's rise within the Republican party. While she didn't directly name Trump, her words carried a palpable weight. She spoke of seeing clouds shaped like angels just before her father's death, a detail that felt both personal and laden with meaning. It was a subtle yet powerful acknowledgement of the tensions and divisions that have consumed the Republican party.

The cathedral itself was a stage for a remarkable gathering of power players. Bush and Biden sat side-by-side with their wives, a visual representation of a bygone era of relative political decorum. Former Vice Presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle were also in attendance, creating a unique tableau of past administrations. Even familiar faces like Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi were present, a reminder of the enduring nature of Washington's political landscape.

Dr. Jonathan Reiner, Cheney's longtime cardiologist, offered a lighter moment, joking that nobody wants a doctor who's great at funerals. He recounted how Cheney defied medical predictions after suffering multiple heart attacks, continuing his political career despite being told to abandon it. Cheney, he said, was always the "calmest person in the room." This observation seemed to resonate throughout the service, a reminder of Cheney's composed demeanor even amidst intense political storms. The service felt like a farewell to a complex figure, whose legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.