WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral Thursday drew a robust roster of Democrats who battled with George W. Bush’s second-in-command during his eight years in power — while President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not invited.
MS NOW anchor Rachel Maddow, a longtime critic of the late VP, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) were among the mourners, joined by Democratic strategist James Carville, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Dr. Anthony Fauci and former Vice President Al Gore.
The front pew was populated by former President Joe Biden, ex-first lady Jill Biden, and former Vice President Kamala Harris — along with Bush, who eulogized Cheney, and former Vice President Mike Pence.
Many prominent Republicans also attended, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) — but not House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who frequently clashed with Cheney’s daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.).
The White House has not offered formal condolences to the Cheney family since his death Nov. 3, and acknowledged that flags were only lowered at the executive mansion because it was required by law.
Liz Cheney, who served as co-chair of the House select committee that investigated Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, was among the speakers at the funeral — as was her father’s longtime cardiologist, who recalled his tenacity through health challenges that began with a heart attack at age 37.
The embrace of Dick Cheney by his former critics, many of whom derided him in the past as a thoughtless warmonger, was on display last year when he endorsed Harris, then the Democratic presidential nominee, against Trump.
“In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Cheney said at the time.
“He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.”
