A Gathering of Political Heavyweights
The funeral service for former Vice President Dick Cheney at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday became a focal point for the nation's political elite, yet it was the notable absences that sparked significant conversation. Barack and Michelle Obama chose not to attend the ceremony for the former Republican vice president, a decision that stood in stark contrast to the presence of other high-profile figures.
Protocol, Politics, and Personalities
While it is not conventional for former presidents to attend the funerals of former vice presidents, the event saw a strong showing from other key leaders. George and Laura Bush and Joe and Jill Biden were both present to pay their respects. All living former vice presidents—Kamala Harris, Al Gore, Dan Quayle, and Mike Pence—were in attendance, adhering to protocol which dictated the seating arrangements in the front row.
The service was not without its subtle political tensions. Former First Lady Jill Biden was captured pursing her lips as President Biden greeted Vice President Kamala Harris, marking their first public reunion since the release of Harris's 2024 memoir. Meanwhile, Harris was seen sharing a warm hug with Karen Pence and engaging in animated conversation with former VPs Quayle and Gore.
Legacy of Division and Bipartisan Tributes
The guest list and its omissions underscored the deep political fissures defining modern American politics. Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, were not invited, a reflection of their fierce criticism of Cheney and his legacy. This exclusion followed Cheney's own stark repudiation of Trump; a year before his death, he endorsed Joe Biden for the 2024 election, stating Trump was a 'greater threat to our republic' and 'can never be trusted with power again.'
Despite these divisions, the funeral managed to assemble a bipartisan group of Washington figures. Former House Speakers Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner attended, alongside Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Mitch McConnell, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and television host Rachel Maddow. The event served as a poignant reminder of a complex political legacy, one that continues to shape the nation's discourse.
