Here & Now Anytime How Dick Cheney’s legacy fits into today’s political landscape
Nov 4, 2025
Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, reflects on Dick Cheney's complex legacy, examining his influence post-9/11 and challenging oversimplified views connecting Cheney to Trump's rise. Governor Josh Green discusses the impact of the federal government shutdown on Hawaii's economy, revealing personal stories of food insecurity among military families. Yvonne Rodriguez-Wiewall reports on the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, highlighting urgent needs for relief efforts amidst the destruction and recovery challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cheney's Jan. 6 Stand Reframed Legacy
- Jon Meacham says Dick Cheney's presence at the Jan. 6 first anniversary signaled allegiance to the Constitution.
- That moment reshaped public memory of Cheney toward defending democratic norms over partisan legacy.
Intent Matters In Judging Power Moves
- Meacham argues Cheney genuinely believed his expansion of executive power defended the nation after 9/11.
- He urges assessing Cheney honestly: what he got right and what he got wrong across five decades.
Strong Presidency Is Not Synonym For Authoritarianism
- Meacham cautions against simplistic lines linking Cheney to Trump-era authoritarianism.
- He places Cheney among historical figures who favored strong presidents but were not totalitarians.