The Bulletin Dick Cheney Dies, Democrats Win Elections, and Merz Says ‘Go Home’
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Nov 7, 2025 Steve Hayes, CEO of The Dispatch and Cheney biographer, discusses the complex legacy of Dick Cheney, from his rise in Washington to his influence on executive power post-9/11. He also reflects on Cheney’s humor and adaptability in politics. Ken Chitwood, a religion and culture reporter, unpacks the implications of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s controversial comments about Syrian refugees, tying it to assimilation challenges and the ongoing debate about immigration in Germany. The conversation weaves together personal stories and pressing global issues.
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How Early Service Shaped Cheney
- Dick Cheney's formative government work pushed him from pragmatic beginnings toward strong free-market and national-security stances.
- His private faith and family loyalty shaped public restraint on social rhetoric despite conservative voting patterns.
Turning Point: Lynn Vincent's Ultimatum
- Cheney's recovery from alcoholism was prompted by Lynn Vincent's ultimatum and changed his life trajectory.
- That personal loyalty later informed public acts, like defending his daughter Liz when she broke with the party.
Continuity And Power After 9/11
- Cheney prioritized continuity of government and homeland protection after 9/11, reshaping U.S. security posture.
- His experience in intelligence and contingency planning justified extraordinary vice-presidential influence.
