A Gathering of U.S. Leaders, With the Obamas Conspicuously Absent
As many notable figures in U.S. politics gathered to pay their last respects to the late Dick Cheney, the absence of Barack and Michelle Obama was notable. Cheney, who left an indelible mark on American politics, passed away on November 3 at the age of 84. His impressive career spanned roles as a businessman and as Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.
Before his vice presidency, he served as Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford during the 1970s and later as a member of the House of Representatives for ten years. Cheney also played a significant role as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, where he managed pivotal military actions like the Gulf War and the U.S. invasion of Panama. Throughout his life, Cheney’s political actions were often a subject of debate.
His family shared that he passed away due to complications from pneumonia along with cardiac and vascular disease, surrounded by his spouse Lynne and their daughters, Liz and Mary.
The funeral service was attended by a spectrum of political figures, including former President George W. Bush and Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney. Despite the presence of many from across the political aisle, notable absentees included President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, as reported by a White House official to Reuters.
The Obamas’ Choice to Stay Away
Barack and Michelle Obama were also missing from the funeral, and while no detailed reason was provided, a source mentioned to PEOPLE that they had no intentions to attend. Barack Obama did, however, share a heartfelt message on Facebook on November 5, highlighting his respect for Cheney’s dedication to public service despite their political differences. Barack and Michelle extended their condolences to Cheney’s family through this tribute.
Michelle Obama’s absence adds to a series of significant events she did not attend earlier this year. These included the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter on January 9 and the subsequent inauguration of Donald Trump later that month. Although all living presidents and first ladies were present at Carter’s funeral, Barack attended by himself on both occasions.
Michelle’s New Approach to Public Appearances
Michelle’s decision to refrain from attending these events has been a topic of discussion. Kevin O’Leary, a businessman, criticized her non-attendance at Trump’s inauguration on Fox News, emphasizing that it’s a tradition over a century old that should be upheld.
On her IMO podcast in April, Michelle offered insights into her recent choices. She spoke candidly about prioritizing personal well-being over external expectations, sharing that she’s embracing the “art of saying no” and learning to focus on what feels right for her.
Michelle conveyed the difficulty of transitioning to a mindset where she chooses which events to go to. “It took all my strength to stop doing what others expected and start doing what felt right for me. That was a tough shift,” she explained, pointing out the necessity of building a metaphorical muscle as one chooses personal fulfillment over external pressures.
This new approach by the former First Lady highlights a broader conversation about balancing public expectations with individual needs, a journey she admitted starts only later in life when you are ready to make these tough decisions for yourself.
