In July 2000 , Cheney was chosen by presumptive Republican Presidential nominee George W. Bush as his running mate in the 2000 Presidential election . They defeated their Democratic opponents , incumbent Vice President Al Gore and Senator Joe Lieberman . In 2004 Cheney was reelected to his second term as Vice President with Bush as President , defeating their Democratic opponents Senators John Kerry and John Edwards . During Cheney 's tenure as Vice President , he played a leading behind-the-scenes role in the George W. Bush administration 's response to the September 11 attacks and coordination of the Global War on Terrorism . He was an early proponent of invading Iraq and defender of the Administration 's anti-terrorism record . He became at odds with President Bush 's position against same-sex marriage in 2004 . Cheney was often criticized for the Bush Administration 's policies regarding the campaign against terrorism , wiretapping by the National Security Agency ( NSA ) and torture
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Dick Cheney