In My Time
A Personal and Political Memoir
Overview of In My Time
Dick Cheney's #1 New York Times bestseller reveals how he transformed the vice presidency while defending controversial War on Terror decisions. This unapologetic memoir sparked political debate and exposed surprising Bush administration tensions. What powerful secrets made Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice uncomfortable?
Key Themes in In My Time
- executive branch operations
- national security strategy
- presidential transition power
- crisis management leadership
- bureaucratic political maneuvering
Quotes from In My Time
In the White House, the top staff person is still staff.
At least it had ended.
Congressional vacillation as a mitigating factor.
We knew Ford's 895 days in office were complete in every way that mattered.
Characters in In My Time
- Dick CheneyThe author, former Vice President and statesman
- Lynne CheneyDick's wife and former high school homecoming queen
- Donald RumsfeldCheney's mentor and former Secretary of Defense
- Gerald Ford38th U.S. President whom Cheney served as Chief of Staff
About the Author
About the Author of In My Time
Dick Cheney, 46th Vice President of the United States and key architect of modern national security policy, authored the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir In My Time. This political autobiography chronicles Cheney’s four-decade career through pivotal roles as White House Chief of Staff (1975–1977), Wyoming Congressman (1979–1989), Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush (1989–1993), and CEO of Halliburton (1995–2000).
The book offers insider perspectives on Cold War strategy, the Gulf War, and post-9/11 counterterrorism decisions, reflecting Cheney’s reputation as a staunch advocate for executive power and military strength.
Cheney’s unprecedented influence as Vice President (2001–2009) shaped Bush-era energy policies, surveillance programs, and the Iraq War strategy. His career-defining moments—from managing the Ford presidential transition to authorizing emergency protocols during the 9/11 attacks—are detailed with firsthand accounts.
The memoir has been referenced in documentaries and adapted into dramatic portrayals, most notably in the Oscar-nominated film Vice (2018). Published by Threshold Editions in 2012, In My Time spent 13 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, solidifying Cheney’s status as a definitive chronicler of late 20th-century American statecraft.
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FAQs About This Book
In My Time is Dick Cheney’s unapologetic memoir chronicling his political career, including roles as White House Chief of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President under George W. Bush. It defends controversial post-9/11 policies like the Iraq War, enhanced interrogation, and NSA surveillance, while offering behind-the-scenes insights into pivotal moments such as the authorization to shoot down hijacked planes.
This memoir is ideal for readers interested in U.S. political history, Bush-era policies, or Cheney’s influential role in shaping national security strategies. It appeals to those seeking a staunch defense of post-9/11 decision-making and insights into Cheney’s worldview.
Yes, for readers seeking a firsthand account of Cheney’s political philosophy and his justification for polarizing policies. Critics may find it overly defensive, but it remains a critical primary source for understanding post-9/11 U.S. governance.
Cheney argues the invasion was justified by Saddam Hussein’s alleged weapons of mass destruction and ties to Al-Qaeda—claims later debunked. He maintains the action liberated Iraq and established democracy, dismissing criticisms of flawed intelligence.
He defends these methods as legally and morally necessary to prevent future terrorist attacks, rejecting accusations of torture. Cheney insists they saved lives and aligns his stance with a “no regrets” philosophy.
As Vice President, Cheney authorized military pilots to shoot down hijacked planes and oversaw the creation of Guantánamo Bay. He portrays himself as a decisive figure in securing the nation during the crisis.
Cheney highlights collaboration during Bush’s first term but acknowledges growing isolation in the second term, exemplified by Bush rejecting his 2007 proposal to bomb a Syrian nuclear reactor.
He counters accusations of overreach, illegal surveillance, and immoral interrogation practices, framing his actions as vital for national security. Cheney also critiques Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell for ideological differences.
- Unwavering defense of post-9/11 security measures.
- Belief in expansive executive power during crises.
- Critique of internal administration dissenters like Powell and Rice.
Unlike memoirs focused on personal reflection, Cheney’s book prioritizes policy justification and rebuttals to critics. It contrasts with works like Bush’s Decision Points by emphasizing ideological conviction over introspection.
Yes, he details his 1995–2000 leadership at Halliburton, framing it as a period of corporate stewardship before returning to politics. The memoir avoids addressing controversies like no-bid contracts during the Iraq War.
He justifies the detention facility as essential for interrogating high-value terrorism suspects, rejecting claims of human rights violations. Cheney argues its protocols were lawful and effective.
