Once, early in their first term, Cheney was asked how many times he had met privately with the president. “Let me see — three, four, five, six, seven times,” he replied. After pausing for effect, he added with his characteristic dry humour: “Today.” • Dick Cheney, former US vice-president, dies aged 84 Cheney was revered by hardline Republicans, but loathed by more moderate Americans. A taciturn, secretive man with a crooked and enigmatic half-grin, he came to be seen as a somewhat sinister éminence grise, a powerful but malign influence on the president. He left office with the lowest approval...