In June 2009, Cheney signed a book deal with publisher Threshold Editions, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, to publish a memoir about his life in politics. Cheney received $2 million from the book deal. The memoir is scheduled for a 2011 release.

Cheney entered Congress on January 3, 1979 and became the House Minority Whip in 1989. He held the position only briefly before being named as President Bush's Secretary of Defense, overseeing the invasion of Panama and the First Gulf War.

Cheney has also been criticized for his sometimes secretive nature. Unlike most vice presidents, he has refused to allow inspection of his office's records and does not file reports with the National Archives and Records Administration. These and other incidents, including a hunting accident in which Cheney shot friend Harry Whittington with birdshot pellets, along with his sometimes pugnacious personality, have earned him a reputation as a villainous figure, sometimes referred to as "Darth" Cheney.

Cheney has stated that he feels his personality has been misinterpreted in the mainstream American media, and has instead described himself as "a warm, lovable sort."Politico.com: Cheney: I'm actually 'loveable' (January 7, 2009)