Why we think Dick Cheney is a Type 3

• Demeanor. Cheney's posture and demeanor is confident, unapologetic, and stern. He is typically reserved and serious, often maintaining a solid posture and firm facial expressions. As Vice President of the US, he seldom displayed much emotion publicly, which contributed to an aura of being unflappable and resolute. 

• The ends justify the means. Cheney was known for his direct, no-nonsense approach to politics, policies, and business. As an example, Cheney was a staunch defender of the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, including waterboarding, during the War on Terror. While these methods were highly controversial, Cheney argued they were necessary and effective tools for gathering intelligence, with their efficiency in preventing future attacks being a higher priority than diplomatic or public opinion concerns. 

• Focus on strategic expansion, operational efficiency, and risk management. As CEO of Halliburton, Cheney launched the "System for Total Cost Reduction" program which comprised systematic measures throughout all company branches focusing on efficient practices, cross-branch standardization, and coordinated cost control. He also successfully lobbied for the repeal of a ban on the export of Alaskan oil, arguing that it could help decrease domestic oil prices and foster growth and efficiency in the industry. Despite the controversy, his advocacy for industry interests reflected Cheney's commitment to practical solutions and long-term strategic planning.

• Ambition and determination to succeed. Cheney started his political career as an intern for Congressman William A. Steiger and worked his way up to become the Chief of Staff under President Ford (the youngest person to ever serve in that position), Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush, and then Vice President under George W. Bush. As Vice President, Cheney took an extremely active and assertive role within the administration as evidenced by his involvement in numerous policy decisions during this period. He used his experience, work ethic, and influence to be deeply involved in virtually all areas of government, most notably in defense and foreign policy. He also had five heart attacks throughout his life, but continued working with the same sort of intensity and work ethic in spite of his health issues. 

• Public image management. Cheney has often been considered a master strategist behind the scenes, controlling his public image and message very closely. He often limited his public appearances to venues where he had greater control over the message. This allowed him to regularly avoid moments of public scrutiny and maintain his image as a serious, policy-oriented leader. A good example of this was his multiple appearances on the show "Meet the Press," where the format allowed him to delve into complex policy debates without being interrupted, very much maintaining his desired public image.

• Avoidance of failure. Cheney's unyielding defense of the Iraq War, even in the face of mounting evidence of its problems and lack of popularity, showed an inability to admit failure.

• Manipulation of public perception. Critics have accused Cheney of manipulating public perceptions, particularly around the reasons for the Iraq War, such as suggesting links between Iraq and al-Qaeda or emphasizing the presence of weapons of mass destruction, which were never found.