This is a really good article on the politics of power, and how quickly the power of politics fades. The fact that former VP Cheney was the most senior US rep. is telling both from a perspective of Thatcher as it is for Cheney.
It is perhaps important for these politicians to remember, unlike the businesses and doctrines they politic for, when the politician goes, neither the business, nor the doctrine will step forward to defend them. The only people there will be those whose own legacy depends on the continuation of a line of deceit.