2 months ago
12
Former Rep.
Liz Cheney
, once a powerful figure within the
Republican Party
, made headlines with her unexpected
endorsement
of Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election in US. Cheney, who served as the congresswoman from Wyoming from 2017 to 2023, announced her decision at a Duke University event, citing deep concerns over former President Donald Trump and the future of American democracy.
A vote to safeguard the constitution
Known for her staunch opposition to former President Donald Trump, Cheney said she would be casting her vote for Harris in November, a move she described as essential to safeguarding the Constitution.
"I don't believe we have the luxury of writing in candidates' names, particularly in swing states," Cheney told the audience. "As a conservative and someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this and because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump but I will be voting for Kamala Harris."
A legacy of conservatism, now in question
This marks the first time Cheney has publicly endorsed a candidate in the
2024
race. Despite persistent outreach from the Harris campaign, which has been actively seeking support from Republicans, Cheney had remained silent until now, reported NYT. Her decision to endorse Harris just before the start of early voting was a calculated one, according to sources close to her.
Who is Liz Cheney?
Liz Cheney’s roots in the Republican Party run deep. Born in 1966 in Madison, Wisconsin, she is the daughter of Lynne and Dick Cheney, the latter of whom served as Vice President under George W. Bush. Growing up amidst Washington’s political elite, Liz Cheney followed in her father’s footsteps, forging a career in law, government, and eventually politics. Her time in Congress saw her rise to the third-highest position in the House Republican leadership as the chair of the House Republican Conference.
From Trump ally to fierce critic
Cheney’s political journey took a sharp turn following the 2020 presidential election. Although she had previously aligned with many of Trump’s policies, the aftermath of the election and the January 6th Capitol attack marked a breaking point. Cheney became one of Trump’s most vocal critics, condemning his false claims of a stolen election and voting to impeach him. This stance, while lauded by some, alienated her from the majority of the Republican base and led to her being ousted from her leadership position and eventually losing her seat in the 2022 GOP primary.
Endorsing Harris: A calculated decision
Despite the backlash, Cheney remained steadfast in her commitment to upholding the Constitution. Her endorsement of Kamala Harris marks a significant departure from traditional Republican politics, driven by what she sees as an existential threat posed by Trump’s continued influence.
Cheney’s endorsement is particularly noteworthy given her deep Republican roots and the fact that this is her first public support for a candidate in the 2024 race. Her decision to endorse Harris, just before early voting begins, was a calculated move to ensure her voice would be heard, independent of the noise surrounding the Democratic National Convention.
