As the 2024 presidential election enters its final two weeks, Vice President Kamala Harris is intensifying her outreach to undecided voters, with a specific focus on suburban women. On Monday, Kamala Harris is set to tour three critical battleground states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, with the goal of swaying voters in key suburban areas.
In an effort to appeal to disaffected Republicans, particularly those who previously voted for former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Kamala Harris is joined by an unlikely ally: former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney. The duo will visit Chester County, Pennsylvania; Oakland County, Michigan; and Waukesha County, Wisconsin—suburban regions that had supported Haley before she withdrew from the Republican primary race. Harris’ campaign hopes that Cheney’s influence will attract voters who are hesitant to back former President Donald Trump.
Liz Cheney advocate for Kamala Harris, “Country Over Party” Campaign
Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney has emerged as a significant figure in Kamala Harris’ outreach to Republican voters, particularly under the banner of the “Country Over Party” slogan. Cheney, a staunch critic of Trump and one of the leading voices opposing his return to power, has been traveling with Harris, aiming to convince disillusioned Republicans that Harris is the better option for the country.
Cheney is not alone in her efforts; she is joined by prominent conservative voices such as strategist Sarah Longwell and radio host Charlie Sykes, both of whom have been critical of Trump’s influence over the Republican Party. Together, they are targeting voters who align more with traditional conservative values but are wary of Trump’s polarizing style of leadership. The Harris campaign believes this coalition could be instrumental in swinging votes in areas like Chester County, where Haley retained over 9,000 votes even after exiting the race.
Trump’s Continued Influence Looms Large
Despite the Harris-Cheney alliance, former President Donald Trump remains a powerful force among Republican voters. According to sources close to Trump’s campaign, discussions are underway about a joint appearance between Trump and Haley in the final stretch of the election. This potential collaboration underscores Trump’s dominance within the party and Haley’s complicated relationship with him.
Haley, who endorsed Trump after suspending her campaign, has maintained a delicate balance between supporting him and distancing herself from his more controversial actions. In a recent SiriusXM interview, Haley admitted to having disagreements with Trump but ultimately threw her support behind him, citing her belief that he would improve the country. This endorsement complicates the Harris campaign’s efforts to win over Haley supporters, as Trump’s base remains loyal and highly motivated.
Haley’s Balancing Act: Endorsing Trump Despite Personal History
Nikki Haley’s relationship with Trump has been marked by both public endorsements and personal grievances. While Haley endorsed Trump at the Republican National Convention in July, she has also openly discussed the challenges she faced during their previous political interactions. From name-calling to personal attacks, including mocking her husband’s military service, Trump’s tactics did not sit well with Haley. Yet, she has decided to put those conflicts aside for what she describes as the greater good of the country.
In her recent public statements, Haley has emphasized that politics requires a thick skin and the ability to look beyond personal grievances. “If you really want to do a service for your country, you have to be able to put the personal part of it aside,” she remarked during an interview, adding that Trump, despite his flaws, still has the potential to lead the nation in the right direction. This pragmatic approach may resonate with some Republican voters, but it presents a challenge for Kamala Harris as she attempts to fracture Trump’s base in these key battleground states.
