In a surprising political twist, former Vice President Dick Cheney, once a central figure in Republican politics, has publicly declared his decision to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 election. His endorsement marks a significant break from his party and a symbolic shift in U.S. political dynamics. Cheney’s decision was revealed by his daughter, Liz Cheney, during the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, where she emphasized the importance of defeating Donald Trump.
Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman and a vocal critic of Trump, shared her father’s endorsement, stating, “Dick Cheney will be voting for Kamala Harris.” This announcement further underscored her long-standing opposition to Trump and her willingness to cross party lines in an effort to safeguard democratic principles. The former vice president’s endorsement adds weight to an ongoing national conversation about the future of the Republican Party and the significance of rejecting election denialism.
Liz Cheney’s Criticism of Donald Trump
Liz Cheney has consistently voiced her concerns about Donald Trump’s influence within the Republican Party and his continued denial of the 2020 election results. Speaking at Duke University in North Carolina, Cheney argued that Trump represents a fundamental threat to the U.S. Constitution. “As a conservative and as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this,” she said, clarifying her own decision to vote for Harris in 2024.
Cheney’s message to North Carolinians was clear: the stakes in 2024 are too high to entertain protest votes or write-in candidates, particularly in battleground states. She underscored the urgency of defeating Trump, not just as an individual, but as a symbol of broader threats to democratic norms. By advocating for Harris, Cheney positioned herself among a growing list of conservatives who are prioritizing the protection of democratic institutions over party loyalty.
Dick Cheney’s Declaration: A Blow to Trump
In a statement confirming his decision, Dick Cheney described Trump as “the greatest threat to our republic in 248 years.” His critique was not limited to Trump’s actions during the 2020 election but also extended to Trump’s character, labeling him a “coward” for lying to his supporters about the election’s legitimacy. Cheney, who served two terms as vice president under George W. Bush, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the country over partisanship, declaring that he would cast his vote for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Cheney’s condemnation of Trump echoes his sentiments during his daughter’s re-election campaign in 2022, where he cut an ad warning of Trump’s continued influence. His current endorsement of Harris signals a broader call to action for Republicans who are wary of Trump’s ongoing grip on the party. Cheney’s stature within the GOP makes his endorsement of Harris a notable moment, as it highlights the deep divisions within the Republican establishment.
The Impact on the Republican Party
Dick Cheney’s endorsement is part of a broader Republican rift, where key figures like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, both former members of the January 6 Committee, have taken firm stances against Trump. Liz Cheney, after losing her congressional seat to a Trump-backed candidate in Wyoming, has remained an influential voice advocating for integrity in government. At the Texas Tribune Festival, Cheney also spoke favorably of other Democrats, including Colin Allred, while taking a swipe at Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, underscoring her disapproval of Republicans who have embraced election denialism.
As discussions about the future of the GOP continue, Dick Cheney’s decision to back Harris rather than Trump is likely to fuel further debate about the direction of the party. His support for Harris, once a staunch opponent of Republican policies during the Bush administration, highlights how political allegiances are shifting in the wake of Trump’s presidency. With both Liz and Dick Cheney calling for unity against Trump, this development may encourage other conservatives to rethink their loyalties ahead of 2024.
