Key Takeaways:
– Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) collaborates with Vice President Kamala Harris as Election Day nears.
– Cheney has been dubbed a “radical war hawk” by former President Donald Trump.
– Cheney counters with accusations of Trump’s dictatorial behavior.
– The former representative was the Chair of the House Republican Conference, warning others about Trump’s influence.
– Cheney made headlines by endorsing Harris for the 2024 Presidential Race.
– The politically active daughter of former VP Dick Cheney, Liz contemplates running for President as a third-party candidate.
Trump’s Dictatorial Rhetoric Condemned
Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney has been actively working alongside Vice President Kamala Harris in the run-up to the upcoming Election Day on November 5. This unexpected partnership spurred a barrage of extreme comments from former President Donald Trump, who derogatorily labeled Cheney a “radical war hawk”. He further taunted, suggesting a surreal scenario in which Cheney was to face a firing squad. Cheney robustly retorted, comparing Trump’s remarks to threats often made by dictators.
Falls from Grace
Previously, Cheney held a coveted position amongst Republicans in the House of Representatives, acting as the chair of the House Republican Conference since 2019. However, her vocal opposition to Donald Trump’s persistent false claims about election fraud and his role in the Capitol siege put her competency under the microscope. The backlash came to a head when she voted alongside Democrats to impeach Trump in January. The move pitted Cheney against a pro-Trump faction of the House, which included Minority Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Eventually, Cheney was ousted from her chair position on May 12 during a closed-door vote.
Warning of Trump’s Inherent Danger
Before her removal, Cheney reportedly warned her fellow Republicans about the potential hazards of allowing Trump to wield such a significant influence over the party. She urged her colleagues to stand for truth and the Constitution, noting the dangerous path they tread if they succumb to the “dangerous lies of a former president”.
Unconventional Endorsement
In a surprising move that made headlines, Cheney endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency in 2024, a rare occasion of a high-profile Republican openly backing a Democrat. Cheney argued that she took this step due to the perceived danger posed by Trump. Harris’ campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon responded positively, praising Cheney as a “patriot who loves this country and puts our democracy and our Constitution first.”
High-profile Lineage
Cheney’s political engagement may seem natural considering her familial roots. She is indeed the eldest daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who served under Former President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Chip off the old block, Cheney herself held a seat in the House of Representatives, the same position her father held as Wyoming’s congressman from 1979 to 1989.
Potential Presidential Aspirations
With deep divisions continuing to plague the GOP and a growing hardcore Trump fanbase, Cheney emerges as a contender for leadership. She resolved to lead the GOP back to its conservative principles while warding off socialism. However, as of late 2023, Cheney clarified her primary objective was to prevent Trump from reclaiming the presidency, even at the cost of her running as a third-party candidate. She highlighted her commitment to supporting pro-Constitution candidates, regardless of their party – a symbol of her unwavering dedication to American democracy.