Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney shocks conservatives by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president, sparking fierce criticism from Senator J.D. Vance.
At a Glance
- Liz Cheney endorsed Kamala Harris for president during an appearance at Duke University
- Cheney cited the danger posed by Donald Trump as her reason for supporting Harris
- Senator J.D. Vance criticized Cheney’s endorsement, accusing her of prioritizing wealth over national welfare
- The Harris campaign welcomed Cheney’s support, praising her patriotism and commitment to democracy
- Cheney’s endorsement highlights ongoing divisions within the Republican Party
Cheney’s Surprising Endorsement
In a move that has sent shockwaves through conservative circles, former Representative Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. The announcement came during Cheney’s appearance at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where she emphasized the threat she believes Donald Trump poses to American democracy.
“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,” Cheney stated in a video posted to social media.
Cheney, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, stressed the importance of not writing in candidates’ names, especially in swing states. This endorsement marks a significant break from her fellow conservatives who continue to support the former president.
Harris Campaign Welcomes Support
The Harris campaign quickly embraced Cheney’s endorsement. Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon praised Cheney’s patriotism and commitment to democracy, stating, “She is a patriot who loves this country and puts our democracy and our Constitution first.”
This endorsement is part of a broader effort by the Harris campaign to attract support from Republicans who are critical of Trump. Over two dozen Republicans opposed to Trump have already endorsed Harris, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who served on the January 6 commission with Cheney.
J.D. Vance’s Scathing Criticism
Senator J.D. Vance, a staunch Trump supporter, did not mince words in his criticism of Cheney’s endorsement. Speaking at a Turning Point Action event, Vance accused Cheney and Harris of profiting while American children die in wars overseas.
“A very good thing that I could say about the next presidency of Donald J. Trump is that he’s going to make sure people like Liz Cheney are laughed out of the Oval Office instead of rewarded,” Vance told moderator Charlie Kirk.
Vance described Cheney as a “person whose entire career has been about sending other people’s children to fight and die for her military conflicts.” He argued that Cheney and Harris benefit financially when the U.S. “loses wars instead of winning wars.”
Implications for the 2024 Election
Cheney’s endorsement of Harris highlights the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party and the potential impact of “Never Trump” conservatives on the 2024 election. Political commentator Alyssa Farah Griffin noted that “Liz Cheney voters” could be crucial in the election, referring to Republicans who supported Trump but oppose him post-January 6.
The move also raises questions about potential cabinet positions in a future Harris administration. Harris has suggested she might appoint a Republican to her cabinet if elected, with Cheney being floated as a potential candidate.
As the 2024 election approaches, Cheney’s endorsement serves as a reminder of the complex political landscape and the ongoing debate within the Republican Party about its future direction and leadership.
Sources:
1. Liz Cheney endorses Harris for president
2. Republican Liz Cheney says she’s voting for Kamala Harris; Trump holds town hall
3. Liz Cheney endorses Harris for president
