In a surprising move, former Vice President Dick Cheney has declared his support for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush, stated that he believes Donald Trump poses a significant threat to the United States.
“In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Cheney said in a statement released on Friday. “As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris.” He added that Trump “can never be trusted with power again.”
The Harris campaign welcomed Cheney’s endorsement, highlighting it as a sign of a growing movement of Republicans prioritizing the nation over party loyalty. This announcement follows a similar endorsement made by Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, earlier in the week.
Donald Trump responded to Cheney’s statement with his characteristically harsh rhetoric, labeling the Cheneys as “irrelevant RINO” (Republicans in Name Only) on social media.
The Cheneys’ decision is significant given their prominent role within the Republican party. It adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding Trump’s legacy and the future of the GOP. While Trump remains a popular figure among many Republicans, his recent actions and rhetoric have alienated some within the party, including prominent figures like the Cheneys.
Recent polls indicate that Trump still holds a strong lead among veterans and active service members, although his support has decreased since 2016. A significant portion of those who previously voted for Trump have cited his comments, attitudes, and policies regarding veterans and service members as reasons for their shift in support.
The upcoming election is shaping up to be a highly contested race, with both Trump and Harris facing a number of challenges. The Cheneys’ endorsements, though likely to have a limited impact on the overall outcome, symbolize the growing discontent within the Republican party and could contribute to a more dynamic and unpredictable election cycle.
