In a surprising turn of events, Dick Cheney, the former Republican Vice President, has declared his intention to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming November 5, 2024 election. This announcement, made on September 6, 2024, follows a similar statement by his daughter, Liz Cheney, earlier in the week.
The decision by Dick Cheney, who served as Vice President from 2001 to 2009 under George W. Bush, highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party. Cheney's choice to cross party lines is particularly noteworthy given his long-standing conservative credentials and influential role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during his tenure.
"In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. 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."
This statement underscores the gravity of Cheney's decision, which comes at a critical juncture in American politics. The upcoming election, now just two months away, is shaping up to be a closely contested race between Harris and Trump.
Cheney's announcement is part of a broader trend of Republican figures distancing themselves from Trump. Dozens of former staffers from the administrations of George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have also expressed support for Harris, signaling a significant shift in party allegiances.
The former Vice President's political career spans decades, including ten years as a U.S. Representative from Wyoming and a stint as Secretary of Defense from 1989 to 1993. Known for his influential role in the Bush administration's response to the September 11 attacks and his advocacy for the Iraq War, Cheney has been a prominent figure in Republican politics for years.
Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman and vocal critic of Trump, has been particularly outspoken about the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Her stance against Trump has been consistent, aligning with her father's recent declaration.
While Dick Cheney's decision to support Harris is significant, it's important to note his controversial past. Human rights groups have criticized his role in planning the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which resulted in substantial civilian casualties and alleged human rights abuses.
As the election approaches, the impact of endorsements from Republican figures like the Cheneys remains to be seen. However, their public opposition to Trump highlights the ongoing internal struggle within the Republican Party and the potential for a realignment of political loyalties in the face of what some view as an unprecedented threat to American democracy.