In a surprising turn of events, Liz Cheney, former Republican congresswoman, has declared her intention to vote for Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. This announcement, made at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, on September 4, 2023, marks a significant departure from party lines for the conservative politician.
Cheney, known for her staunch conservative views and belief in constitutional principles, explained her decision by emphasizing the perceived threat posed by former President Donald Trump. "Because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I am voting for Kamala Harris," she stated during the event.
"As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this and because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I am voting for Kamala Harris."
This decision comes approximately 3 years and 8 months after the January 6, 2021 incident at the U.S. Capitol, where Trump supporters stormed the building. Cheney played a crucial role in the aftermath of these events, supporting Trump's second impeachment and serving as vice chair of the House committee investigating the attack.
Cheney's political career has been significantly impacted by her opposition to Trump. In 2022, she lost her congressional seat representing Wyoming's at-large district after Trump endorsed her opponent in the Republican primary. This loss came after her removal from House Republican leadership in May 2021 due to her criticism of Trump's false claims about the 2020 election.
Despite the political consequences, Cheney has remained steadfast in her stance. Born on July 28, 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin, she has a long history of public service, including work at the State Department before entering politics. As the eldest daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, she co-authored a book with her father titled "Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America."
Cheney's commitment to her principles has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she received the Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Following her departure from Congress, she launched the Great Task PAC to support anti-Trump candidates, demonstrating her continued efforts to shape the political landscape.
The former congresswoman's decision to support Harris is particularly noteworthy given her conservative background. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Cheney served as the third-ranking Republican in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021. Her current stance represents a significant shift in her political alignment.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Cheney's announcement adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming election. With rumors circulating about her considering a potential independent presidential run in 2024, her endorsement of Harris may have far-reaching implications for both major parties and the future of American politics.