Dick Cheney, the epitome of Republican orthodoxy, declared he’s voting for Kamala Harris.
Yes, the same Kamala Harris who’s politically on the opposite end of the spectrum.
Cheney was U.S. Vice President (2001–2009) under George W. Bush. He is known for his strong influence on foreign policy, particularly the Iraq War.
A former CEO of Halliburton, his ties to the oil industry raised many ethical concerns, as the company secured major contracts during the Iraq conflict.
Often seen as the power behind the throne, Cheney played a key role in advocating for enhanced interrogation techniques and expanding executive power in the post-9/11 era.
Cheney explained his defection: “In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump.”
Apparently, when it comes to views on democracy, Cheney’s holding his ground, even if it means switching parties.
A Conservative’s Change of Heart
Perhaps we should have seen it coming. Following the January 6 attack, Cheney lambasted his own party and Trump, calling him a “threat to our republic” and a “coward” in a campaign ad for his daughter’s 2022 reelection bid.
Realizing that “he tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him,” Cheney is making his stance on Trump clear.
“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 said.
Looks like even the staunchest conservatives draw the line somewhere.
A Daughter’s Stand and Trump’s Response
Meanwhile, Dick’s daughter Liz Cheney didn’t hold back, marking Trump as “a depraved human being” who would “promote, provoke, exploit violence in order to seize power.”
A Republican Congresswoman from Wyoming has made a name for herself as a staunch conservative with an independent streak. Previously serving as the Chair of the House Republican Conference, she found herself at odds with Trump and his loyalists, particularly following her outspoken criticism of his actions surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot.
Donald Trump, of course, had to weigh in. He didn’t miss a beat, stating: “Dick Cheney is an irrelevant RINO, along with his daughter, who lost by the largest margin in the History of Congressional Races!”
RINO is, by the way, an acronym for “Republican in name only”.
Trump didn’t stop there. He also described Cheney as the “King of Endless, Nonsensical Wars” – alluding to his role in the Iraq War. Because nothing says “I’m taking the high road” like rehashing old foreign policy blunders.
The Broader Implications
Cheney’s endorsements of Kamala Harris indicate a potential shift within the Republican Party. It may reflect a broader trend of conservatives increasingly emphasizing democratic values over strict party loyalty.
Stern warnings from Dick and Liz Cheney suggest a commitment to democratic principles and a dedication to protecting these values. Their support of Kamala Harris could be interpreted as a move to prioritize safeguarding the nation, even if it involves stepping outside traditional political boundaries.
But let’s be honest, this newfound affection for crossing party lines might also be an elaborate strategy to stay relevant in a rapidly changing political landscape. Because in politics, it’s adapt or become tomorrow’s headline — and not in a good way.