In a surprising turn of events, former Vice President Dick Cheney, a staunch conservative figure, has announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election. This revelation, confirmed by Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
The endorsement, unveiled during an interview on Friday, has ignited a frenzy on social media and prompted intense discussions about the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party.
Political commentator Keith Boykin reacted with astonishment, noting, “Never been a fan of Dick Cheney, but this exposes how today’s Republican Party no longer believes in principles of conservatism. It’s just a cult of Trump.”
Talk radio host Barry Markson also weighed in, highlighting the significance of Cheney’s decision: “Dick Cheney was one of the most conservative congressmen and VPs in history. He sees the threat Trump poses to our democracy and is voting for a Democrat for the first time.”
Democratic consultant D.J. Koessler added to the historical context, saying, “Imagine telling yourself in the early 2000s that Dick Cheney would one day endorse the Democratic candidate for president because the GOP’s 2024 nominee poses an existential threat to American democracy. The stakes in this election are truly historic.”
The timing of Cheney’s endorsement is particularly noteworthy as Liz Cheney, a former Wyoming congresswoman and ex-chair of the House Republican Conference, has increasingly distanced herself from the Republican Party. She has been vocal in her criticism of former President Donald Trump and his alleged threat to constitutional norms.
Democratic pollster Cornell Belcher, speaking on MSNBC with Nicolle Wallace, suggested that Cheney’s endorsement could significantly impact the election. He compared it to Gen. Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008, noting its potential to sway undecided Republicans.
Belcher remarked, “This is a needle-moving moment for Vice President Harris. It provides Republicans who are on the fence with a powerful reason to support a Democrat. Cheney’s endorsement is an unprecedented moment in modern political history.”
Watch the segment below:
