In an unpredictable political development, ex-Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Ripon, Wisconsin. Cheney called on voters to oppose what she labeled as the “depraved cruelty of Donald Trump” and back Harris’s candidacy. The event took place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, marking Cheney’s first public endorsement of Harris, to which Trump promptly reacted.
Trump wasted no time in responding on Truth Social, deriding Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, stating, “What a pathetic couple that is, both suffering gravely from Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Dick Cheney also expressed his support for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, endorsing her in a rare cross-party move. On September 6, 2024, Cheney publicly voiced his opposition to ex-President Donald Trump, describing him as “the greatest threat to our republic.”
Trump, whose relationship with Liz Cheney has been contentious over her role in the January 6 committee, claimed that Cheney had a part in inciting the Capitol attack, branding her as a “low IQ War Hawk.”
Cheney clarified during the event that her criticisms are based on concerns about the future of the country, not personal issues. “In this election, putting patriotism ahead of partisanship is not an aspiration,” Cheney stated. “It is our duty.” Her comments received applause from the audience as she continued to promote Harris as a credible alternative to Trump in the upcoming election.
The emerging bond between Cheney and Harris epitomizes the Vice President’s campaign strategy of reaching out to disillusioned Republicans. Harris’s alignment with a staunch conservative like Cheney is intended to appeal to a demographic willing to cross party lines. Cheney, who lost her House seat after criticizing Trump, also admitted that her concerns about Trump’s influence on the GOP have taken precedence over party loyalty.
During a subsequent media interview, Cheney reasserted her criticism of Trump, noting that he had praised the rioters who stormed the Capitol on January 6 rather than condemning them, thereby revealing his character.
Aside from the Cheneys, Vice President Harris’ campaign has garnered support from an increasing number of ex-Republican officials and former Trump administration staff, reflecting a substantial change in political loyalties as the election nears.
More than 100 ex-GOP officials, including those who served in previous Republican administrations, have publicly pledged their support for Harris due to concerns about Trump’s suitability for office and the potential risk he poses to American democracy.
Former Illinois Representative Adam Kinzinger, who addressed the Democratic National Convention in August, called on GOP voters to “vote for our bedrock values and vote for Kamala Harris.” Kinzinger mentioned he would “certainly accept a cabinet post under Harris if offered one.”
Jeff Flake, a former senator from Arizona, has endorsed the Democratic ticket. He referred to his work experience with Harris in the Senate and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in the House as reasons for his endorsement. “I would encourage all Republicans who feel this way to do the same,” Flake posted on social media platform X.
The endorsements from Republicans extend beyond elected officials to include ex-Trump administration staff members. Anthony Scaramucci, former White House Communications Director, and Stephanie Grisham, an ex-Press Secretary, have both backed Harris.
During an interview with MSNBC on the night of the first debate between Harris and Trump, Scaramucci said, “She [Harris] is the person dedicated to service — he’s the person that’s dedicated to self-service.”
Grisham, who also spoke at the Democratic National Convention, told the audience, “Kamala Harris tells the truth. She respects the American people and she has my vote.”
In a remarkable move, over 200 ex-staffers of previous Republican presidential nominees penned an open letter endorsing Harris over Trump. The signatories, including individuals who worked for the Bush and McCain campaigns, cautioned that a second Trump term would be “untenable” and could “hurt real, everyday people.”
The letter urges “moderate Republicans and conservative independents” to back Harris and Walz, arguing that another Trump presidency could endanger “broad, democratic movements” and possibly result in the United States forsaking allies while becoming close with dictators.
A group of 24 Wisconsin Republicans also wrote an open letter arguing that Trump’s values do not align with those of Wisconsin and that the Harris-Walz ticket embodies principles of “freedom, democracy, and decency.”
The Harris campaign has leveraged these Republican endorsements, releasing an ad titled “Unstable Threat” that includes critical statements about Trump from his former allies. This approach emphasizes the campaign’s efforts to appeal to Republican-leaning and undecided voters in what appears to be a closely contested race.
While these endorsements signify a significant departure from party lines, not all ex-Trump allies have gone as far as endorsing the Democratic ticket. Some, such as former Vice President Mike Pence, have declined to endorse Trump but have refrained from supporting Harris.
The Trump campaign has dismissed these Republican endorsements of Harris. In response to the open letter from former GOP presidential staff, the campaign described the signatories as unknown individuals who would “rather see the country burn down” than see Trump return to the White House.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the Harris-Walz campaign continues to spotlight these cross-party endorsements as part of its strategy to attract a wide range of voters. The increasing list of Republican figures endorsing the Democratic ticket signifies the profound divisions within the GOP over Trump’s continued influence and the willingness of some conservatives to prioritize the country’s interests over party loyalty.
