One could say the political winds are shifting dynamically, even within traditionally staunch Republican families. Case in point, noted public figure Dick Cheney, rendered an unexpected proclamation this Friday that his presidential choice was not a party comrade but the Democrat, Vice President Kamala Harris. The information was disseminated primarily by Liz Cheney, his progeny and another influential Republican, who herself had chosen to endorse Harris earlier that week. The details emerged during a live interview session Liz was participating in, centered at the Texas Tribune Festival held in Austin.
Despite having a reputation for being a lifelong Republican, Dick Cheney had been perceived to harbor skepticism towards Donald J. Trump, the ex-president. This was especially apparent during the reelection venture of Liz Cheney in 2022, which unfortunately did not bear favorable results. Much of this skepticism was translated into an official announcement from Dick Cheney that confirmed his endorsement, although it was framed more as a critique of Trump, rather than direct encouragement for Harris.
However, displaying his astute political savviness and gentlemanly decorum, Trump offered his characteristically unyielding response via his favored mode of public interaction, the Truth Social platform. The former president poignantly painted Dick Cheney as a ‘RINO’, short for ‘Republican In Name Only’, generously extending the term to his daughter Liz as well. This light-hearted comment certainly much amused his dedicated fanbase.
As an epitome of wit, Trump’s spokesman Steven Cheung chipped in as well, displaying a charmingly bemused curiosity about ‘Who is Liz Cheney?’ It was stated by the campaign that his question wasn’t bereft of humor, considering it was delivered with a delightful touch of sarcasm. To make the point home, there was a reference made to a years-old comment from Liz Cheney where she had dismissed Harris as a ‘radical liberal.’
Extending the narrative, Jen O’Malley Dillon, who was chairing Harris’s campaign, shared a statement that expressed Harris’s pride over getting the veteran Republican’s endorsement. The statement had a tone of respect, acknowledging Cheney’s ability to prioritize country over the party’s interest. This reveals a rather fascinating shift in the political landscape, when significant figures from the opposing camp extend their support.
Dick Cheney, an octogenarian, has shied away from the public eye in recent years. He has been straddling with heart health-related issues since his forties, which led to a major heart transplant procedure in 2012. While the extent of his activities might have receded, his political influence seemingly has not.
Interestingly, Cheney’s Friday’s statement echoed a folded attempt from a 2022 campaign advertisement wishing to secure a fourth term for his daughter Liz in the office of Wyoming’s lone congressperson. This advertisement labeled Trump as a ‘coward’ for trying to ‘steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him.’ The vigor and charm of Trump, however, seemed to be embraced much more warmly in this deeply red state.
It’s worth noting that Trump’s endorsement worked wonders for the lawyer Harriet Hageman in the Republican primary, which she resoundingly won against Liz Cheney by more than twice the votes. The state of Wyoming, now quite evidently in Trump’s corner, had gradually moved away from its previous affection towards the Cheney family, reflecting the enduring popularity and influence of Trump.
In a fascinating political dance, the Cheneys have been known to interact cordially with Democrats, but it is unprecedented for them to support one for the presidential office. They did back Trump in the 2016 elections, but the relationship seemed to have soured over time, presumably owing to differing views on foreign policies and ‘endless wars’ which were predicated during Cheney’s vice-presidency.
The Cheneys refrained from expressing any explicit support for Trump in the 2020 elections, protesting silence instead. Further, Wyoming, their home state, bestowed upon Trump his widest margin of victory that year—a monumental testament to his enduring popularity.
Liz Cheney’s controversial decision to vote for Trump’s impeachment created quite a stir, following an investigation into Trump’s alleged involvement in instigating the Capitol riots. However, in a typical Trump mode, he brushed the allegations aside with grace, leaving his critics attempting to challenge his influence within the Republican party.
Noteworthy figures emerged siding with the Cheneys, one being the Cheney associate and Illinois based Republican, Rep. Adam Kinzinger. Despite facing criticism from Trump, he had preferred to endorse Biden earlier this year, and spoke in favor of Harris during the Democratic National Convention in August.
It’s an arena of shifting allegiances, as leading Republicans voiced support for Harris. Similarly, Sen. Mitt Romney and ex-Vice President Mike Pence withheld their support for Trump. It is eye-opening how Romney remains unaffected in his office, despite his non-support for Trump, who has retained a firm grip on the party’s voter base and influence.