Former Vice President Dick Cheney has caused a political stir by endorsing Kamala Harris for president, a move that has both shocked and baffled many observers.
Cheney, who supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential race, has now aligned himself with Harris, the Democratic nominee known for her progressive stances.
Cheney’s endorsement marks a dramatic departure from his previous position. In 2016, Cheney expressed concern over Trump’s conservative credentials, suggesting that Trump “sounds like a liberal Democrat.” This comment was met with derision from Democrats, who viewed Trump as a quintessential representative of conservative extremism.
Harris’s campaign welcomed Cheney’s support, with Harris herself stating she was “proud” to receive his endorsement. This endorsement has been met with widespread disbelief, given Cheney’s historical reputation among Democrats as a symbol of conservative authoritarianism. His role in the Iraq War and his portrayal as a villain in popular culture have made him a controversial figure on the left.
MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace described the endorsement as a surreal turn of events, highlighting the seeming absurdity of Cheney’s alignment with Harris. Critics argue that Cheney’s support represents a dramatic shift and question the sincerity of his motives.
In his endorsement statement, Cheney criticized Trump as a “greater threat to our republic” than any other individual in American history.
He accused Trump of attempting to undermine the last election through lies and violence, framing his support for Harris as an act of patriotism aimed at defending the Constitution and prioritizing the nation’s interests over partisan politics.
The endorsement has elicited accusations of hypocrisy, particularly given Cheney’s past criticism from the left. Civil liberties advocate Chip Gibbons, writing for Jacobin in 2022, labelled Cheney as an “enemy of democracy” and a “war criminal,” contrasting his alleged crimes with Trump’s actions.
Liz Cheney, Dick Cheney’s daughter, has also endorsed Harris despite previously criticizing her as a radical liberal. This shift underscores the broader contradictions and strategic manoeuvring in contemporary politics.
Recent polling reflects a tight race between Harris and Trump, with Trump leading by 1 percentage point in a New York Times/Siena College survey.
The poll indicates that many voters view Trump as occupying a more centrist position compared to Harris, who is seen as too far to the left by nearly half of the electorate.
The endorsement highlights the complexities and shifting allegiances in modern politics, where past adversaries can become unexpected allies, and political endorsements can spark intense debate about authenticity and motives.