Dick Cheney Endorses Kamala Harris for President, Opposes Trump

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a lifelong Republican, has announced his intention to vote for Kamala Harris for president. Liz Cheney, who endorsed Harris on Wednesday, first revealed her father's decision during an interview with Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin.

When asked for a comment, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung sarcastically responded, "Who is Liz Cheney?" This was confirmed by the campaign, referencing a past comment where Liz Cheney called Harris a radical liberal. Dick Cheney's endorsement statement focused more on opposing Trump than supporting Harris.

Cheney's Criticism of Trump

Dick Cheney has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, especially during Liz Cheney's unsuccessful reelection campaign in 2022. In his statement, he said, "He can never be trusted with power again. 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."

In 2022, Dick Cheney appeared in a campaign ad for Liz Cheney's fourth term as Wyoming's congressperson. He called Trump a coward for attempting to steal the election using lies and violence after voters rejected him. Despite this, Liz Cheney lost her primary to Trump-endorsed Harriet Hageman by more than a 2-to-1 margin.

Political Shifts and Endorsements

Both Dick and Liz Cheney initially supported Trump in 2016. However, their support waned after disagreements over Trump's foreign policy decisions and his criticism of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq initiated during Dick Cheney's vice presidency. By 2020, they remained silent on their support for Trump.

In Wyoming, Trump's popularity soared, giving him his widest margin of victory in 2020. By 2021, Liz Cheney's vote to impeach Trump and her investigation into the Capitol riot made them irredeemable to Trump and most of the GOP. However, some Republicans like Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois endorsed Biden and supported Harris at the Democratic National Convention.

Health and Public Appearances

Dick Cheney, now 83, has made few public appearances recently due to heart issues that have plagued him since his 40s. He underwent a heart transplant in 2012. Despite his health challenges, he remains politically active through statements and endorsements.

This marks the first time Dick Cheney has supported a Democrat for president despite having friendships with Democrats over the years. His endorsement reflects a significant shift in his political stance driven by his opposition to Trump.

Several other prominent Republicans have also voiced their support for Harris or stated they will not vote for Trump. Among them are Sen. Mitt Romney and former Vice President Mike Pence; however, only Romney is still in office and not seeking reelection.

The Cheneys' evolving political positions highlight the deep divisions within the Republican Party regarding Trump's influence and future leadership.