On Friday, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney announced his decision to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris rather than Republican former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 U.S. elections. This choice mirrors a recent statement made by his daughter, Liz Cheney.
The race between Trump and Harris is becoming increasingly competitive, with a crucial debate scheduled for next week. In recent months, some Republicans dissatisfied with Trump’s leadership and actions have shifted their support to Harris, including numerous former aides of Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
Dick Cheney, Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, is a contentious figure because of his role in orchestrating the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which resulted in considerable civilian casualties and human rights concerns. The Iraq War, in particular, was criticised for being based on false claims of weapons of mass destruction.
Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman and outspoken critic of Trump, has also condemned his actions, particularly regarding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Dick Cheney stated that Trump represents “the greatest threat to our republic” in the nation’s history and emphasised the importance of prioritising the Constitution over partisan politics. The Harris campaign welcomed the Cheneys’ endorsement, noting it as part of a growing trend of Republicans choosing country over party. In response, Trump dismissed the Cheneys as “irrelevant RINO,” a term he uses for Republicans he deems insufficiently loyal.
