Dick Cheney, a name synonymous with Republican politics and the hawkish policies of the Bush era, recently made headlines not for defending conservative principles, but for endorsing Democrat Kamala Harris. This move, unthinkable just a few years ago, begs the question: Where Is Dick Cheney Now, politically speaking? His endorsement, along with that of other Republican stalwarts like Alberto Gonzales, isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a glaring signal of the profound fracture within the Republican Party and the lengths to which some traditional conservatives are willing to go to oppose Donald Trump.
Cheney, once the Democrats’ political bogeyman for his unwavering support of the Iraq War during his time as Vice President, has seemingly crossed party lines in an extraordinary display of political defiance. His endorsement of Harris, alongside former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, underscores a remarkable shift within the Republican establishment. These figures, who once defined Republican power in Washington during the Bush years, find themselves marginalized in the Trump era. So alarmed are they by the prospect of Trump’s return to the White House that they are openly supporting the Democratic nominee.
This unprecedented support from prominent Republicans presents a significant opportunity for Harris to broaden her appeal beyond the traditional Democratic base. Will Marshall, founder of the Progressive Policy Institute, aptly describes the situation: “It’s easier for prominent Republicans like Cheney and Gonzales to say, ‘I support Kamala Harris’ because, in effect, their old home has been ransacked and destroyed.” He argues that Trump’s grip on the Republican Party has alienated these figures, weakening traditional partisan loyalties.
Geoff Duncan, the former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Georgia who also endorsed Harris and spoke at the Democratic convention, believes these endorsements can sway Republicans hesitant about Trump. He suggests these “card-carrying, time-tested Republicans” might not convert Trump supporters to Harris voters, but they could convince undecided Republicans to vote against Trump by voting for Harris, rather than sitting out the election.
However, the real question remains: how much influence do these Republicans, long-time critics of Democrats, actually wield in today’s political climate? Cheney, in particular, remains a polarizing figure, and the raw feelings stemming from past political battles are still potent. Even as the Harris campaign welcomes these endorsements, skepticism abounds. Comedian Jon Stewart, on “The Daily Show,” satirized Cheney’s endorsement, questioning its value and highlighting Cheney’s controversial past. Stewart’s comedic outburst reflects a sentiment held by many: can endorsements from figures like Cheney truly sway voters, or do they carry too much baggage?
Cheney’s political journey has been marked by staunch Republicanism. Serving under three Republican presidents, he held key positions from White House chief of staff to defense secretary and Vice President. Democrats frequently criticized him for his promotion of Halliburton, his former company, and his role in the Valerie Plame affair. Even within his own party, moments like his accidental shooting of a friend during a hunting trip led to calls for him to step back from the political limelight. Yet, Cheney persevered, remaining a powerful figure throughout Bush’s presidency. Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, sees Cheney’s current “mainstream Republican” status as a reflection of the party’s decline, further emphasizing the need to keep Trump and Republicans out of power.
The ideological rift within the Republican Party is not a recent development. Trump’s 2016 campaign was built on a rejection of the traditional GOP establishment, famously, and falsely, claiming his opposition to the Iraq War. Cheney himself has been a vocal critic of Trump’s foreign policy, disagreeing with Trump’s stance on NATO and troop withdrawals from Syria. This divide was starkly visible after the January 6th Capitol riot. Cheney visited the Capitol on the anniversary of the attack, alongside his daughter Liz Cheney, then a Republican Representative, as the only two Republicans present at a House session marking the event. Liz Cheney, who co-chaired the House investigation into the January 6th siege before losing her primary, also endorsed Harris, preceding her father’s statement that Trump “can never be trusted with power again.”
Crystal McLaughlin, a North Carolina healthcare worker, represents a segment of voters who view Cheney with suspicion due to his past, yet acknowledge the significance of his endorsement. While admitting past nervousness about Cheney’s influence, she appreciates his and his daughter’s endorsements of Harris, hoping for broader Republican support. Gonzales, echoing Cheney’s sentiments, publicly denounced Trump as a threat to the rule of law, citing the Capitol attack and Trump’s legal challenges. This is noteworthy considering Gonzales’ own history of Democratic criticism and controversy during his time as Attorney General. Even Gonzales faced condemnation and calls for resignation amidst scandals during the Bush administration.
The endorsements from figures like Cheney and Gonzales highlight a critical juncture for the Republican Party. Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Duncan believes that Republicans will eventually have to “take their medicine” and acknowledge Trump’s negative impact on the party. Whether these endorsements will translate into tangible votes remains uncertain. However, they undeniably underscore the deep ideological chasm within the Republican Party and the evolving political landscape where figures like Dick Cheney find themselves in unexpected alliances, driven by a shared opposition to Donald Trump. Where is Dick Cheney now? He is firmly positioned against the Trump wing of his party, advocating for a Democrat, a move that speaks volumes about the current state of American politics.
