In a bold move that shocked no one, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney threw her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, prompting a strong rebuke from Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. In the ongoing battle for the soul of the Republican Party, Cheney’s endorsement serves as a perfect reminder that some in the GOP are more interested in protecting the establishment than in standing up for true conservative values.
Cheney’s endorsement came with her usual flavor of alarmism, warning of the “danger” posed by former President Donald Trump should he regain the White House. This from a woman whose father was famously connected to the old guard of the GOP. Sanders, who has thrown her full support behind Trump’s campaign, pointed out that Cheney and her fellow Harris supporters represent a dwindling faction within the Republican ranks—essentially a sad minority clinging to a sinking ship.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on former Rep. Liz Cheney endorsing Kamala Harris: “I’m not trying to be rude, but you don't get to call yourself a conservative or a Republican when you support the most radical nominee that the Democrats have ever put up.” https://t.co/KxhNbT3mdo pic.twitter.com/DCPLGOXseR
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024
Sanders made it clear that Cheney’s decision to endorse the Democrats’ most extreme candidate disqualifies her from calling herself a conservative or even a Republican. While Cheney preens as a champion of conservatism, her actions betray her true loyalties, demonstrating a penchant for establishment politics that many in the Republican base find utterly intolerable. In a time when the party should be rallying around actual conservative principles, Cheney’s betrayal only amplifies the schism between the establishment and grassroots conservatives.
The topic of tariffs also sparked some discussion, as a reporter attempted to pin Sanders down on Trump’s economic policies. They wondered whether these tariffs could be seen as a tax increase for hard-working Americans. Sanders promptly dismissed this notion, framing tariffs as essential tools for restoring American manufacturing. It’s all about promoting self-reliance and ensuring that products proudly display “Made in the USA” labels instead of foreign imports. Who wouldn’t support that?
As the 2024 presidential debates loom on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher. With Trump squaring off against Harris, all eyes will be on the VP, who has avoided the press like it’s the plague. Sanders expertly pointed out that while Trump is known for his combativeness and clear messaging, Harris remains an enigma. One thing is certain: the American public deserves to know what policies she stands for, rather than leaving them in the dark.
In the midst of all this, Cheney’s endorsement of Harris has also gained the approval of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has openly stated his vote for the Democratic candidate. This comes as no surprise, as both Cheneys seem far more interested in advocating for their establishment connections than in serving the American people. Meanwhile, the refusal of former President George W. Bush to endorse either candidate signals a growing divide in the party. The old guard is either quietly retreating or admitting defeat in the face of a more populist, principled Republican base that refuses to back down. The lines are being drawn, and the establishment is slowly being left behind.