In a continuation of her efforts throughout the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris has gained the support of several prominent Republicans, most notably former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney.
This alliance represents a continuation of the cross-party effort to prevent Donald Trump from returning to the White House.
Campaigning Together in Ripon
Harris and Cheney recently appeared together on the campaign trail in Ripon, Wisconsin—the symbolic birthplace of the Republican Party. The event showcased Harris’s efforts to appeal to disillusioned Republicans, particularly those who are weary of Trump’s influence over the GOP. Cheney, an ardent Trump critic, described the former president as a “threat unlike any we have faced before” and underscored the necessity of defending democratic institutions from efforts to undermine them.
Cheney’s Endorsement: A First-Time Move
The campaign event was a clear display of unity against Trump, with Harris lauding Cheney as a “true patriot” who has remained steadfast in her principles, despite facing significant political consequences. Cheney’s endorsement of Harris marks the first time she has supported a Democratic presidential candidate, reflecting the gravity of what she sees at stake in this election.
Targeting Disillusioned Voters
The collaboration aims to reach college-educated and suburban voters, who may be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the upcoming election. Harris’s strategy includes endorsements from former Trump supporters and conservative figures who now view Trump as a threat to American democracy. The cross-party initiative, branded as “Republicans for Harris,” is intended to unify voters across the political spectrum by focusing on shared values rather than partisan differences.
An Expanding Group of Republican Supporters
Harris’s latest campaign event at Washington Crossing in Pennsylvania featured a notable increase in Republican endorsements. She was joined by around 20 prominent Republicans, including former New Jersey Governor Christie Todd Whitman, former U.S. Representative Jim Greenwood, and former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger, who had previously voted for Trump’s impeachment. Also present were Olivia Troye, a former homeland security advisor in the Trump administration, and former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan.
Bob and Kristina Lange, Republican farmers from Malvern who had previously supported Trump, introduced Harris at the event. Their endorsement highlighted the shifting sentiment among some traditional conservative voters. The Langes expressed their disillusionment with Trump’s divisive tactics, emphasizing the need to “turn the page on Trump and his chaos.”
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, along with his daughter Liz Cheney, have also thrown their support behind Harris. They were joined by other former Republican officials like ex-CIA and FBI director William Webster, and former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham. Additionally, more than 100 former members of Congress and national security officials from previous Republican administrations signed a letter endorsing Harris, further showcasing the breadth of support she has gathered from across the aisle.
Preserving Democratic Norms
Despite their policy disagreements, Harris and Cheney stressed the importance of preserving democratic norms and ensuring that leaders fulfill their oath to protect the Constitution. Harris’s decision to campaign with Cheney and other Republican figures is also seen as a strategic effort to counter Trump’s portrayal of her as being too far left, instead showcasing a broad coalition united by a commitment to defend American democracy.
Highlighting the Divide Within the GOP
This alliance also highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party—between those loyal to Trump and those like Cheney and other prominent figures who wish to distance themselves from his rhetoric and actions. For Harris, this alliance is part of a broader strategy to attract moderate voters who may feel alienated by Trump’s brand of politics and are seeking an alternative that aligns with their values and concerns.
The diverse Republican endorsements underline Harris’s effort to present herself as a candidate capable of bridging divides and working across party lines to address the country’s pressing issues. As the 2024 election approaches, this expanding coalition may prove pivotal in reshaping voter alignments and challenging Trump’s path back to the White House.