Liz Cheney on Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, and Jeff Bezos
Nov 1, 2024
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Liz Cheney, former representative from Wyoming and a key figure in the January 6th investigation, discusses her bold stance against Donald Trump. She reflects on the implications of a Trump presidency for women's rights and the importance of resisting autocracy. Cheney candidly addresses her past support for Trump and the moral dilemmas faced by Republican leaders. She also reveals the influence of endorsements on the political landscape, highlighting her disappointment with Jeff Bezos’ actions surrounding Kamala Harris.
Liz Cheney argues that the unprecedented backlash against Donald Trump from Republican leaders signifies a critical shift towards prioritizing integrity in politics.
Concerns over women's rights are emerging as a key factor influencing voter behavior, potentially swaying support towards candidates like Vice President Harris.
Deep dives
The Growing Concern Over Trump and His Impact on Politics
Concerns regarding Donald Trump's suitability for office have led to unprecedented backlash from military and political leaders, influencing the political landscape significantly. Prominent figures, including Liz Cheney, have voiced that Trump's behavior aligns with authoritarianism, labeling him as a security threat and a potential fascist. This shift has fostered an unusual coalition of voters, including Republicans, who are now shifting their support towards candidates like Vice President Harris in response to fears over women's rights and basic healthcare access. The breakdown of conventional party loyalties indicates a critical moment in American politics, emphasizing the urgent need for integrity in elected officials.
Women's Issues as a Key Voting Driver
Women’s rights have emerged as a pivotal issue in the upcoming elections, influencing voter behavior and preferences. Liz Cheney highlighted how the actions of state legislatures in places like Texas and North Carolina are resonating with women across the nation, creating a compelling motivation to participate in the electoral process. Her analysis indicates that many women may lean towards voting for Vice President Harris, even if they do not express it publicly. This trend may significantly impact the election outcome, as women's voting patterns could become a decisive factor in a closely divided electorate.
The Intensifying Climate of Partisanship and Its Ramifications
The current political climate has heightened the dangers of extreme partisanship, where collaboration has been replaced by animosity among lawmakers. Cheney reflects on her own evolution in understanding the implications of supporting Trump, acknowledging that the environment has created conditions where elected officials prioritize personal power over constitutional fidelity. This has led to a disconnect between politicians and voters, where many feel unheard and unrepresented. The urgent call for integrity and accountability among leaders is crucial in easing the growing divisions and restoring trust within the political system.
In recent weeks and months, dozens of prominent security and military officials and Republican politicians have come out against Donald Trump, declaring him a security threat, unfit for office, and, in some cases, a fascist. Way out in front of this movement was Liz Cheney. Up until 2021, she was the third-ranking Republican in Congress, but after the January 6th insurrection she voted to impeach Trump. She then served as vice-chair of the House Select Committee on the January 6th attack. She must have expected it would cost her the midterms and her seat in Congress, which ended up being the case when Wyoming voters rejected her in 2022. Since then, Cheney has gone further, campaigning forcefully on behalf of Vice-President Harris. David Remnick spoke with Cheney last week at The New Yorker Festival, shortly after Jeff Bezos, owner of the Washington Post, blocked its planned endorsement of Harris. “It absolutely proves the danger of Donald Trump,” Cheney said. “When you have Jeff Bezos apparently afraid to issue an endorsement for the only candidate in the race who’s a stable, responsible adult, because he fears Donald Trump, that tells you why we have to work so hard to make sure that Donald Trump isn’t elected,” Cheney told Remnick. “And I cancelled my subscription to the Washington Post.”
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