Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney announced her decision to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris during an event at Duke University titled “Defending Democracy.” While speaking at the event, moderated by Peter Feaver, a political science professor, Cheney remarked that it was important for attendees to recognize the potential dangers posed by Donald Trump, suggesting that voting for him should be avoided, particularly in swing states.
Cheney, who had not previously disclosed her support for any candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, emphasized her belief as a conservative committed to the Constitution. She received a standing ovation from the audience when she declared, “not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris.”
During her address, Cheney reflected on her time as vice chair of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th Capitol attack and highlighted issues related to election security ahead of the upcoming elections. She urged the necessity of ensuring this election is not closely contested, underlining the importance of serious political discourse rather than demonizing opponents.
Cheney criticized election deniers, specifically calling for action against North Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. She detailed Trump’s refusal to act during the Capitol violence, noting that he ignored urgent pleas and instead tweeted criticisms of then-Vice President Mike Pence, rumors she claimed escalated the chaos.
In her conversation with Feaver, Cheney described the fear among many congressional members about openly opposing Trump, attributing their hesitance to “cowardice.” She recounted a discussion with Kevin McCarthy post-election in which he acknowledged Trump knew he had lost. Cheney said she observed the extensive efforts Trump attempted to execute to overturn the election results.
She also condemned McCarthy’s actions after the insurrection, illustrating his visit to Mar-a-Lago to rally financial support, which she viewed as enabling the normalization of Trump’s influence within the party. Cheney recognized the bravery of individuals like Pence and former White House aides who resisted Trump’s pressure.
Cheney expressed her belief that the current Republican Party lacks substance and policy orientation, stating skepticism about its revival. She encouraged younger generations to engage in the political process, emphasizing the need for two strong political parties rooted in constitutional values and meaningful debate in the future.