In a rally in Ripon, Wisconsin, on October 3, 2024, former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney unleashed a volley at Donald Trump in a scathing speech as she appeared with Vice President Kamala Harris. Coming in the city known as the birthplace of the Republican Party, the event is historical, though with political implications going into the November 5 election. Cheney’s comments underscored her continued break with Trump and her promise to back Harris-a first in switching party dynamics.
Cheney rips into Trump
Cheney, a Trump critic since the January 6 insurrection in the Capitol, did not mince words during her speech. “He is a petty, vindictive, and cruel man,” she said. His behavior had proved, she said, that he was unfit for office. “Donald Trump was willing to sacrifice our Capitol and our law enforcement officers in his effort to allow violent thugs to assault and threaten lawmakers,” she said. She made a point of saying that that sort of thing is just plain immoral and that Americans should not harden themselves to it.
Drawing on fresh evidence revealed by Special Counsel Jack Smith over efforts by Trump to void the 2020 presidential election outcome, Cheney underlined how grave Trump’s actions were. She recounted that Trump reportedly dismissed concerns for then-Vice President Mike Pence’s safety during the riot in the Capitol, saying that when he was informed of Pence being evacuated for his protection, Trump simply replied, “So what?” This anecdote served to illustrate Cheney’s argument that Trump is unfit for leadership.
That was as clear as square with Cheney. “We must ensure Donald Trump is defeated on November 5. He is unfit to lead this great nation.” This was a comment directed not just at Democrats but to all Americans who believe in democracy and constitutional integrity.
Kamala Harris’s reaction
Vice President Kamala Harris took the enthusiastic Cheney endorsement and Trump criticisms in stride. During her comments, she lauded Cheney for having the courage to put patriotism over partisanship. Harris said, “There are many who know it’s wrong and then there are those who have the courage to speak out loudly about it,” speaking to Cheney’s ability to cross party lines in support of democratic principles.
Harris shot back that their partnership reflects the larger coalition of Americans who value the health of democracy more than party loyalty. “No matter who you voted for last time, no matter who you voted for before, there is a home for you in our campaign,” she said. That message may find particularly receptive ears in swing states like Wisconsin, where independent and center-right Republican voters may now hold the key to the election.
What politics looks like moving forward
Cheney’s endorsement of Harris speaks volumes to a possible shift among those Republicans who have grown weary of Trump’s leadership style and policy. Cheney herself supports Harris by voting for a Democrat for the first time. Cheney wants to reach out to voters in positions possibly torn by their party’s direction at a time when Trump has obviously had his say. Her presence was important for the rally, making Harris’s message strong for unity across political divides while broaching the pressing need for principled leadership.
New polling suggests that Wisconsin remains one of the most critical battleground states, with Harris leading Trump by a hair. Engaged in a rare goodwill gesture that may perhaps be a game-changer for undecided voters and those looking at any other alternative to Trump’s candidature, Cheney and Harris are teaming up. Cheney said in her speech, “Today, our republic confronts an unprecedented threat: a former president who sought to maintain power by dismantling the very foundations of our democracy.”
