In a political landscape where loyalty and principles are often intertwined, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) has made a controversial stand. A self-proclaimed “conservative,” Cheney’s recent actions and statements place her directly at odds with the Republican Party, especially concerning President Donald Trump. Her latest book tour and series of high-profile interviews with a fawning corporate media have underscored her firm stance against Trump’s possible re-election, warning of a “fearful dictatorship” if he were to return to power.
Despite her claim that she voted with President Trump 93% of the time during her tenure, she now openly calls for voters to restore control of the House to liberal Democrats. She explained to The Washington Post that she believes there is a “plague of cowardice” affecting House and Senate Republicans. Her main sticking point with her party is over what she sees as a failure to take action against her nemesis, President Trump.
Liz Cheney has launched her latest effort to end Donald Trump's political career through her book tour, loads of major interviews, and howls of warnings that his reelection will end up in a fearful dictatorship. https://t.co/tMtSXDuTfl
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) January 7, 2024
Cheney’s criticisms ignore the many accomplishments of the first Trump administration, including a thriving economy, historical lows in unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic communities, energy independence and significant conservative judicial appointments.
Cheney’s recent actions, especially her support for Democratic candidates against conservative Republicans and her role in the House Select Committee investigating the events of January 6, 2021, have only fueled skepticism about her supposed conservative credentials.
Cheney’s recent remarks in an interview with CBS, where she expressed a preference for a Democratic majority over a Republican one led by Trump allies, further alienates her from the conservative base.
As the political arena gears up for this year’s elections, Cheney’s approach and readiness to side with Democrats raise questions about her claimed alignment with conservative principles.
Cheney faced a humiliating defeat in the 2022 GOP Wyoming House primary, demonstrating the clear and deepening disconnection she has developed from the conservative voting base. Despite being an incumbent and previously winning with 68.6% of the vote in 2020, Cheney was overwhelmingly defeated by pro-Trump candidate Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY).
Hageman received 66.3% of the vote, making Cheney’s loss the second-worst for a House incumbent in the last 60 years. This outcome was a direct result of Cheney’s opposition to President Trump and her vocal support for the second impeachment put forward by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Her massive loss in such a solidly Republican state is a stark indication of how out of step she became with the mainstream voters she once represented​​.
