As speculation mounts about the potential impact of former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) in the upcoming 2024 election, the political landscape brims with uncertainty as President Biden and former President Trump edge closer to a potential rematch.
Cheney has made clear her determination to prevent Trump from reclaiming the White House, expressing willingness to pursue various avenues, including a potential independent bid. Recently, she initiated her political action committee, the Great Task, following Nikki Haley’s withdrawal from her improbable primary challenge against Trump.
While Cheney has left room for speculation by not ruling out an independent run, she has also stated her reluctance to become a spoiler candidate, particularly if it aids Trump. This stance has led some Democrats to ponder the possibility, even hope, that she might endorse Biden instead.
Democratic strategist Jennifer Holdsworth, reflecting on Cheney’s evolving role, remarked on the shifting dynamics of contemporary politics. Despite potential policy disparities, she expressed openness to a Cheney endorsement, emphasizing the value of diverse voices aligning on democratic principles.
Cheney’s trajectory shifted dramatically in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, propelling her from a rising GOP figure to a pariah within her party due to her outspoken opposition to Trump. Despite her conservative credentials, she faced expulsion from her House GOP leadership role and a primary defeat to a Trump-backed contender over her rejection of Trump’s election falsehoods and his response to the Capitol siege.
Since then, Cheney has emerged as a prominent figure in the anti-Trump movement, participating in bipartisan efforts to investigate the Capitol attack and actively opposing Trump-aligned candidates during the 2022 midterms while endorsing select Democrats. Her actions, coupled with the release of a memoir and continued criticism of Trump, hint at potential presidential aspirations.
Cheney has kept the door open to a White House bid, stressing the importance of voting based on candidates’ commitment to upholding constitutional principles rather than party allegiance. However, she has pledged not to facilitate Trump’s return to power, sparking speculation about her next move.
While some Democrats advocate for a Cheney endorsement of Biden to attract anti-Trump voters, others emphasize the significance of her role in defending democracy, regardless of her electoral decisions. Republican voices express varying sentiments, with some hoping for Cheney’s return to the party fold while others urge alignment with Trump.
As the 2024 election looms, Cheney’s influence remains uncertain, yet her actions could sway pivotal votes and impact the electoral outcome in closely contested states. While Biden has voiced admiration for her principled stance, the ultimate direction of Cheney’s involvement in the election remains unclear, underscoring the complexities of her position as a vocal Trump critic within the Republican ranks.
Amidst these uncertainties, both Democrats and Republicans recognize the potential value of Cheney’s contributions to the political discourse, whether through endorsement, independent candidacy, or advocacy for democratic principles. As the electoral landscape evolves, Cheney’s role may prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.