The Harris-Walz campaign is utilizing former House Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, in an effort to appeal to Republicans in Wisconsin. Cheney, along with political commentator Charlie Sykes, is featured in radio ads launching on Monday that target former President Trump and promote Vice President Kamala Harris. Cheney emphasizes the need for a president who understands the importance of America’s leadership and security, mentioning the risks posed by Trump’s policies. Sykes, a former conservative radio host, emphasizes the importance of democracy, the rule of law, character, and America’s reputation on the world stage.
The outreach to Republicans and Republican-leaning independents has been a key aspect of Harris’ campaign strategy, with polls showing a tight race between Trump and Harris in Wisconsin. Cheney and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, have been vocal supporters of Harris from within the GOP. Harris has also received endorsements from Republican figures such as former Senator Robert Cowles and Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly. Though some Republicans, like former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, have spoken at the Democratic National Convention, the Trump campaign has largely rejected Harris’ attempts at outreach, with most Republicans maintaining their support for Trump.
Cheney, who lost re-election to a Trump-backed primary challenger in 2022, has been criticized by Trump for her support of Harris. Trump called her a “stupid war hawk” and accused her of being desperate for attention. The Trump campaign’s communications director, Steven Cheung, described Cheney as a “stone-cold loser” and criticized her alliance with Harris. Despite these attacks, Cheney continues to campaign for Harris alongside other GOP figures who have crossed party lines to support the Democratic ticket.
The ads featuring Cheney and Sykes aim to highlight the differences between the two candidates and appeal to voters who may be concerned about Trump’s policies and leadership. By emphasizing the importance of democracy, character, and America’s place in the world, they seek to garner support for Harris among Republican voters in Wisconsin. The upcoming election on Nov. 5 will reveal the impact of this Republican outreach effort and whether it has been successful in swaying voters away from Trump and towards Harris.
Overall, the Harris-Walz campaign’s use of prominent Republicans like Cheney and Sykes underscores the importance of bipartisan support in a closely contested election. With polls showing a tight race in Wisconsin and other battleground states, every voter’s decision could have a significant impact on the outcome. Cheney’s alliance with Harris, despite facing criticism from Trump and his allies, reflects a larger trend of Republicans willing to break party lines to support a candidate they believe will lead the country in the right direction. As the election approaches, the impact of this Republican support for Harris will become clearer.
