Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Liz Cheney held a rally in Ripon, Wisconsin, where they denounced former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy. Harris emphasized the importance of putting country over party and rejecting Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his failure to address the January 6 insurrection. The unlikely partnership between a Democratic nominee and a Republican member showcased Harris’ efforts to reach out to moderate and crossover Republican voters by criticizing Trump’s actions.
Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump, spoke out against the violence seen during the January 6 insurrection and highlighted Trump’s failure to act as the events unfolded. The crowd in Ripon cheered references to Dick Cheney and Mike Pence, former Republican vice presidents who took a stand against Trump’s actions. Cheney urged the audience to reject Trump’s cruelty and stand up for truth, describing him as a depraved individual who praised the rioters rather than condemning their actions. Despite Trump’s criticism of Harris and Cheney, the two women joined forces in an attempt to sway voters in the key battleground states of Wisconsin and Michigan.
Trump, on the other hand, continued to dispute the events of January 6, accusing Democrats and prosecutors of lying about the insurrection. While speaking at a rally in Michigan, he ignored the unfolding events with Cheney and Harris and instead focused on his own narrative surrounding voter fraud allegations. His campaign announced an upcoming appearance with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, signaling a reconciliation following a period of tension between the two men. Despite previous criticisms of Harris, Cheney and her family have aligned themselves with the Democratic nominee in opposition to Trump and his loyal supporters.
Harris’ visit to Wisconsin coincided with the unsealing of a court filing outlining the case against Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Biden praised Cheney for her courage in standing up against Trump, highlighting the divisive nature of politics in the current climate. Harris’ campaign began airing ads targeting Republicans, independents, and former Trump supporters in battleground states, emphasizing her candidacy as a patriotic choice for voters who are disillusioned by Trump’s actions and rhetoric. Cheney’s endorsement of Harris prompted mixed reactions from attendees in Ripon, with some expressing discomfort due to her father’s prominent role in the Republican Party.
Overall, the rally in Ripon symbolized a unique moment in politics, where individuals from opposing parties banded together to denounce a common threat to democracy. Harris and Cheney’s alliance against Trump showcased their commitment to standing up for truth and rejecting divisive rhetoric. As the 2024 election looms, the events in Wisconsin offer a glimpse into the shifting dynamics within the political landscape, with key figures like Cheney breaking ranks with the majority of the Republican Party to align themselves with a candidate who represents a departure from the status quo.
