In Ripon, Wisconsin, Vice President Harris teamed up with former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney in an effort to court disenchanted Republicans in the battle against former President Trump for the White House. Cheney, a one-time rising star in the GOP, has vowed to prevent Trump from returning to power, endorsing Harris as a conservative, patriot, and mother who puts country above party. The historic town of Ripon holds significance as the birthplace of the Republican Party, with a one-room schoolhouse designated as a national landmark for hosting meetings that led to the party’s formation in 1854.
Cheney, who voted to impeach Trump following the Capitol riot in January 2021, has faced backlash from Trump and his allies, ultimately losing her leadership position within the House GOP. Despite her ousting, Cheney has been vocal about the importance of defending democracy and prioritizing the country over party politics. Her endorsement of Harris comes as part of a growing list of prominent Republicans seeking to prevent a return to power for Trump, emphasizing the necessity of patriotism over partisanship in the upcoming election.
During the event in Ripon, Cheney warned of the unprecedented threat posed by Trump to the nation’s democratic foundations, describing him as petty, vindictive, and unfit to lead. Harris echoed Cheney’s sentiments, stating that anyone who undermines democratic values like Trump has should never again hold the presidency. Trump, in response, criticized Cheney and Harris, expressing disdain for their alliance and dismissing Cheney as a “war hawk” who supports radical leftist views.
Despite past criticisms of Harris, Cheney’s support for the Democratic nominee underscores the urgency of preventing Trump from reclaiming power. With the 2024 election shaping up to be a close race in crucial battleground states like Wisconsin, where the margins are slim, even a small percentage of Republicans backing Harris could make a crucial difference. Prominent anti-Trump Republicans like Cheney, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, and former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan have aligned with Harris, drawing attention to the divide within the GOP and the significance of their endorsements.
Ripon’s historical significance as the birthplace of the Republican Party adds weight to the events taking place in Wisconsin, highlighting the town’s role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. As one of several crucial battleground states that determined the outcome of the 2020 election, Wisconsin is once again poised to play a pivotal role in the 2024 presidential race between Harris and Trump. With the election less than five weeks away, the influence of anti-Trump Republicans like Cheney could prove instrumental in shaping the outcome of the election.
As the campaign intensifies and the battle between Harris and Trump heats up, the support of prominent Republicans for the Democratic nominee adds a new dimension to the race. Cheney’s endorsement of Harris, along with the backing of other high-profile Republicans and national security officials, underscores the deep divisions within the GOP and the importance of prioritizing country over party allegiance in the face of continued threats to democracy. With the fate of the nation hanging in the balance, the alliances forged in places like Ripon, Wisconsin, could have far-reaching implications for the future of American politics.
