“Electing Fools: Liz Cheney Warns of GOP Split if Trump…”

Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney: Nominating Trump Would Splinter the Republican Party, and That’s a Good Thing

Cheney’s Criticism of Trump and the Republican Party

Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, during an interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival, expressed her belief that nominating former President Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president in 2024 would only further divide and splinter the party. According to Cheney, the majority of the Republican Party, which supports Trump, is not behaving in a conservative manner. Despite her open dislike for Trump and her endorsement of Democrats during the 2022 election cycle, Cheney still considers herself a conservative. In her view, fidelity to the Constitution is the most conservative principle, and she believes that the Republican Party has abandoned this principle, thus forsaking true conservatism.

Accountability and the Departure from Trump

Cheney firmly believes that Trump is unfit to be president again and emphasizes the importance of accountability for his actions. She commends the Department of Justice for its prosecution and convictions of individuals involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, as well as its investigation into Hunter Biden for tax evasion. Furthermore, Cheney emphasizes that the Department of Justice should not be involved in politics, as Trump advocated for during his presidency. Cheney’s opponent in the Wyoming Republican primary, U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, has criticized the American criminal justice system, claiming that it is two-tiered and that organizations like the FBI have become weaponized for political purposes. However, Cheney deems such claims as unfounded and dangerous.

The Choice between Trump and the U.S. Constitution

Cheney asserts that the Republican Party will have to make a choice between Trump and the U.S. Constitution. She argues that there is no middle ground since the two are mutually exclusive. For Cheney, preventing Trump from being elected again is more important than whether a Republican or Democrat wins the White House in 2024. She emphasizes that Trump must not be reelected and draws enthusiastic support from the audience at the Ideas Festival when making this statement. Recent polling suggests that Trump is the front runner for the Republican nomination in 2024.

Endorsements and Future Plans

Cheney praises Republican competitors who have directly criticized Trump, such as Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and former congressman Will Hurd. While Cheney hesitates to endorse them explicitly, she humorously acknowledges her potential influence in deciding who to endorse and potentially influencing the race. As for her own ambitions, Cheney remains noncommittal about whether she will run for president. She emphasizes the importance of stopping Trump and helping to elect other good candidates down the ballot. When asked about running as a third-party candidate, Cheney asserts that she will not do anything that helps Trump and believes that the strength of his continued support within the Republican Party should prompt a conversation about the formation of new political parties.

Cheney’s Strategies and Warnings

Cheney urges Democrats to take Trump seriously as a real threat to the country that extends beyond political ideology. Polling data varies, with some indicating a small lead for Trump over President Joe Biden and others showing a clear lead for Biden. Cheney criticizes the Republican Party for its unwillingness to challenge Trump and its complacency in allowing his lies to go unanswered. She argues that this attitude is damaging to the American Republic. Cheney believes that substantive political debates should take place and encourages the involvement of college students in voting, especially since they tend to lean towards the Democratic Party. She plans on spending significant time campaigning against Trump on college campuses leading up to the 2024 election. Cheney also warns about the continued activism of election deniers like Trump and stresses the need for those who oppose these views to engage in politics and defend the Constitution and American democracy.

Building New Alliances

Cheney reveals that she has developed friendships with Democrats, including Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin, with whom she served on the U.S. House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Attack. Despite their political differences, both Cheney and Raskin look forward to the day when they can disagree again, as it would signify the restoration and stability of American politics.

In conclusion, Liz Cheney’s criticisms of Trump and the Republican Party highlight the growing divide within the party and the broader implications for American politics. Cheney’s conviction in upholding conservative principles, such as fidelity to the Constitution, positions her in opposition to Trump and his supporters. As Cheney contemplates her future role, she urges the Republican Party to choose between Trump and the values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Cheney’s strategies to stop Trump and engage with college students demonstrate a determination to protect the democratic process. Her emphasis on accountability and the importance of political involvement underscores the need for individuals to actively defend the institutions that underpin democracy. Cheney’s alliances with Democrats reflect a desire to restore political discourse and unity, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape.