Liz Cheney’s relevance in today’s political landscape seems to be dwindling, yet she continues to push her anti-Trump agenda with renewed fervor, most recently during an appearance on ABC News’ This Week. Cheney’s sharp criticisms of former President Donald Trump and her urging of Republicans to take an extra step in opposing him, particularly in swing states, were met with significant pushback from conservative figures like Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
In the interview with Jon Karl, Cheney positioned herself as a lifelong conservative and a Republican—but not a “Trump Republican.” She went as far as to encourage Republicans who oppose Trump to avoid writing in candidates, emphasizing the importance of taking a definitive stand against him. Her claim? Voting for Trump, or even writing in another candidate, amounts to “abandoning the Constitution,” a statement that revealed the deep divide within the Republican Party.
Former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney to Republican leaders who are hesitant to publicly support Kamala Harris: “If you really do recognize the threat that Donald Trump poses, then it’s not enough to simply say, ‘I’m not going to vote for him.'” https://t.co/dnNCJRQCIm pic.twitter.com/8FX1ZRPAv8
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024
This message was starkly contrasted by Governor Sanders, who didn’t just brush off Cheney’s remarks, but called out the hypocrisy of Cheney labeling herself a conservative while aligning with the far-left policies of Kamala Harris. Sanders perfectly captured the sentiments of many in the conservative movement, stating, “You don’t get to call yourself a conservative or Republican when you support the most radical nominee that the Democrats have ever put up.”
Sanders’ comments further highlighted the struggle between the establishment GOP, represented by Cheney and others like her, and the grassroots conservative movement that continues to rally behind Trump. Her assessment of Harris’ debate prep also painted a clear picture of the stakes ahead, underscoring Harris’ poor track record on issues that matter to Americans and her lack of strong debating skills. Sanders made it clear that Trump, by contrast, is entering the debate from a position of strength, armed with a track record of success on key issues like the economy and national security.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders tells @JonKarl that “every day is debate prep for Donald Trump.”
“He’ll go in game time ready just as he does for every interview, every rally that he does. This is not something that is a heavy lift for him.” https://t.co/dtMGBibcIo pic.twitter.com/0hnnQJs4B3
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024
The crux of Sanders’ argument was Cheney’s departure from conservative principles, which she framed as a betrayal of the very values that define the movement. By supporting Harris, Cheney has, in the eyes of Sanders and much of the Republican base, aligned herself with a progressive agenda that is fundamentally at odds with conservative ideals. As Sanders aptly put it, Cheney’s position doesn’t make her a conservative, “it certainly doesn’t make you a Republican. I think it makes you somebody who wants to protect the establishment.”
Cheney’s ongoing efforts to demonize Trump, while claiming the mantle of conservatism, continue to alienate her from the base of the party. As Sanders noted, prominent Republicans still back Trump, and Cheney’s attempts to derail him aren’t resonating with the majority. At this point, her endorsements of figures like Kamala Harris only serve to highlight her shift away from the principles that once defined her political career.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on former Rep. Liz Cheney endorsing Kamala Harris: “I’m not trying to be rude, but you don’t get to call yourself a conservative or a Republican when you support the most radical nominee that the Democrats have ever put up.” https://t.co/KxhNbT3mdo pic.twitter.com/DCPLGOXseR
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024
