Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney made headlines on Thursday when she joined Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail in Ripon, Wisconsin. This unexpected partnership is part of a strategic move by the Harris campaign to garner support from Republican allies in key battleground states as the presidential election approaches.
Cheney, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, publicly announced in September that she and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, would be casting their votes for Harris over their own party’s nominee. Cheney’s opposition to Trump stems from his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, for which she was one of the few House Republicans to vote for impeachment.
The joint Harris-Cheney event in Ripon carries symbolic significance as it is known as the birthplace of the Republican Party. Harris and Cheney both emphasized the importance of upholding democratic ideals and the peaceful transition of power, themes that resonate with the town’s historical legacy.
Harris addressed the crowd, urging unity and emphasizing her commitment to being a president for all Americans. She highlighted Cheney’s courage in standing up for the rule of law and democratic principles, calling on other Republicans to follow suit.
The event comes on the heels of a federal judge in Washington D.C. unsealing a 165-page filing from Special Counsel Jack Smith, detailing evidence against Trump in his criminal election interference case. This development adds a layer of complexity to an already contentious presidential race.
Industry experts view this collaboration between Harris and Cheney as a significant moment in the campaign, highlighting the growing divide within the Republican Party over Trump’s influence. The Harris campaign’s outreach to disaffected Republicans signals a broader appeal to voters beyond traditional party lines.
While recent polls show a tight race between Harris and Trump nationally, Harris maintains a slight lead over Trump in Wisconsin. The state, which Trump won in 2016 but Biden flipped back to blue in 2020, remains a crucial battleground in the upcoming election.
As the presidential race intensifies, the collaboration between Harris and Cheney underscores the shifting political landscape and the potential for bipartisan alliances to impact the outcome. The event in Ripon serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and democratic values in a time of political polarization.
