In a surprising turn of events, Liz Cheney has urged former President George W. Bush to publicly endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the urgent need to address the “danger that Donald Trump poses” to American democracy. This appeal comes on the heels of Cheney’s daughter’s unexpected support for Harris, adding fuel to the already heated political climate.
During a recent interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour, Cheney expressed her frustrations regarding Bush’s silence. “I can’t explain why George W. Bush hasn’t spoken out, but I think it’s time, and I wish that he would,” she stated. This call to action was recorded prior to Trump’s alarming remarks about Cheney, which included threats that have raised concerns about the safety and seriousness of Trump’s rhetoric.
Cheney highlighted the gravity of the situation, reflecting on the need to take Trump’s words seriously. She noted the tendency among some to dismiss his comments as mere hyperbole, a sentiment that shifted significantly after the events surrounding January 6, 2021. “There’s no question that he means it,” she asserted, underscoring the potential consequences of Trump’s dangerous statements.
The Cheney family’s political lineage is intertwined with Bush, as former Vice President Dick Cheney served under him. Recently, Dick Cheney has also voiced his opposition to Trump, declaring that he should “never be trusted with power again” and openly supporting Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign. According to Liz Cheney, it was “not a difficult decision at all” for her father to back Harris.
While Cheney is vocal about the need for Bush to take a stand, he has remained largely silent in the face of Trump’s incendiary comments. In contrast, his daughter Barbara Bush has stepped into the spotlight by publicly endorsing Harris, stating that she was “inspired” to support the vice president. Barbara campaigned for Harris in Pennsylvania, a critical state in the upcoming election, and expressed hope that voters would help move the country forward and protect women’s rights.
George W. Bush’s political stance in recent elections has been notably ambiguous. When asked in September by the Daily Mail about his voting intentions for the 2024 election, he refrained from making any endorsements. His past voting habits reflect a reluctance to align with either major party candidate, as seen in the 2016 and 2020 elections when he opted for write-in votes instead.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Liz Cheney’s call for George W. Bush to endorse Kamala Harris underscores the tensions within the Republican Party and the urgent need for leadership to confront the challenges posed by Trump’s influence. With Cheney’s family taking a stand, the question remains: will George W. Bush heed the call and lend his voice to this pivotal moment in American politics?
