Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, hailing from Wyoming, made headlines recently by expressing her opinion on the leadership styles of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on the international stage. Speaking during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper, Cheney stated that President Biden is demonstrating “better leadership” compared to Trump concerning international affairs. This remark came in response to Tapper’s question about who between Biden and Trump was currently providing superior leadership in the global arena.
Cheney’s comments didn’t stop there. She went on to criticize Trump’s recent remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling them as “appalling comments.” Cheney emphasized that every Republican member of Congress and candidate for the presidency should be held accountable for their stance on Trump’s statements.
Cheney’s viewpoint is significant given her family’s deep-rooted involvement in Republican politics. Notably, her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, had previously criticized the Obama administration’s national security policies in 2010. However, Liz Cheney’s alignment with the party has been strained, particularly due to her outspoken criticism of Trump and his involvement in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. Earlier in the year, this criticism led to her removal from her leadership position within the Republican Party.
It’s crucial to note the context of Cheney’s comments. They emerge at a time when foreign policy is expected to be a pivotal topic in the upcoming Republican presidential primary debates. Despite some reservations among Democrats regarding Biden’s approach to Ukraine, evidenced by a letter from progressive Democrats urging diplomatic resolution and potential sanctions relief for Russia, Biden has received positive feedback from voters regarding his handling of both Israel and Ukraine. His administration is entering a phase focused on supporting America’s allies, a campaign that Cheney’s comments could potentially influence.
Additionally, there is speculation about an unconventional political alliance in the form of a potential Biden-Cheney ticket in the 2024 elections. Although this might seem improbable considering their differing political affiliations, some experts have suggested the possibility of a unique coalition resembling the Israeli political model, uniting Democrats and Republicans to safeguard the democratic system. Such a coalition, though requiring substantial political concessions from both sides, is seen by some as a necessary step to prevent the Republican Party from securing victory once again.
