Liz Cheney: U.S. Democracy Can’t ‘Survive’ Another Trump Presidency in 2024
By Jake Beardslee ·
March 28, 2024
Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming, delivered pointed remarks about her party and former President Donald Trump during a speech at Drake University on Wednesday. Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian/Wikimedia
Cheney, who voted to impeach Trump after the January 6th Capitol attack, accused the Republican Party of abandoning constitutional principles by supporting Trump's false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
"We now have one of our two major political parties that has abandoned the Constitution," Cheney stated. U.S. Department of AgricultureLance Cheung/Multimedia PhotoJournalist/Wikimedia
The congresswoman claimed Republican officials enabled Trump's behavior around January 6th by excusing his actions, lending credibility to his unfounded election allegations among voters. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
Cheney warned of potential risks should Trump regain the presidency after his actions disputing the 2020 election results. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America
"We know he tried once not to leave office, and he will have no incentive to guarantee a peaceful transfer of power...should he be elected again," Cheney said. Office of Representative Liz Cheney/Wikimedia
However, the former lawmaker expressed doubts about the durability of Trump's support within the Republican Party in a general election. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
In some primary contests, Cheney noted around 30% of GOP voters rejected Trump's candidacy, suggesting less than full party unity behind him. Clay Banks/Unsplash
While acknowledging policy disagreements with President Biden's administration, Cheney argued the nation could withstand poor policies but not an executive who refuses to accept election results. Office of the President of the United States/Wikimedia
Cheney stated: “As frustrated as I know people get sometimes with policy disagreements you might have — and I certainly have policy disagreements with the Biden administration — I know the nation can survive bad policy. We can’t survive a president who is willing to torch the Constitution.” Office of Congresswoman Liz Cheney/Wikimedia
The speech called for a shift in how Americans engage politically to reduce partisan rancor that Cheney described as "toxic." Office of Representative Liz Cheney/Wikimedia
Trump made remarks recently regarding Chaney over claims the January 6th committee withheld evidence about the Capitol attack. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
"She should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee!" Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
As Trump moves closer to another presidential run, Cheney's forceful criticism highlights an intra-party rift over his status and the future of democratic governance. Michael Vadon/Wikimedia
