By Kanishka Singh and Steve Holland
WASHINGTON (Multibagger) - In a shocking turn of events, former Vice President Dick Cheney announced on Friday that he will be voting for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris over Republican former President Donald Trump in the upcoming Nov. 5 U.S. elections. This decision comes on the heels of a similar statement made by his daughter Liz Cheney earlier this week.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Trump and Harris are currently embroiled in a neck-and-neck race for the Nov. 5 vote, with a highly anticipated debate scheduled for next week.
Notably, a growing number of Republicans who are disillusioned with Trump's grip on their party and his controversial actions have thrown their support behind Harris, including numerous former staffers of Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
CONTEXT
Dick Cheney served as vice president under Republican President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Throughout his tenure, he faced criticism from various human rights groups for his involvement in planning the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which resulted in a significant civilian death toll and human rights violations.
Liz Cheney, a former congresswoman and Dick Cheney's daughter, has also been vocal in her criticism of the current Republican presidential candidate, particularly in light of the Jan. 6, 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters.
KEY QUOTES
Dick Cheney stated on Friday, "In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump."
He continued, "As citizens, we each have a duty to prioritize our country over partisanship and defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris."
Analysis:
This unprecedented endorsement from Dick Cheney, a prominent figure in the Republican party, underscores the growing division within the GOP and reflects the deep concerns over Trump's leadership. The decision to support Harris over Trump signals a shift in traditional party loyalties and highlights the importance of putting the country's interests above political affiliations. As the Nov. 5 elections draw near, this development could have significant implications for the outcome and future direction of U.S. politics. Investors and market analysts should closely monitor these developments as they may impact market sentiment and investment strategies.