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RIPON, Wis. — In a strategic move to attract disillusioned Republicans amid her contest against former President Trump for the presidency, Vice President Harris joined forces on Thursday with one of the most prominent anti-Trump figures in the town that proudly claims to be the birthplace of the GOP.
During her campaign stop in pivotal Wisconsin, Harris was accompanied by former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, who once stood as a rising star within conservative circles but has since committed herself to preventing Trump’s return to power following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
“I have never cast my vote for a Democrat before, but this year I am honored to support Vice President Kamala Harris,” Cheney declared at the event while endorsing the Democratic nominee for president. “As a conservative and patriot who cherishes our Constitution, I stand with her in this critical mission.”
Harris commended Cheney as a leader who prioritizes ”the nation over party and self-interest—a true patriot.”
The Historic Significance of Ripon
The campaign event unfolded in Ripon, Wisconsin—a site recognized nationally due to its historic one-room schoolhouse where meetings were held in 1854 that ultimately led to establishing the Republican Party.
A Legacy of Leadership and Controversy
Cheney is not only known as Dick Cheney’s daughter—who served as vice president—but also gained notoriety for being among ten House Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment early in 2021 on charges related to inciting violence during the Capitol insurrection aimed at overturning Biden’s Electoral College victory from 2020.
TRUMP INCREASES HIS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS AGAINST HARRIS IN THE RUN-UP TO THE ELECTION
The Fallout from Impeachment Votes
This decision led Trump and his supporters to launch fierce verbal attacks against Cheney, resulting in her removal from her leadership role within House Republicans.
A staunch advocate for democracy and national integrity, she was one of only two Republicans serving on a special committee formed by House Democrats investigating January 6th events.
A Shift Towards Endorsement
In 2022, she faced defeat during Wyoming’s GOP congressional primary against Harriet Hageman—an opponent endorsed by Trump himself.
Duke University hosted an event earlier this September where Cheney publicly announced her intention to vote for Harris; notably, even her father expressed support for Harris’ candidacy.
A Call Against Authoritarianism
“Our republic is under unprecedented threat: a former president attempting to undermine our democratic foundations,” warned Cheney during Thursday’s rally. She asserted that Trump “can never again be trusted with authority,” emphasizing that prioritizing patriotism over partisanship is not merely aspirational—it is imperative.
“The events of January 6 reveal Donald Trump’s complete lack of compassion—he embodies pettiness and vindictiveness unfit for leading our great nation,” she stated emphatically.
The Response from Harris
Following Cheneys remarks, Harris reiterated that anyone who recklessly undermines democratic principles—as Trump has done—should never again hold presidential office.
“I am committed wholeheartedly to being a president representing all Americans,” she affirmed.
Criticism from Former Allies
This endorsement marks an interesting turn given Cheney’s previous criticisms of Harris’ policies; during past elections she labeled Harris’ voting record more liberal than those like Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren.
Trump responded harshly at his Michigan rally on Thursday calling both women “terrible” while dismissing their alliance as mutually detrimental.
An Expanding Coalition Against Trumpism
- The Cheneys are part of an increasing number of notable Republicans backing Harris’ campaign.
- Additionally former Rep Adam Kinzinger (IL) along with ex-Lt Gov Geoff Duncan (GA) participated prominently at last month’s Democratic National Convention.
- Moreover over two hundred alumni associated with both Bush administrations or linked closely with late Senator John McCain have also pledged their support alongside more than one hundred former national security officials identifying themselves as anti-Trumpers.
- This growing coalition underscores how crucial swing states like Wisconsin will play pivotal roles come November elections when margins remain razor-thin between candidates vying fiercely across battleground territories.
“Ripon isn’t alone claiming credit; Exeter New Hampshire lays claim too having hosted discussions about forming new political parties back then.”
“However officials assert no formal organization emerged there unlike what transpired here.”
With less than five weeks until Election Day approaches rapidly ahead lies uncertainty surrounding outcomes especially considering how vital these battleground states proved decisive previously determining Biden’s win back then.
While maintaining significant influence over GOP dynamics even slight shifts among Republican voters supporting alternative candidates could yield substantial impacts shaping results across competitive districts nationwide.
Stay updated on developments throughout election season via Fox News Digital hub!.
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