Liz Cheney contemplates third-party presidential run to counter Trump's 2024 bid

Former Republican Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming has revealed her contemplation of a potential third-party run for the presidency in an effort to thwart former President Donald Trump's potential victory in the 2024 election. In an interview published by the Washington Post on Tuesday, Cheney expressed her determination to undertake "whatever it takes" to prevent Trump from returning to the White House.

Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump, conveyed her deep concerns regarding the current state of democracy, attributing the perceived risk to Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party. "I happen to think democracy is at risk at home, obviously, as a result of Donald Trump's continued grip on the Republican Party, and I think democracy is at risk internationally as well," Cheney asserted during the interview.

What is Cheney's reasoning?

The stakes, according to Cheney, have escalated to the point where she feels compelled to consider a third-party bid, despite not having entertained such an option in previous years. She highlighted the need to ensure voters are well-informed, stating, "There are a majority of the voters in this country who are too responsible to entrust Donald Trump with the authority of the White House and the authority of the presidency."

Acknowledging concerns that her candidacy might divide votes in a general election, potentially impacting President Biden's re-election bid, Cheney vowed to carefully weigh such considerations before making her decision. She even left open the possibility of supporting Biden if she opts not to run.

Cheney established her PAC in 2022

Following her loss in the 2022 midterm election primary, Cheney established a super PAC and directed efforts toward preventing election deniers from winning races. Despite her defeat, she emphasised the ongoing importance of her work, especially considering the significant efforts made by Trump to oust House Republicans who supported his impeachment after the Capitol Riot.

Looking ahead, Cheney outlined her timeline for a potential presidential bid, indicating that her decision would come in the early months of 2024. She stressed the critical need for a candidate capable of addressing the multitude of challenges facing the nation, portraying herself as someone prepared to confront such issues head-on.

As Cheney deliberates her political future, her potential entry into the 2024 presidential race shapes up to be a significant development in the ongoing struggle for the future direction of the Republican Party and the broader political landscape in the United States.