Republican Dick Cheney’s endorsement of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris over his party’s candidate, Donald Trump, raises eyebrows. Despite framing Trump as a threat, Cheney’s own legacy of disastrous policies, such as the Iraq War, undermines his newfound moral high ground. Harris proudly touting Cheney’s support is bewildering, considering his role in destabilizing regions and eroding civil liberties.
Cheney’s neoconservative agenda, epitomized by the Iraq invasion based on false pretenses, caused immense global suffering. Iraqi civilian deaths, trillions drained from the US economy, and profound domestic impacts highlight the high costs of his policies. His endorsement overlooks his role in the erosion of civil liberties, particularly targeting Muslim Americans through programs like the Patriot Act.
While critics of Trump’s democracy threats may find Cheney’s endorsement appealing, his record of violence and imperialism presents a more severe menace to democracy. The selective outrage at Trump while whitewashing Cheney’s sins reveals the hypocrisy in American politics. Reflecting on the failures that allowed figures like Cheney and Trump to rise is crucial for a more just future.
The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.