Here Is Why Liz Cheney’s Support For Liberals Just Ended Her Political Career

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Disclaimer: The article may include the author's opinions.

Former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid against President-elect Donald Trump may have backfired, according to a recent poll. The controversial move, which saw Cheney actively campaign with Harris in key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, appeared to hurt Harris more than it helped, shifting enthusiasm away from her campaign at a critical time.

According to a Data for Progress poll, Cheney’s association with Harris lowered support among certain voting segments, especially independents. Because of Cheney’s endorsement, about 30% of Pennsylvania’s independent voters said they were less excited about Harris. Similarly, a sizable percentage of Michigan voters voiced less support when the vice president ran alongside Cheney; the study found that voter enthusiasm varied by 18 to 25 points depending on the state.

The findings suggest that Cheney, a staunch anti-Trump Republican, may have alienated the voters Harris sought to court by distracting from her populist economic messaging. According to the survey, Harris’ emphasis on financial issues resonated more with voters than her partnership with Cheney, which failed to address top voter concerns like inflation and economic recovery.

President-elect Donald Trump’s consistent focus on economic issues was a decisive factor in his victories in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Voters viewed Trump as the candidate of economic change, with even Harris supporters favoring many of the economic policies promoted by Trump. His campaign’s messaging emphasized reducing grocery costs, tackling junk fees, and holding corporations accountable, positioning him as a champion for working families.

Data for Progress noted that Harris’ inability to convince voters that she could deliver similar results allowed Trump to solidify support in these critical states. By contrast, Harris’ alignment with Cheney diverted attention from her economic agenda, diluting her appeal among independents and Republicans focused on kitchen-table issues.

In the wake of Trump’s victory, Cheney issued a statement urging Americans to respect the democratic process and work together to uphold constitutional principles. Despite her opposition to Trump, her alignment with Harris during the campaign seems to have undermined her ability to positively influence the election’s outcome.

Political analysts have pointed out that Harris’ campaign strategy in the final days—prioritizing Cheney’s endorsement over her core economic message—may have cost her crucial support in swing states. Looking ahead, the polling suggests that progressive, populist economic policies remain a priority for many voters, offering the incoming administration clear guidance on areas to address.

Cheney’s endorsement, rather than bridging divides, highlighted the challenges of forming bipartisan alliances in a deeply polarized political climate, particularly when economic issues dominate voter concerns.