Opinion Piece: Cheney's Endorsement of Harris: A Moral Failure

The recent endorsement of Kamala Harris by former Vice President Dick Cheney, a figure synonymous with some of the most disastrous policies of the early 21st century, represents a profound moral failure. Cheney’s shift from a staunch supporter of neoconservative doctrines to a critic of Donald Trump might seem like a principled stand for democracy, but it is, in fact, a disturbing display of hypocrisy.

Then US Vice President Dick Cheney addresses Marines at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq December 18, 2005.

Cheney’s legacy is deeply marred by the human suffering and global instability his policies have caused. His role in orchestrating the Iraq War and the broader “war on terror” left a trail of devastation that far eclipses any damage inflicted by Trump. The invasion of Iraq, launched on the false premise of weapons of mass destruction and a nonexistent link to 9/11, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the destabilization of an entire region. This war also drained billions from the U.S. economy and led to significant suffering among American veterans.

Cheney’s endorsement of Harris, framed as a stand against Trump’s divisive rhetoric, ignores the profound damage he himself has wrought. His tenure under George W. Bush was characterized by a reckless pursuit of military intervention and a disregard for international law. The consequences of his policies continue to ripple through the Middle East, contributing to ongoing violence and displacement.

Moreover, Cheney’s domestic policies, including the expansion of executive power and the erosion of civil liberties through the Patriot Act, disproportionately targeted minorities and set a troubling precedent for future administrations. The “war on terror” fostered a culture of fear and suspicion, paving the way for Trump’s own brand of divisive politics.

The Democratic Party’s embrace of Cheney’s endorsement as a badge of honor is deeply troubling. It reflects a dangerous willingness to overlook the extensive harm caused by Cheney’s policies in favor of a superficial alignment against Trump. This moral blind spot underscores a broader failure to critically assess the true nature of political figures and their legacies.

As we navigate the complexities of modern American politics, it is crucial to remember that Cheney’s endorsement should not be viewed as an act of moral courage. Instead, it is a cynical attempt to rehabilitate his image while downplaying the catastrophic impacts of his actions. Both Cheney and Trump have contributed to significant harm—Cheney on a global scale and Trump within the U.S.—and neither should be celebrated without a thorough reckoning of their legacies.

The embrace of Cheney by those who oppose Trump reveals a troubling moral inconsistency. Instead of celebrating figures who have played major roles in the creation of our current crises, we should reflect on the systemic failures that allowed such figures to rise to power and seek ways to build a more just and equitable future.