Liz Cheney’s Potential Third-Party Run: A Bid for Relevancy or a Threat to Trump’s Ambitions?
Speculation surrounds Liz Cheney’s potential third-party run for the presidency in 2024, but the evidence suggests a more calculated move to maintain her relevancy and challenge Donald Trump’s influence within the Republican Party.
The political landscape in the United States is constantly evolving, and one of the most intriguing developments is the possibility of Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming, launching a third-party bid for the presidency in 2024. While Cheney’s recent comments have sparked speculation about her intentions, there is little concrete evidence to suggest that she is actively pursuing a campaign. Instead, it appears that Cheney is leveraging her position to maintain relevance and challenge the dominance of former President Donald Trump within the Republican Party.
Keeping Options Open, Maximizing Relevancy
Despite her remarks, there is no tangible evidence to indicate that Cheney has taken any substantial steps towards launching a third-party campaign. She has not hired campaign staff members, and close associates claim to be unaware of any polling or signature-gathering efforts associated with such a campaign. Moreover, her political action committee, the Great Task, has seen limited activity since the 2022 midterms, raising questions about her commitment to a presidential bid.
Practical Challenges and Time Constraints
Time is running short for Cheney to mount a third-party campaign. Filing deadlines to appear on ballots as an independent candidate in 2024 begin as early as March in some states. The logistical challenges of setting up a new party, including securing funding, assembling a team, and navigating legal requirements, would likely take months, if not years, to accomplish. This raises doubts about the feasibility of Cheney’s ambitions in the limited time frame available.
Undermining Her Mission
A potential Cheney presidential run could undermine her stated mission of thwarting Donald Trump’s ambitions for the 2024 election. By siphoning votes away from President Biden, Cheney’s candidacy might inadvertently benefit Trump. This raises questions about whether Cheney’s recent comments about considering a third-party run are driven more by her allegiance to the Republican Party than a genuine desire to run as an independent.
Cheney’s Popularity among Beltway Conservatives
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Cheney remains a popular figure among Beltway conservatives, including lobbyists and military hawks. Many view her as a woman of presidential timber and appreciate her unwavering stance against Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. However, some lawmakers and staff members who served with Cheney on the House committee investigating the January 6th Capitol assault have privately questioned whether her ambitions are overshadowing the need for a comprehensive investigation.
Trump’s Allies and Opposition
To Donald Trump’s allies, Cheney’s potential third-party run is seen as a direct threat to his dominance within the Republican Party. They view her as a divisive figure who is prioritizing personal ambitions over party unity. Conversely, Cheney’s supporters see her as a principled conservative who is willing to challenge Trump’s influence and defend the integrity of the democratic process.
Conclusion:
While speculation continues to swirl around Liz Cheney’s potential third-party run for the presidency in 2024, the evidence suggests a more calculated move to maintain her relevancy and challenge Donald Trump’s influence within the Republican Party. Despite her popularity among Beltway conservatives, the practical challenges and time constraints make a successful independent campaign unlikely. Ultimately, Cheney’s decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of the GOP and the balance of power within American politics.