Will the Harris-Cheney Tour Sway Anti-Trump Republicans?
Vice President Kamala Harris dedicated Monday to appealing directly to independent and Republican voters in three key battleground states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—known as the Democrats’ “blue wall.” Her campaign took an unusual turn as she was joined by Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming Congresswoman and staunch anti-Trump Republican.
Two weeks before Election Day, Harris strategically visited these competitive states, but in a shift from her typical rally events, she opted for a more intimate “town hall” format. These sessions were moderated by figures known for their conservative ties, including Republican pollster Sarah Longwell in Pennsylvania and conservative commentator Charlie Sykes in Wisconsin. Maria Shriver, with her family ties to both political parties, moderated the Michigan event.
The locations—suburban areas near the largest cities in each state—were carefully selected. These suburbs are home to well-educated, traditionally Republican voters who, according to polls, are increasingly shifting toward Democrats as some blue-collar voters move in the opposite direction. This shift highlights the evolving coalitions within both major parties during Donald Trump’s influence on American politics.
Craig Snyder, a Republican strategist supporting Harris, said the campaign is making a calculated effort to reach out to disillusioned Republicans. However, he noted that hearing from Democrats alone won’t suffice. “These voters need reassurance from fellow Republicans,” he explained, adding that Cheney’s involvement is crucial in delivering that message.
Cheney, who gained national attention as vice-chair of the congressional committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot, used her platform to speak to these voters. In Michigan, she urged Republicans to follow their conscience. “You can vote your conscience and never have to tell a soul,” she assured, predicting that millions of Republicans might privately reject Trump.
Harris reinforced Cheney’s stance, mentioning how many Republicans had personally thanked Cheney for standing against Trump, even if they wouldn’t publicly voice their support. “She’s not alone in this,” Harris emphasized.
While the town hall audiences were said to include Republicans and undecided voters, the atmosphere was notably sympathetic to Harris and Cheney’s criticism of Trump. There were gasps of shock and nods of understanding when Trump’s transgressions were discussed.
One Wisconsin voter, retired teacher Dan Voboril, said he remained undecided but was considering supporting Harris. Cheney, ever direct, encouraged him: “Come on, Dan,” she said, adding that character in leadership matters more than party loyalty. “If you wouldn’t trust someone to babysit your kids, you shouldn’t let them be president.”
Though the town hall questions seemed crafted to showcase Harris’s policy proposals, such as her plan for government-supported in-home care for the elderly, they also allowed Cheney to address Republican concerns. On Ukraine, for instance, both leaders warned that Trump’s potential re-election could embolden Vladimir Putin.
Abortion rights also surfaced at every stop, giving Cheney, an anti-abortion Republican, the chance to argue that some GOP-led states have pushed their bans too far. This divergence from Trump’s more extreme policies might appeal to moderate Republicans uncomfortable with the current direction of the party.
Polling suggests a tight race between Harris and Trump, especially in these critical “blue wall” states. If Cheney’s belief in a “silent Republican” vote proves accurate, Harris could see significant gains from Republicans who quietly break ranks. With less than 10% of Republicans currently backing Democrats, even a small shift could have a meaningful impact on the outcome.
Harris and her campaign evidently believe that chipping away at Trump’s Republican base, especially in these battleground states, is worth the effort. If Cheney can help bring over even a fraction of these voters, it could shape the final result of the election.
