A Conversation with Liz Cheney: Defending Democracy and Inspiring Action

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The last time Liz Cheney visited Duke was 40 years ago. “I was a teenager, looking at schools around the country,” she conveyed to a group of Sanford public policy students before delivering the Sanford Distinguished Lecture on Sept. 4. Cheney ultimately chose Colorado College, and that fall semester of 1984, she voted for the first time. “I cast my ballot for Ronald Reagan.”

The world has changed in those 40 years, as Cheney served her country in various roles around the world, including the State Department, three terms as a U.S. representative for Wyoming, and ultimately, her leadership on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Cheney’s commitment to traditional Republican policies has remained, even as her party around her shifted.

“My policy views when I began my career in public service focused on national security, foreign policy and economic development assistance around the world. I grew up in a Republican party that was characterized by the need for a strong national defense. It was Reagan’s Republican party.”

Shortly after that meeting at Sanford, Cheney addressed a larger audience of the Duke community at Page Auditorium for the Fall 2024 Terry Sanford Distinguished Lecture, kicking off a series of democracy-focused events at Sanford (and around Duke) during this 2024 election season.

Sanford and the Duke Program on American Grand Strategy (co-sponsor of this event) are each committed to highlighting perspectives from across the political spectrum in 2024, including events through September and October that will feature a diversity of thought on politics and policy, including a conversation between former Republican U.S. Senator Richard Burr and Provost Alec Gallimore on Monday, Sept. 9. Burr is the Polis Distinguished Fellow for the 2024/2025 academic year. 

The Cheney fireside chat was introduced by Sanford Interim Dean Manoj Mohanan and moderated by Peter Feaver, professor of political science and director of AGS. Feaver and Cheney reflected on the state of American politics, the challenges of upholding the Constitution and the future of the Republican Party. Throughout the discussion, Cheney’s words resonated with the audience, offering both a stark warning about the dangers facing the Republic and a call to action for those willing to defend its principles.

The Transformation of the Republican Party

Reflecting on her journey within the Republican Party, Cheney expressed deep sadness over its transformation. She recalled the pivotal moment in January 2021 when the party had a choice—one that would define its future.

"I think that if you look at what's happened to the Republican Party... there really was a choice between upholding the Constitution or supporting power grabs, and they chose the latter," Cheney lamented.

Cheney said her journey from a loyal Republican to one of its most vocal critics highlights her unwavering commitment to national security and the principles of the Constitution. "I believe firmly in these issues around the need for a strong national defense, not because they’re Republican, but because history has shown that’s what’s necessary to preserve our freedom," she said. However, Cheney found herself increasingly at odds with colleagues of her political party.

The Consequences of Inaction

After Jan. 6, 2021, Cheney said many of her colleagues privately acknowledged to her that they had reached a breaking point, yet few acted on it publicly. Cheney attributed this to a lack of leadership at a critical moment.

"It was a time of testing...You don’t think you’re really going to face these moments, but when you do, you have to stand for the Constitution, even when it’s not in your political interest," Cheney said. The failure of many in her party to rise to this challenge left her disillusioned but determined to continue her fight.

A Call for Change

Cheney says she is hopeful that America engages in meaningful debate and principled leadership ahead.

"We all have to commit ourselves for the good of the country to having substantive debates and discussions, not to demonizing political opponents," she urged.

Cheney's vision for the future is one where serious candidates, driven by a sense of duty rather than ambition, step forward to lead.

She stressed that democracy requires active participation.

"We do not have the right or the luxury to be bystanders... We have to do it, and young people have to step up," Cheney insisted, echoing a message she received from a Gold Star father: "Standing up for truth honors all who gave all."

Defending the Constitution

Throughout the conversation, Cheney emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution, a theme central to her public service. Reflecting on her work with the January 6th Committee, Cheney expressed shock at the extent of efforts to undermine the election process. "The thing that most shocked and surprised me was the breadth and depth of plans to overturn the election... each time something was tried and failed, they would move on to the next piece of it."

Looking forward, Cheney warned of the need for continued vigilance.

A Historic Endorsement Capped With A Hope for Unity

Cheney put widespread speculation about her 2024 election endorsements to rest as Feaver asked directly about her vote for the next president.

“As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this, and because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris in this election,” Cheney said.

Cheney acknowledged many people feel disillusioned with the government, believing it is too distant and unresponsive to their needs. She said she remains committed to the idea that America can move forward united.

The Path Ahead

Cheney offered a message of hope and a challenge to the audience, especially the younger generation. She called on them to take up the mantle of leadership and to fight for the values that define America.

"We have to defend the Constitution and the peaceful transfer of power,” she said. “It’s the most important thing you can do to ensure that future generations also live in a country where they don’t have to worry about violence determining who leads this nation.”