In a major development, Liz Cheney has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and is not standing alone in her decision. Today, it was revealed that Cheney and three former Trump White House insiders will campaign for Harris in Pennsylvania next week. One of these figures, Cassidy Hutchinson, whose memoir Enough is now available in paperback, joins us for an exclusive interview.
The Decision to Endorse Kamala Harris
Hutchinson shares that endorsing Vice President Harris was a straightforward choice, especially after publicly opposing Donald Trump and the threats he poses to democracy. Initially planning to support President Biden in a potential re-election bid, Hutchinson credits Biden for passing the torch to the next generation of leaders, including Harris.
“I don’t see eye-to-eye with Harris on many issues, but like Liz Cheney said, that’s healthy in a democracy,” Hutchinson remarks. “The strength of our country lies in having two strong political parties with differing opinions. However, that’s not what we’re facing right now.” For Hutchinson, Harris’s character is a defining quality. She trusts Harris to uphold the rule of law and hold individuals accountable, which is why Hutchinson feels confident endorsing her, despite policy disagreements.
A Vote for Character, Not Policies
Hutchinson elaborates, “I may not agree with Harris on many policies, but I trust her. I want my children to look up to leaders like her.” She draws a parallel with Tim Walz, both of whom come from working-class backgrounds, a group Donald Trump claims to represent but has, in her view, exploited and manipulated.
Hutchinson finds Harris’s message about returning to a political landscape where two responsible parties can debate issues refreshing. It’s rare to hear a politician from one party call for a healthy opposition party, but, she adds, the current Republican Party has become Trump’s party, one she no longer recognizes.
The Shift in Republican Identity
When asked if the Republican Party today resembles the one she grew up with, Hutchinson shares that she comes from an apolitical family and was the first in her family to graduate from college. Identifying as a Republican early on, she was inspired by Mitt Romney’s presidential run, which marked her entry into politics.
However, Hutchinson finds the current Republican Party completely unrecognizable from its form a decade ago. “It’s been warped and tarnished by Trump. He has surrounded himself with enablers in both the House and Senate,” she asserts. While stopping Trump from returning to the Oval Office is critical, Hutchinson stresses the importance of also focusing on Congress to prevent enablers from pushing Trump’s agenda if he were to win again.
A Stunning Era in American Politics
Reflecting on the number of former Trump officials, including top military leaders, who now publicly speak out against Trump’s fitness to lead, Hutchinson expresses disbelief. “It’s stunning,” she says. “I can’t recall a period in American history where so many high-ranking officials have united against a former president.”
For Hutchinson, speaking out is a moral obligation. Having worked for Trump and been loyal to him, she once believed he represented the American people. However, January 6th and the ensuing period gave her clarity about his character, which she admits she had previously overlooked.
A Moral Responsibility to Speak Out
Hutchinson sees it as her responsibility to continue educating the public about who they are voting for. Whether former Trump employees, friends, or business associates, she believes it’s crucial to keep the spotlight on Trump, particularly as the country approaches the next election. “We can’t afford to let this be forgotten.”
Closing Remarks
Cassidy Hutchinson concludes the interview by thanking the audience. “It’s important to keep speaking out, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective.”
