Former Republican Liz Cheney, ousted for her criticism of Donald Trump, has issued a warning, urging the public to take Trump's recent remarks about being a "dictator" on "day one" of a potential second term seriously. Cheney emphasized the need to consider Trump's words both literally and seriously, citing his past attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
She pointed out that a second Trump presidency could be more concerning, as he has had practice, and some restraining influences from his first term might not be present. Cheney expressed her concerns about Trump's rhetoric and actions, cautioning against underestimating the potential risks.
Despite being open to a 2024 presidential run, she stated she wouldn't pursue it if it might aid Trump's re-election and divert votes from President Joe Biden.
Key Points:
1. Liz Cheney, a former Republican representative from Wyoming, cautioned the public to take former President Donald Trump's recent remarks about being a "dictator" at the beginning of a potential second term seriously.
2. In an interview on ABC's "This Week," Cheney emphasized the need to consider Trump's statements both literally and seriously, referencing his comments made during a Fox News town hall where he joked about being a dictator "only on day one" of a hypothetical second term.
3. Trump's language, including labeling political opponents as "vermin," has drawn scrutiny for its resemblance to rhetoric used by authoritarian leaders like Hitler and Mussolini, raising concerns across party lines.
4. Cheney, ousted from her House Republican leadership role due to her criticisms of Trump, highlighted Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, stressing that his dictator comments should not be dismissed as mere humor.
5. She underlined the seriousness of Trump's intentions on January 6, noting his belief that he would continue as President and his subsequent efforts to claim power after losing the election.
6. Cheney expressed concerns that a potential second Trump presidency would be more concerning than the first, citing his increased experience and the absence of individuals who previously prevented some of his actions.
7. Stressing the importance of people's role in safeguarding institutions, Cheney emphasized that the responsibility falls on individuals rather than institutions themselves.
8. Reports suggest that Cheney has not ruled out a presidential run in 2024 and might consider joining a bipartisan ticket proposed by 'No Labels.' However, she indicated she wouldn't pursue candidacy if it might aid Trump's re-election or divert votes from President Biden.
9. Her willingness to explore a presidential run under specific conditions indicates her ongoing concerns about the potential repercussions of another Trump presidency.
10. Cheney's warnings and considerations reflect a cautious approach to both Trump's statements and the future political landscape, focusing on the implications of such rhetoric and actions on the country's democratic institutions.
(With Agency Inputs)
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