Bush’s Surprising 2024 Endorsement Shakes the GOP

Former President George W. Bush makes a surprising announcement about his role in the 2024 presidential election.

At a Glance

George W. Bush will not endorse any candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
Both George and Laura Bush have decided not to disclose their voting preferences.
The Cheneys have criticized Trump, instead endorsing Kamala Harris.
Bush expressed disgust over the Jan. 6th Capitol attack.

Bush’s Decision Raises Eyebrows

Former President George W. Bush has made a clear decision regarding the 2024 presidential election: He will not endorse any candidate. This declaration emerges amidst a field of political turbulence, underscoring his continued influence in the Republican Party. Bush, known for his traditional conservative values, has avoided aligning himself publicly with any candidate, setting the stage for a significant showdown between legacy GOP values and the surging pro-Trump faction.

Bush’s office confirmed that neither he nor his wife, Laura, will endorse a candidate or reveal for whom they plan to vote. This is consistent with Bush’s earlier decision to retire from presidential politics. His avoidance of an endorsement stands in stark contrast to his past support for Republican nominees like Mitt Romney in 2012 and John McCain in 2008. In 2020, Bush notably wrote in Condoleezza Rice for president.

“Overnight, we learned that former President George W. Bush will not be making any endorsement whatsoever. In other words, the only living former Republican president not named Trump is not supporting his party’s presidential nominee.” @JonKarl has more: https://t.co/wR00c35EAB pic.twitter.com/i9dfTzbNgs

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024

Cheney’s Endorsements and Criticisms

Former Vice President Dick Cheney has taken a decidedly different path, publicly supporting Kamala Harris for the upcoming election. This shocking endorsement is paired with strong criticism of former President Donald Trump. Cheney labeled Trump as “a significant threat to the republic” and emphasized that his actions following the 2020 election were unacceptable. Liz Cheney, his daughter, echoed these sentiments and confirmed she would also support Harris.

“In our nation’s 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Cheney said in a statement. “He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again.”

Liz Cheney has been particularly outspoken against Trump, stressing that he poses a continuing danger to democratic processes. Her rhetoric is sharp and uncompromising, reflecting the deep divisions within the Republican Party. The Harris campaign has welcomed endorsements from the Cheneys and other moderate Republicans.

George W. Bush’s decision not to endorse a candidate in this White House election comes just a day after his then-vice president, Dick Cheney, confirmed he would be voting for Vice President Harris. https://t.co/Gm7pKRRbcv

— The Hill (@thehill) September 8, 2024

Implications for the GOP’s Future

George W. Bush’s non-endorsement is significant in the context of the GOP’s current identity crisis. While he maintains a dignified distance from direct political involvement, his reaction to events such as the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol (which he described as making him feel “sick to my stomach”) reveals his concerns about the country’s democratic future. During the Trump administration, both George and Laura Bush opted to support Republican senators rather than the presidential nominee.

Meanwhile, the Harris campaign is strategically gaining support from Republican moderates and independents dissatisfied with Trump. Over 230 campaign alumni from Bush, McCain, and Romney have aligned themselves with Harris. The campaign aims to create a broad coalition against Trump’s influence, signaling a significant shift in political allegiances.

As the election draws nearer, Bush’s stance—or lack thereof—along with the divergent paths taken by high-profile Republicans, will undoubtedly continue to shape the political landscape. The GOP faces a pivotal moment as it navigates the balance between traditional conservative values and Trump’s brand of populism.