50 Facts About Liz Cheney

Early Life and Education

Liz Cheney's journey began in the heart of America, where her early life and education laid the foundation for her future in politics.

1. Birth and Early Life: Liz Cheney was born on July 28, 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Lynne Vincent Cheney and Dick Cheney. Her family moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 1968, where her father was serving as a congressional fellow.
2. Education: Liz Cheney attended McLean High School in Virginia and graduated in 1984. She then went on to attend Colorado College, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1988.
3. Post-Collegiate Work: After college, Cheney worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of State, and Armitage Associates, LLP, a consulting firm.
4. Law School: She enrolled in the University of Chicago Law School but did not complete her degree.

Family and Personal Life

Liz Cheney's family background and personal life have significantly influenced her political career and views.

5. Career: Liz Cheney began her career in politics by working on her father's campaign when he was George W. Bush's running mate in 2000.
6. Family Background: Her father, Dick Cheney, served as Vice President under George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. He was a key figure in the neoconservative movement and played a significant role in the Iraq War.
7. Marriage: Liz Cheney married Philip Perry in 1993. The couple has five children together.

Political Career

Liz Cheney's political career has been marked by significant milestones and challenges, reflecting her commitment to her principles.

8. Political Affiliation: Liz Cheney is a member of the Republican Party and has described herself as a conservative Republican.
9. Congressional Career: She was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016, representing Wyoming's at-large congressional district. She served three terms until her defeat in the 2022 primary election.
10. Senate Bid: In 2014, Liz Cheney briefly ran for the U.S. Senate in Wyoming but abandoned her candidacy due to a public falling-out with her sister, Mary Cheney, over same-sex marriage.
11. House Committees: During her time in Congress, Liz Cheney served on the House Rules Committee, Natural Resources Committee, and Armed Services Committee.
12. Leadership Position: In 2018, she was elected chair of the House Republican Conference, making her the third-ranking Republican in the House.

Stance on Trump and January 6

Liz Cheney's stance on Donald Trump and the January 6 insurrection has defined much of her recent political career.

13. Trump Support: Initially, Liz Cheney voted in line with Trump's position 93% of the time during his presidency. However, her support for Trump changed drastically after the November 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
14. Impeachment Vote: She was one of only 10 Republicans in the House of Representatives who voted to impeach Trump in the wake of the January 6 insurrection.
15. January 6 Committee: Liz Cheney served on the House select committee that investigated the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol. Her role on the committee was significant, as she delivered several key testimonies and messages to her party.

Publications and Public Reception

Liz Cheney has also made her mark through her publications and the public's response to her actions.

16. Oath and Honor: In 2023, Liz Cheney published a memoir titled "Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning," which is a scathing account of Donald Trump’s assault on democracy and an urgent plea for America to avoid a repeat.
17. Book Tour: The book debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times’s bestseller list and has been a central part of her efforts to take her message to a wide audience.
18. Public Reception: Despite being a conservative, Liz Cheney has been warmly received by liberal audiences. At an event in Washington, D.C., she was applauded and cheered for 45 seconds, with one attendee calling her an "American treasure".

Consequences and New Roles

Facing consequences for her stance, Liz Cheney has taken on new roles and continued her advocacy.

19. Political Price: Her opposition to Trump came with a political price. She was ousted from Republican leadership in the House and lost her primary election in Wyoming to Harriet Hageman, a conservative lawyer and Trump ally.
20. University Appointment: After her defeat, Liz Cheney accepted an appointment as a professor of practice with the University of Virginia Center for Politics in Charlottesville.
21. Future Plans: She has not ruled out a 2024 presidential run as an independent but her main priority is to thwart Trump’s candidacy.

Media and Public Appearances

Liz Cheney remains a prominent figure in the media, continuing to share her views and experiences.

22. Media Appearances: Since the publication of her book, Liz Cheney has done about 30 interviews on major networks, newspapers, and podcasts, including ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, the Chicago Sun-Times, Washington Post, and USA Today.
23. Conservative Credentials: Despite her break with Trump, Liz Cheney remains a conservative. She has been described as an arch-conservative and a hard-edged, small government, lower taxes figure.
24. Neoconservative Heritage: The National Interest has called her the "heiress to a neoconservative throne," reflecting her family's legacy in foreign policy and national defense.
25. Personal Integrity: Conservative Republican John Bolton has described Liz Cheney as "a person of integrity and character" who is involved in politics for philosophical reasons rather than self-interest.

Evolving Views and Policy Positions

Liz Cheney's views on various issues have evolved over time, reflecting her willingness to adapt and grow.

26. Same-Sex Marriage: In 2013, during her Senate bid, Liz Cheney voiced her opposition to same-sex marriage, leading to a public falling-out with her sister Mary Cheney. However, in 2021, she expressed regret for not supporting same-sex marriage and voted for the Respect for Marriage Act of 2022.
27. Contraception Access: In 2022, Liz Cheney voted for H.R. 8373 ("The Right to Contraception Act"), a bill designed to protect access to contraceptives and health care providers' ability to provide contraceptives and information about contraception.
28. Conspiracy Theories: Liz Cheney has denounced far-right conspiracy theories like QAnon, calling it "a dangerous lunacy that should have no place in American politics".
29. Birtherism: In 2009, she refused to denounce adherents of Barack Obama citizenship conspiracy theories (birtherism), saying that the movement existed because "people are uncomfortable with a president who is reluctant to defend the nation overseas".

Criticism and Support

Liz Cheney's actions have drawn both criticism and support from various quarters.

30. Trump Criticism: Liz Cheney has been vocal in her criticism of Trump, famously saying that “there has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution”.
31. Midterm Elections Support: During the 2022 midterm elections, Liz Cheney campaigned against Republican candidates who denied or questioned the results of the 2020 presidential election. Her political action committee, the Great Task, ran TV ads imploring Republican voters in Arizona to vote against Kari Lake and Mark Finchem.
32. Democratic Endorsements: In October 2022, she endorsed Democratic congresswoman Elissa Slotkin for reelection over Republican nominee Tom Barrett, a Michigan state senator who questioned the results of the 2020 election. This was her first-ever endorsement of a Democrat.
33. Ohio Senate Campaign: Liz Cheney also expressed support for Ohio Democrat Tim Ryan in his U.S. Senate campaign against Republican J. D. Vance; Vance supported false claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.
34. Virginia Endorsement: She endorsed Democratic congresswomen Abigail Spanberger over her Republican opponent, Yesli Vega, who Cheney said promoted conspiracy theories.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Liz Cheney's legacy and future prospects continue to evolve as she navigates the political landscape.

35. Public Perception: Despite her conservative background, Liz Cheney has gained significant public support from liberals who appreciate her stance against Trump and her commitment to democracy.
36. Family Legacy: Her father's legacy in politics and foreign policy has significantly influenced her career, particularly in her views on national defense and international relations.
37. Personal Courage: Liz Cheney has demonstrated personal courage in standing up against her party's leadership, even when it meant facing political backlash and potential loss of her position.
38. Educational Background: Her educational background, including her time at the University of Chicago Law School, has provided her with a strong foundation in law and politics.
39. Professional Experience: Before entering politics, Liz Cheney worked in various professional roles, including at the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of State, which has informed her approach to international relations.
40. Media Presence: She has been a frequent guest on major news networks and has given numerous interviews, showcasing her ability to communicate complex political issues effectively.
41. Public Speaking Skills: Liz Cheney is known for her strong public speaking skills, which have been evident in her appearances at various events and hearings, including those related to the January 6 committee.
42. Leadership Role: Her leadership role in the House Republican Conference and her service on key committees have demonstrated her ability to navigate complex political landscapes and take on significant responsibilities.
43. Policy Positions: Despite her conservative background, Liz Cheney has taken progressive stances on issues like same-sex marriage and contraception access, reflecting her evolving views on social policies.
44. Commitment to Democracy: Her commitment to democracy is evident in her actions, particularly during the January 6 insurrection, where she insisted that the House needed to finish its duty and count the votes.
45. Personal Integrity: Her personal integrity has been a hallmark of her career, as she has consistently stood by her principles even when it meant going against her party's leadership.
46. Media Criticism: Liz Cheney has faced criticism from some media outlets for her stance on certain issues, but she has also received praise for her courage and integrity.
47. Public Support: Despite the criticism, she has garnered significant public support from both conservatives and liberals who appreciate her commitment to democracy and her willingness to challenge her party's leadership.
48. Future Prospects: Her future prospects in politics are uncertain, but her book and public appearances have cemented her status as a prominent figure in American politics.
49. Historical Context: Liz Cheney's career is part of a broader historical context that includes the rise of neoconservatism and the evolution of the Republican Party under different leadership.
50. Legacy: Her legacy will likely be shaped by her actions during the Trump era and her commitment to upholding democratic values, even in the face of significant political opposition.

Liz Cheney's Impact on American Politics

Liz Cheney has made waves in American politics with her bold stances and unwavering principles. From her early life in Madison, Wisconsin, to her significant role in Congress, Cheney's journey is marked by courage and integrity. Her decision to stand against Donald Trump, especially after the January 6 insurrection, showcased her commitment to democracy, even at the cost of her political career.

Her memoir, "Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning," and her active participation in the January 6 committee highlight her dedication to preserving democratic values. Despite facing backlash from her party, Cheney's actions have earned her respect across the political spectrum. Whether she decides to run for president or continues her advocacy, Liz Cheney's influence on American politics remains undeniable. Her legacy will be remembered for her steadfast dedication to the Constitution and her fearless pursuit of truth.