Trump and Cheney represent different forms of danger to U.S. democracy

Dick Cheney has thrown his support behind the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris , over his party’s candidate, framing former President Donald Trump as an unprecedented threat to the United States .

On its face, this endorsement might appear as a principled defence of democracy from a longstanding Republican stalwart, but beneath the surface lies a troubling irony.

Cheney 's actions as vice president set the stage for some of the most catastrophic conflicts of the 21st century .

Cheney oversaw the use of torture in US military operations.

His policies eroded civil liberties, violated human rights and destabilized entire regions.

The ripple effects of the Iraq War are still being felt today .

While Trump has undeniably caused harm within the US , Cheney ’s decisions inflicted untold suffering on far more people all across the globe.

The Democratic Party and some of its liberal and progressive backers’ apparent decision to absolve Cheney of any responsibility for the havoc he unleashed on the world simply because he now opposes Trump is devoid of morality.

Both men have caused irreparable harm, and neither should be celebrated for their actions.

Instead, we should take this moment to reflect on the broader failures of the political system that allowed both men to rise to power.