George W Bush urged to endorse Harris after his VP Dick Cheney makes his stand

WASHINGTON, DC: Former president George W Bush has not yet decided to endorse a candidate for the November presidential election, reported NBC News on Saturday, September 7. 

The position earned the conservative Republican leader serious criticism over social media, especially as his own VP, Dick Cheney, along with other members of his administration have come out in support of the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in 2024. 

Statement from George W Bush's office on his endorsement plans for 2024

The NBC network reached out to George W Bush's office asking if he or his wife Laura Bush was planning to endorse a candidate or share with the public how they would vote. The response was a flat "no," along with the statement, "President Bush retired from presidential politics years ago."

Bush has been hesitant to support GOP nominee and former president Donald Trump in previous elections as well. During the latter's first run for the White House in 2016, Bush avoided explicitly endorsing Trump and chose to support Republican senators. He also did not vote for the presidential nominee of either major party. In 2020, he wrote in former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for president.

Dick Cheney endorses Democrat nominee Kamala Harris

Dick Cheney, vice president to George W Bush and one of the most hardline conservatives in the Republican Party, announced his endorsement of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on Friday.

He and his daughter, former GOP Congresswoman Liz Cheney, both considered to be among Republican royalty, have been vocal critics of former president and current GOP nominee Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, especially in the aftermath of the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

"In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our Republic than Donald Trump," read the statement released by Cheney. "He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him."

"As citizens, we have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris," he added.

Internet urges George W Bush to side with Kamala Harris

Netizens reacting to the news on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) urged former president George W Bush to come out in support of the Democratic nominee ahead of the upcoming election. The following tweets demonstrate the prevalent takes.

"Lots of Republicans have come out for Kamala and spoken out against Donald Trump. Now is not the time for silence, George W Bush," read a tweet.

"George W. Bush needs to do the right thing: speak up to defend American democracy," wrote a user, sharing a picture of Bush with former Democratic president Jimmy Carter.

"George W Bush should stand up to Trump's bullying," noted another.

"With the nation at a historic crossroads of democracy or autocracy, Bush staying mum on the sidelines is a huge stain on his already tarnished legacy," stated one user.

"Endorse Harris/Walz now!" exclaimed a user.

"It’s almost time, make it explosive," expressed someone else.

Some users also accused Bush of being a coward for holding out on endorsement, as the following tweet highlights.

"He has secret service protection for the rest of his life, but he is still afraid to do the right thing for the country."

"He is SUCH a coward," jibed another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.