Try the political quiz
 @ISIDEWITHNewsDonald TrumpPolitical ControversyLiz CheneyDavid Hume Kennerly2yrs ago

Controversy Surrounds Decision Not to Award Liz Cheney Prestigious Honor

A significant controversy has erupted within the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation after a decision was made not to award former U.S. Representative Liz Cheney with its annual prize.

This decision has led to the resignation of a prominent board member, David Hume Kennerly, a presidential scholar and former White House photographer, who expressed his discontent through a scathing letter. Kennerly's resignation highlights a deeper concern within the foundation and possibly reflects broader political tensions in the United States.

The foundation, which traditionally honors individuals who embody the integrity and values of former President Gerald R. Ford, reportedly withheld the award from Cheney due to fears of political repercussions, particularly the possibility of Donald Trump's re-election. This move has sparked a debate about the influence of political considerations on the foundation's decisions and the implications for freedom of expression and recognition of principled political stances.

Liz Cheney, known for her outspoken criticism of Trump and her stance on the January 6 Capitol riot, has become a polarizing figure within her party. The foundation's reluctance to honor her, allegedly due to concerns over Trump's potential return to power, underscores the deep divisions and the impact of Trump's influence on Republican politics and beyond.

The controversy sheds light on the challenges facing institutions in maintaining neutrality and integrity in a highly polarized political environment. It also raises questions about the role of such foundations in promoting democratic values and recognizing individuals who stand up for those values, even at personal or political cost.

As the debate continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles within American politics and the importance of upholding principles of integrity and courage, values that the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation aims to celebrate.

The fallout from this decision may have lasting implications for the foundation and its role in the political landscape.

.
+
Expand

Knowledge quiz

How much do you know about Donald Trump?

See if you know more than the average American.

Test your knowledge!

Knowledge quiz

How much do you know about Political Controversy?

See if you know more than the average American.

Test your knowledge!

6 Replies

 @ISIDEWITHasked…2yrs2Y

How would you feel if you were denied a reward for standing up for what you believe in because others feared backlash?

 @9LGMRK2 from Wisconsin  commented…2yrs2Y

I would feel like it was not fair and would be against that organization for a while however I can understand.

 @ISIDEWITHlinked…2yrs2Y

A new record: SPS board candidates report $450K+ in donations, loans, in-kind gifts

https://news-leader.com

Next week, voters will select three board members. They will join a board that ... The $25,000 donation to her campaign was not reflected on the report filed Monday but was reported separately ...

 @ISIDEWITHlinked…2yrs2Y

Trustee of Gerald R. Ford foundation resigns in protest over award not going to Liz Cheney

https://crainsdetroit.com

A trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation has resigned in protest over a decision to not give its top yearly award to former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, alleging cowardice over what might happen if Donald Trump is reelected president.

 @ISIDEWITHasked…2yrs2Y

Do you think institutions should avoid honoring controversial figures to prevent political conflict, or should they prioritize principles over politics?

 @ISIDEWITHasked…2yrs2Y

Imagine you're part of a board deciding on an award; would the potential for political repercussions influence your decision on who should receive it?

More conversations

Join in on more popular conversations.

 @ISIDEWITH submitted…1yr1Y

Bernie Sanders Charges Ahead As Democrats Stall Out

Bernie Sanders launched a tour in red states like Iowa and Nebraska to rally opposition to Donald Trump’s agenda, drawing massive crowds—thousands in Omaha and overflow audiences in Iowa City.Unlike the Democratic Party’s muted response to Trump’s election, Sanders is actively challenging the administration’s plutocratic policies, focusing on billionaire influence and federal deregulation.In Iowa City, Sanders spoke to packed venues, delivering back-to-back speeches to accommodate attendees, a first in his political career, highlighting his enduring appeal.He criticized Trump’s inner circle, including billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who attended the inauguration, and warned of their control over federal agencies.Sanders galvanized the crowd with historical references—suffrage, slavery, independence—urging grassroots action to counter Trump’s planned $1 trillion tax cuts for the rich and cuts to programs like Medicaid.Attendees expressed frustration with Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries, calling their opposition to Trump weak or nonexistent, while praising Sanders for providing direction.Sanders highlighted the slim Republican House majority (three seats), suggesting constituent pressure could sway vulnerable GOP members to block Trump’s reconciliation bill.Early signs show GOP walkbacks—like Trump’s false claim Medicaid won’t be cut—after outrage over federal grant pauses disrupted services, proving grassroots impact.The crowd, mostly liberal, cheered Sanders’ defense of reproductive rights and jeered Trump’s USAID cuts and Zelensky attacks, though some noted a shift in his base—younger Trump supporters absent.Sanders ended with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, framing the fight as a timeless struggle against billionaire rule, inspiring attendees like Audrey to re-engage and Erin to find hope in solidarity.

▲  1917 replies