Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to campaign alongside former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney has sparked unease among progressive Democrats.

This coalition of liberals, which also includes progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, worries that the alliance between Harris and Cheney may alienate core Democratic Party voters and shift attention away from critical economic discussions, as Fox News reports.

In the weeks leading up to the election, Harris has been seen alongside Cheney, known for her strong anti-Trump stance, at various campaign events.

This decision has drawn criticism, particularly from progressive Democrats, who feel sidelined in the midst of a crucial campaign season. Adam Green, a progressive leader, noted a disconnect between the economic-focused advertisements of the campaign and its reliance on Cheney's presence at events.

Green expressed concern over a perceived "odd disconnect" between the campaign's messaging, noting that focusing mainly on appearances with Cheney might not energize the Democratic base. Meanwhile, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have participated in more understated roles, aiming to appeal to the party's progressive segment.

Progressive Leaders Express Concerns

The involvement of Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, in Harris's campaign showcases a bipartisan attempt to court Republican voters. However, this strategy has been met with skepticism. Sanders has been an active supporter of Harris but has yet to appear publicly alongside her at campaign rallies.

During a recent interview, Sanders remarked on the significance of addressing working-class needs in the campaign. "She has to start talking more to the needs of working-class people," he said. Sanders suggested that this shift should have happened earlier yet acknowledged the current situation with acceptance.

Joseph Geevarghese, another prominent progressive voice, warned that up to 10% of progressives could refrain from voting for Harris. Some may even consider voting for her opponent if she does not prioritize economic arguments central to the movement's concerns.

Calls for Economic Focus Intensify

Geevarghese raised a cautionary note about the potential repercussions of sidelining key issues important to progressives. "Don't take the progressive movement for granted," he warned, emphasizing the importance of economic discussions that resonate with voters.

Despite progressive unease, some campaign elements have been praised for their focus on economics. Green appreciated certain advertisements that effectively highlighted economic themes, aligning with the core interests of the Democratic base.

In a recent televised interview, journalist Jake Tapper asked Sanders to reflect on the campaign's choices. He noted the juxtaposition of Harris campaigning with a conservative like Cheney versus the absence of public events involving Sanders, a leader in the progressive movement.

Bipartisan Steps Raise Questions

Tapper's question brought to light the complexity of the campaign strategy and its possible impact on voter perception.

The choice to align with Cheney, seen as a figure far from Democratic ideology, raises questions about the effectiveness of this approach as election day nears.

The Harris campaign has not yet provided an immediate response to these concerns. A request for comment was sent by Fox News Digital, but a reply has not been forthcoming, leaving many questions unanswered.

This development reflects a broader trend in contemporary politics where cross-party collaborations attempt to reach wider audiences. In this context, Harris's partnership with Cheney seeks to appeal to moderate and conservative voters, albeit at a potential cost to progressive support.

Potential Impact on Election Outcomes

Amid this controversy, progressives urge Harris to pivot her messaging toward issues that resonate with her base. They argue that while bipartisan optics might seem attractive, they risk reducing focus on bread-and-butter issues vital to many voters.

As the campaign unfolds, the challenge lies in balancing outreach to Republican voters while keeping Democratic loyalists engaged. With election day approaching, every strategic choice could significantly influence the final voter turnout.

The alliance with Cheney marks a bold move in a politically polarized environment. However, whether this strategy succeeds or backfires remains to be seen as both sides of the Democratic spectrum continue to voice their perspectives.