Sep 18, 2024,11:26am EDT
Topline: In a significant political development, over 100 former staffers and national security leaders from past Republican administrations have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a continued trend of Republicans publicly opposing former President Donald Trump.
Key Facts:
- The endorsement came through a letter released by the group “Reagan, Bush, McCain & Romney Alumni for Harris,” which includes signatures from 111 former officials from these administrations and some ex-Trump staffers, such as Miles Taylor, along with former Republican members of Congress like ex-Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger.
- The letter criticizes Trump’s record on national security and his “chaotic and unethical behavior,” particularly condemning his actions on January 6, 2021.
- This movement follows endorsements for Harris from other notable members of George W. Bush’s administration, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, in recent weeks.
- Forbes has contacted Trump’s campaign for comments but has yet to receive a response.
Key Background: Earlier in the month, another letter from the GOP group, signed by over 200 Republicans, expressed concerns that another term under Trump would harm “real, everyday people and weaken our sacred institutions.” Prominent Republicans opposing Trump’s potential second term, such as Kinzinger and Olivia Troye, appeared at the Democratic National Convention, underscoring a significant partisan shift. Despite these endorsements, polls still show strong support for Trump among Republican voters.
Chief Critic: Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized the endorsers, suggesting they are remnants of a faction responsible for engaging the country in endless foreign wars for profit, stating, “President Trump is the only president in the modern era not to get our country into any new wars.”
The Full Letter: “We, the undersigned, are former national security and foreign policy officials who served under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and/or Donald Trump, or as Republican Members of Congress. We have extensive experience across various governmental departments including the White House, Defense, Treasury, State, and Justice, among others.
We advocate for a principled, serious, and steady leader to advance and defend American security and values, which we believe Kamala Harris embodies, unlike Donald Trump. We support her candidacy for President, citing her commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and constitutional principles. Despite our anticipated disagreements with her on several policies, we consider her a fitting leader who respects and upholds the ideals of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Our decision stems from Trump’s detrimental actions that have endangered our democratic institutions and degraded our country’s moral and ethical standing. From praising adversaries to undermining allies and prioritizing personal gain over national interest, we believe Trump has failed the standards necessary for presidential leadership.
In contrast, Vice President Harris has demonstrated dedication to core American values and has shown effective leadership in her roles within the Senate and as Vice President. Her stance on strengthening NATO, supporting Ukraine, and ensuring American military readiness aligns with a vision of a secure and respected America on the global stage.
We urge fellow Americans to join us in supporting Kamala Harris for President, as we prioritize the nation’s collective interests above partisan considerations.”
Signatories Include:
- Admiral Steve Abbot, USN (Ret.), former Deputy Homeland Security Advisor under George W. Bush
- Kenneth Adelman, former Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency under Ronald Reagan
- Dr. Carol C. Adelman, former Assistant Administrator of USAID under Ronald Reagan
- Major General John Barry, USAF (Ret.), former Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense
- and others including former Congress members and high-ranking officials from past administrations.
This thorough articulation and explanation aim to provide a detailed insight into the motivations and implications of this significant endorsement within the context of current U.S. political dynamics for readers of GlobalWorldCitizen.com.