Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has added the name of another prominent Republican to her list of endorsements ahead of the 2024 elections: that of Alberto R. Gonzales, U.S. attorney general and counsel to the president during the George W. Bush administration.
In an op-ed published in Politico on Thursday, Gonzales, who calls himself a lifelong Republican, claimed Trump is not fit for another term in office given his disregard for the rule of law and potential abuse of presidential powers.
He went on to say that even though the country's system provides checks and balances, a president's character is a key safeguard against abuse of power. And Trump's lack of it makes him the most significant threat to the rule of law in recent history, he said, citing the January 6 assault on the Capitol as as evidence of his willingness to put personal interest ahead of the nation's.
Gonzales put particular focus on January 6, saying that he failed to fulfill his presidential duties by not taking decisive action to protect Congress, law enforcement, and the Capitol. His ongoing refusal to reject his actions on that day only compound to the assessment.
In endorsing Harris, the former official acknowledged that while her experience in foreign policy may not be as extensive as others, her record as a prosecutor and attorney general demonstrates a strong commitment to justice and the rule of law. He added that her character and respect for the Constitution make her the better choice for president. Though he remains critical of certain policies, he views Harris as a candidate who will act within the limits of the law and govern with integrity.
Gonzales' endorsement of Harris is far from the first. Other prominent Republicans have done so over the past weeks, with former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz as some of the most significant.
At the Texas Tribune Festival, Wyoming Republican Liz Cheney shocked the audience by endorsing Kamala Harris. Not stopping there, she revealed that her father would also be voting for the Democrat.
"In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again," Cheney said in a statement published afterwards.
With hundreds of former Republican staffers, military officers, and key political figures rallying behind Harris, the Republicans for Harris initiative is gaining momentum two months before the election.
Below are others who have publicly announced their support for Harris:
- Jimmy McCain, son of late Senator John McCain
- Former national security advisor Olivia Troye
- Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan
- Former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham
- Former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger
- Former Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock
- Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld
- Former Congressman Denver Riggleman
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