Over 200 Former Bush, McCain, and Romney Staffers Endorse Kamala Harris for President
In a stunning display of bipartisan unity, more than 200 former Republican staffers who worked for George W. Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president in an open letter obtained exclusively by USA TODAY. This remarkable endorsement comes on the heels of the Democratic National Convention, which featured a string of Republican critics of Donald Trump, showcasing a growing divide within the GOP.
Key Takeaways
- Unprecedented Support: The open letter represents a significant departure from traditional party lines, showcasing a deep aversion within some Republican circles towards Donald Trump’s re-election bid.
- Trump’s Legacy: The letter directly criticizes Trump’s administration, explicitly citing his "chaotic leadership" and the "dangerous goals" of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s policy blueprint, which has become a source of tension within the GOP.
- Bipartisan Appeal: The endorsement highlights the diverse coalition of supporters Harris has assembled, reaching across the aisle to attract individuals who believe the country faces a critical crossroads.
- Historical Context: This move echoes a similar, albeit smaller, group of former Bush, McCain, and Romney staffers who endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 election, demonstrating the growing discontent with Trump within certain Republican circles.
- Strategic Move: The Harris campaign has actively sought to attract Republican voters who oppose Trump, creating a "Republicans for Harris" group and featuring Republican speakers during the DNC, signaling a focused strategy to reach moderate voters.
A Deepening Divide Within the GOP
The animosity between the camps of McCain, Romney, and Bush and Donald Trump has been well-documented. Romney, who voted to impeach Trump, has stated he will not support Trump in the 2024 election, although he has not explicitly endorsed Harris. Bush, whose family has a long history of tension with Trump, has avoided publicly criticizing Trump while also choosing not to participate in the Republican National Convention. Notably, Cindy McCain, the widow of John McCain, endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
The "Unthinkable" Endorsement
The letter, signed by individuals who previously occupied key positions within the campaigns and administrations of prominent Republican figures, represents a bold statement of opposition to Trump’s leadership and a clear call to action for other moderate Republicans and independents.
The letter reads: "We reunite today, joined by new George H.W. Bush alumni, to reinforce our 2020 statements and, for the first time, jointly declare that we’re voting for Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz this November. Of course, we have plenty of honest, ideological disagreements with Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz. That’s to be expected. The alternative, however, is simply untenable."
The letter continues to emphasize the potential dangers of Trump’s policies, both domestically and internationally: "At home, another four years of Donald Trump’s chaotic leadership, this time focused on advancing the dangerous goals of Project 2025, will hurt real, everyday people and weaken our sacred institutions. Abroad, democratic movements will be irreparably jeopardized as Trump and his acolyte JD Vance kowtow to dictators like Vladimir Putin while turning their backs on our allies. We can’t let that happen."
A Shift in Political Landscape
The endorsements highlight a potential shift in the political landscape, where the GOP is increasingly fractured. The Harris campaign is strategically capitalizing on this divide by actively seeking the support of moderate Republicans and independents.
Among those who have signed the letter are prominent Republicans who served in various capacities, including:
- Former McCain chiefs of staff Mark Salter and Chris Koch
- Joe Donoghue, former legislative director for McCain
- Jennifer Lux, press secretary for McCain’s 2008 campaign
- Jean Becker, longtime chief of staff for George H.W. Bush
- David Nierenberg, Romney’s 2012 campaign finance chair
- David Garman, under secretary of Energy for George W. Bush
- Olivia Troye, a former advisor to both George W. Bush and Vice President Mike Pence
Trump’s Response
Trump has yet to issue a direct response to the endorsements. However, he has previously attacked his Republican critics, labeling them as "RINO’s" (Republicans In Name Only) and highlighting his strong base of support within the GOP.
Conclusion
The unprecedented outpouring of support for Harris from prominent Republicans who previously worked for Bush, McCain, and Romney is a clear signal of the growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership. This move could potentially influence the upcoming election by attracting moderate voters and shaping the ongoing debate about the future of the Republican Party.
The endorsements underscore a significant shift in the political landscape, highlighting the potential for bipartisan cooperation even amidst the current climate of polarization. It remains to be seen whether this trend will translate into a broader movement of Republican support for Harris and whether it will ultimately sway the outcome of the 2024 election.
