Retired Four-Star General Endorses Kamala Harris, Calling Trump "Dangerously Unfit" for Commander-in-Chief
In a significant move, General Larry Ellis, a retired four-star general who served under the George W. Bush administration, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. This endorsement, revealed in a letter exclusively obtained by ABC News, marks the first time Ellis has publicly backed a presidential candidate, indicating the weight he places on the upcoming election. Ellis, who served as the commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, argues that "this is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe necessary." He argues that Trump "has demonstrated that he is wholly and dangerously unfit for Commander-in-Chief," citing Trump’s actions and words as detrimental to national security.
Key Takeaways:
- High-Profile Endorsement: This endorsement from a respected military figure like General Ellis carries significant weight, particularly among voters who value experience and leadership in the military.
- Trump’s Fitness for Command: Gen. Ellis’s criticism of Trump’s actions as commander-in-chief, particularly his praise of America’s adversaries and denigration of military personnel, positions him as a voice of concern for national security.
- A Shift in Republican Support: This endorsement, alongside a letter signed by over 200 former Republican staffers who worked for Bush, Romney, and McCain, indicates a possible shift in political alliances among conservative voters.
A Military Veteran’s Critique of Trump’s Leadership
General Ellis’s endorsement letter, obtained by ABC News, focuses sharply on Trump’s perceived unfitness for the presidency. Ellis argues that Trump’s actions and words have undermined American credibility on the world stage, jeopardizing the safety and security of the nation. He directly compares Trump’s behavior to that of a service member, arguing that "if any service member were to ever ‘act just a bit like’ Trump, ‘then he or she would be immediately removed from the leadership position, admonished, and separated from military service.’" This comparison underscores Ellis’s belief that Trump’s actions are not only unbecoming of a commander-in-chief but also detrimental to the integrity and reputation of the U.S. military.
A Broader Shift in Political Landscape?
The endorsement letter from Ellis aligns with another letter signed by over 200 former Republican staffers who worked for Bush, Romney, and McCain, all of whom have expressed concerns about Trump’s leadership and the trajectory of the Republican party. This letter, first obtained by USA Today, calls upon moderate Republicans and conservative independents in key swing states who voted for President Biden in 2020 to consider voting for Vice President Harris in November. The letter emphasizes the importance of supporting a candidate who prioritizes a stable and secure nation, contrasting their views with the current administration’s approach.
The letter states: "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." This statement reflects a growing sentiment among some Republicans who believe that the potential consequences of another Trump presidency outweigh their ideological differences with the Democratic party.
A Clash of Narratives Amidst a Crucial Election
These endorsements come on the same day that Trump seeks to tie Vice President Harris to the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan three years ago. Trump attended the National Guard Association of the United States conference in Detroit, marking the third anniversary of the Kabul airport bombings that killed 13 U.S. service members.
Trump used the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal, directly targeting Vice President Harris, who oversaw the evacuation efforts in her role as Vice President. He asserted that "The humiliation in Afghanistan set off the collapse of American credibility and respect all around the world."
In response, Harris’s campaign spokesperson, Ammar Moussa, issued a statement to ABC News: "The Biden-Harris Administration inherited a mess from Donald Trump. Trump wants America to forget that he had four years to get out of Afghanistan, but failed to do it. All he did was continue our longest war. Trump cannot be trusted to keep us safe, but Vice President Harris is a proven leader on the world stage." This statement highlights the key narrative that will likely dominate the upcoming election: a clash between two distinct approaches to leadership, national security, and the future of the nation.
Potential Impact of Endorsements
The endorsements from General Ellis and former Republican staffers signal a potential shift in the political landscape, particularly among moderate and conservative Republicans who may be influenced by concerns about national security and Trump’s fitness for office.
These endorsements also raise questions about the future of the Republican party and its ability to attract voters who are increasingly concerned about the direction of the nation. The upcoming election will likely see a heightened focus on issues of national leadership and security, particularly with the looming shadow of the Ukraine war and the evolving relationship with China.
As the election season progresses, the impact of these endorsements will be closely watched as a bellwether for the broader political landscape and the future of the Republican party.
