More Than 200 Officials from Both Bush Administrations and Romney Endorse Harris

More than 200 Republicans who previously served under Presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, and Senators John McCain and Mitt Romney have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. This coalition, composed of former officials, advisors, and strategists, expressed their support for Harris and deep concern over the possibility of a second term for former President Donald Trump. According to a recent report by USA Today, their open letter reflects a growing rift within the Republican Party as they align with Harris to safeguard democratic principles.

Historical Tensions

This endorsement marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with many of the signatories having previously supported President Joe Biden in 2020. The group’s decision to back Harris highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional Republican figures and Trump, whose leadership style and policy decisions have been a source of contention within the party. The letter emphasizes the dangers they believe Trump’s leadership poses, both domestically and internationally, particularly concerning democratic movements and relations with global allies.

Key Figures and Signatories

Among the notable signatories are Mark Salter, a former chief of staff for John McCain, David Nierenberg, who served as Romney’s 2012 campaign finance chair, and Jean Becker, George H.W. Bush’s longtime chief of staff. The letter underscores their shared concerns about Trump’s alignment with authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and the potential consequences of his return to power. The endorsement comes on the heels of the Democratic National Convention, where several Republican figures, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Olivia Troye, publicly criticized Trump and voiced their support for Harris.

A Unified Stand Against Trump

The letter, which echoes the sentiments of a similar coalition from 2020, calls on moderate Republicans and independents to prioritize the country over party loyalty. The Harris campaign has responded by launching the “Republicans for Harris” initiative, further highlighting the growing bipartisan support aimed at preventing a second Trump term. This coalition’s call to action is framed not as a partisan move but as a necessary step to protect the nation’s democratic institutions and uphold its values on the global stage.

Broader Implications

The signatories warn that another four years under Trump’s leadership could irreparably harm the United States’ democratic foundations and weaken its standing in the international community. Their endorsement of Harris, despite ideological differences, reflects a shared belief in the importance of preserving the integrity of the presidency and the nation’s role as a global leader. As the 2024 election approaches, this growing bipartisan movement underscores the stakes involved in the upcoming vote, as traditional party lines blur in the face of what these Republicans see as an unprecedented threat to American democracy.