Vice President Kamala Harris is gearing up for a crucial presidential debate with former President Donald Trump, as the two candidates are locked in a tight race ahead of the 2024 election. The debate is set to take place in Philadelphia, marking their first and potentially only face-off before Election Day. Both candidates will have surrogates in the spin room following the matchup, which will be hosted by ABC News.
Despite the intense competition, Harris is gaining support from an unlikely source – Republicans. A growing number of prominent Republicans have endorsed Harris, signaling a shift in party dynamics. Among those advocating for Harris are Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as Trump’s White House communications director, and Olivia Troye, who was Homeland Security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence. Both will be in Philadelphia to speak out against Trump in support of Harris.
This wave of Republican endorsements for Harris is part of a broader initiative by the Democratic nominee’s campaign called “Republicans for Harris.” The campaign aims to reach out to GOP voters who oppose Trump and are looking for an alternative in the upcoming election. Several Republicans publicly endorsed Harris at the Democratic National Convention in August, including a group of over 200 individuals who had worked for former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, as well as Senators Mitt Romney and the late John McCain.
One of the most vocal Republican critics of Trump, former Rep. Liz Cheney, has also announced her support for Harris. Cheney, who represented Wyoming in the House and served in GOP leadership before being ousted by pro-Trump Republicans, emphasized the importance of putting country above partisanship. She stated, “Because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris.”
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a seasoned figure in Republican politics who has served under multiple presidents, including as vice president to President George W. Bush, also announced his intention to vote for Harris. Cheney highlighted the threat that Trump poses to the republic and underscored the importance of defending the Constitution by supporting Harris in the upcoming election.
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, another prominent Republican critic of Trump, joined the chorus of endorsements for Harris at the Democratic National Convention. Kinzinger urged fellow Republicans to prioritize their values and support Harris as a way to counter the detrimental influence of Trump on the party.
Stephanie Grisham, who served as White House press secretary under Trump and chief of staff to First Lady Melania Trump, also threw her support behind Harris. Grisham, who resigned in the aftermath of the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021, criticized Trump for lacking empathy, morals, and fidelity to the truth. She voiced her admiration for Harris’s commitment to honesty and respect for the American people.
Olivia Troye, a former adviser to Vice President Pence, used her platform at the Democratic National Convention to denounce Trump and advocate for Harris. Troye emphasized the importance of standing up for democracy and supporting Harris as a way to safeguard the country’s values and principles.
Anthony Scaramucci, who had a brief tenure as Trump’s White House communications director before being ousted, has also expressed his support for Harris. Scaramucci praised Harris’s capabilities and her team, highlighting her competence and leadership qualities.
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who clashed with Trump over the 2020 election results, delivered a powerful message at the Democratic National Convention, urging his fellow Republicans to back Harris in the upcoming election. Duncan emphasized the need to pivot back to policy, empathy, and tone, characterizing Harris as a steady hand for the nation.
Overall, the growing support from prominent Republicans for Kamala Harris signals a significant shift in the political landscape. As the 2024 election approaches, Harris is gaining traction among GOP voters who are disillusioned with Trump and seeking a new direction for the party. The endorsements from figures like Liz Cheney, Dick Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Stephanie Grisham, Olivia Troye, Anthony Scaramucci, and Geoff Duncan underscore the broad appeal of Harris’s candidacy and the potential for a realignment in the Republican Party.
