Over 200 Bush, McCain, Romney alumni back Harris for president, criticize Trump

In a surprising political twist, over 200 Republicans who previously served under former President George W. Bush, the late Senator John McCain, and Senator Mitt Romney have publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election. This endorsement comes in the form of an open letter, which was obtained exclusively by USA TODAY, and was released on Monday.

This letter features alumni from the three prominent Republican figures’ administrations and follows a recent Democratic National Convention held in Chicago. This convention prominently highlighted Republican dissenters of the GOP nominee. Notably, the letter boasts a total of 238 signatures, including at least five former aides to George H.W. Bush.

A similar coalition of around 150 former staffers from Bush, McCain, and Romney had publicly backed President Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election.

In the letter, the signers — now united with new supporters from George H.W. Bush’s era — reaffirmed their 2020 sentiments while explicitly declaring their support for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the upcoming election. They acknowledged that while they have genuine ideological differences with both Harris and Walz, the alternative posed by former President Donald Trump is “simply untenable.”

Among the notable figures endorsing Harris are former chiefs of staff to McCain, such as Mark Salter and Chris Koch, alongside Joe Donoghue, who served as McCain’s legislative director, and Jennifer Lux, press secretary for McCain’s 2008 campaign. Jean Becker, a longtime chief of staff for George H.W. Bush, is also part of this group.

Additional signers include David Nierenberg, who was the finance chair for Romney’s 2012 campaign, David Garman, who served as under Secretary of Energy under George W. Bush, and Olivia Troye, a former advisor to both George W. Bush and Vice President Mike Pence. Troye notably addressed the Democratic National Convention last week.

The letter expresses deep concern about the prospect of another four years of Trump’s leadership, particularly highlighting the consequences of his proposed policies, including those related to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. They contend that such an agenda could harm everyday Americans and undermine vital democratic institutions.

Internationally, the letter warns that democratic movements would face serious threats if Trump were to return. The signers argue that Trump and his allies, such as JD Vance, have shown a tendency to align with authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin, while neglecting the United States’ traditional alliances.

There has been well-documented antagonism between Trump and the factions associated with McCain, Romney, and Bush. While Mitt Romney has publicly stated that he will not endorse Trump in the 2024 election, he has not issued a formal endorsement for Harris either. George W. Bush attended last month’s Republican National Convention but notably avoided open criticism of Trump.

The letter is also signed by Reed Galen, McCain’s deputy campaign manager and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, alongside Jim Swift, a former Republican operative now working with The Bulwark, an anti-Trump platform, and Mike Murphy, a strategist for McCain’s campaign.

The signers of the letter referenced voter data from the 2020 election, emphasizing that moderate Republicans and independent conservatives in key swing states were crucial to Biden’s ultimate victory. They assert that these are Americans who prioritize their country over party allegiance and urge more moderate Republicans and independents to step forward once more to support Harris against Trump.

The campaign for Harris has strategically emphasized support from Republicans opposed to Trump, recently launching a “Republicans for Harris” initiative and highlighting speakers from the Republican Party at the Democratic Convention.

A few Republicans who have voiced their opposition to Trump at the convention include former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who was part of the House committee investigating Trump’s actions following the 2020 election, and former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham. Governor Geoff Duncan from Georgia and Mesa, Arizona’s Mayor John Giles also joined in this chorus against Trump.

Over the weekend, a dozen well-known Republican attorneys who have worked with Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush also announced their endorsement of Harris for president. This group includes conservative former federal appellate Judge Michael Luttig, who indicated he plans to vote for a Democratic candidate for the first time in his life.

Source: USA Today