Retired 4-Star General and 200 Ex-GOP Staffers Endorse Harris

Retired four-star General Larry Ellis, who served during George W. Bush’s administration, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. This endorsement, which is exclusively reported by ABC News, marks the first time Ellis has backed a presidential candidate. He stated that his decision “is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe necessary.”

General Ellis, who previously commanded the U.S. Army Forces Command, expressed strong concerns regarding former President Donald Trump. In his words, Trump has shown himself to be “wholly and dangerously unfit for Commander-in-Chief.” Ellis criticized Trump for enabling enemies of the United States who aim to undermine the nation, adding that he has shown a lack of respect for the country’s military personnel.

Ellis elaborated that if any service member behaved in a manner similar to Trump, “then he or she would be immediately removed from the leadership position, admonished, and separated from military service.” His comments underline serious doubts about Trump’s capability and attitude towards the military.

In a related show of political support for Harris, over 200 former Republican staffers have also signed a letter endorsing her candidacy. These staffers worked for prominent figures, including former President George W. Bush, Senator Mitt Romney, and the late Senator John McCain. This letter, which was initially reported by USA Today, urges moderate Republicans and conservative independents in pivotal swing states, particularly those who voted for Biden in 2020, to support Harris in the upcoming elections.

The letter acknowledges that while there are “plenty of honest, ideological disagreements” with Harris and her running mate, the alternative is simply unacceptable. It emphasizes the importance of aligning themselves with a candidate who represents stability rather than uncertainty.

This outpouring of endorsements for Harris comes amid Trump’s recent remarks regarding the Biden administration’s strategies in Afghanistan. Coinciding with the third anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Trump made a statement at a National Guard Association conference in Detroit, criticizing the decision and attempting to link Harris to the chaotic events surrounding the withdrawal.

Trump lamented the “humiliation in Afghanistan” and claimed that it has led to a loss of American credibility on the global stage. His remarks aim to frame the Biden administration’s actions in a negative light, positioning himself as a candidate who understands national security better.

In response to Trump’s criticisms, a spokesperson for Harris’s campaign, Ammar Moussa, countered with a statement. He emphasized that the Biden-Harris administration inherited a challenging situation from Trump and criticized him for his inaction during his presidency. Moussa claimed that Trump “cannot be trusted to keep us safe,” positioning Harris as a strong and proven leader on international issues.

This exchange highlights the contrasting narratives between Trump’s criticisms and the defense offered by Harris’s campaign. As the political climate heats up in anticipation of the upcoming elections, endorsements from military leaders like General Ellis may play a significant role. They not only reflect individual candidates’ support but also contribute to shaping the overall political landscape.

Overall, the endorsements from both Ellis and former Republican staffers signal a potential shift among some traditional Republican voters who are seeking a candidate to unite rather than divide. The upcoming election promises to be pivotal, with key issues ranging from military readiness to national security dominating the discourse.