At the Democratic convention, prominent political figures from both parties, including the Obamas, will back Kamala Harris for presidency in 2024. To everyone’s surprise, some Republicans are also urging conservatives to stop endorsing Donald Trump.
Criticism of Trump’s leadership
The aim is to persuade Republicans and independents to consider Harris as a choice and present Trump as an enemy to democracy. There are former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and former White House communications director Stephanie Grisham among those who came up with such statements citing their reasons of defection as based on Trump’s behaviour and actions.
Personal experiences from Trump critics
“Let me be clear to my Republican friends at home watching,” said Geoff Duncan from the convention stage on Wednesday. “If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024 you’re not a Democrat, you’re a patriot.”
Duncan described Trump as “a direct threat to democracy.” He specifically targeted his remarks at Republicans and independents who have grown tired of defending Trump. Also, he added, “Our party these days acts more like a cult – worshipping a felonious gangster.”
Stephanie Grisham worked closely with Trump before now; she expressed her complaints during her speech last Tuesday which scorned him as devoid of truthfulness.
“I saw him when the cameras were off. Behind closed doors, even after Trump calls his supporters basement dwellers,” Grisham said.
Grisham served as Melania’s chief of staff but had since become disillusioned after being one of her staunchest supporters. In an interview with Parami she recalled asking Melania if she would condemn Capitol violence that took place on January 6th.
“On January 6 I asked Melania if we could at least tweet that while peaceful protest is the right of every American, there’s no place for lawlessness or violence,” Grisham explained. “She replied with one word, ‘No’.” Having written this resignation note on the same day, she said, “I love my country more than my party.” She concluded by affirming, “Harris has my vote.”
Growing concerns within the GOP
Mayor of Mesa, Arizona John Giles said he was unhappy with today’s state of Republican Party and likened it to Trump’s cult. A lifelong Republican, Giles revered the late Senator John McCain and lamented the transformation of the party.
“My Republican Party has been kidnapped by extremists and devolved into a cult: the cult of Donald Trump,” Giles told the convention.
He urged fellow Republicans to recognize that “John McCain’s Republican Party is gone, and we don’t owe a damn thing to what’s been left behind.”
Former Trump voters who have since changed their minds were also featured as part of the convention proceedings. Rich Logis, a voter from Florida admitted his earlier support for Trump but stated that times had changed.
“I made a grave mistake,” Logis admitted in a video. “But it’s never too late to change your mind.”
Olivia Troye, Vice President Mike Pence’s former counter-terrorism advisor also spoke at the convention.
Adam Kinzinger who is another well-known critic among Republicans concerning Trump and previously served as congressman will address audience on closing night.
Impact of the Republican dissidents
Trump, however, might call these critics treasonous as there is little information on their influence. Nonetheless, David Urban, a Republican strategist for Trump’s 2016 campaign, has played down their significance while acknowledging that Duncan’s presence could have an effect on voters in Georgia.
Meanwhile, it is not clear what will come from the Republicans who speak out against President Donald J. Trump; nevertheless, the fact that they are present at the Democratic National Convention is an indication of how concerned some members of the GOP are about his influence and where he’s taking the party.
