Article Summary –
A group of prominent Republicans, including retired NC Supreme Court Justice Robert Orr and former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, has formed a coalition to support Kamala Harris for president, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of the Republican Party under Donald Trump’s influence. They commend Harris for her bipartisan efforts and leadership qualities, expressing concerns over Trump’s impact on democracy and the Republican Party’s departure from its core values. The coalition members emphasize Harris’s potential to provide stable leadership and appeal to conservatives disillusioned by Trump’s rhetoric and actions.
Support for Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate is growing, including from unexpected quarters: notable Republicans.
Former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Robert Orr, army veteran Scott Peoples, and former Mecklenburg County Commissioner Michael Tucker were among several Republicans launching the Republicans for Harris coalition via a virtual press conference on Monday.
Orr praised Harris for her bipartisan efforts and unifying leadership.
“Vice President Harris has shown she can unify the country, working across the aisle as a senator and passing bipartisan legislation benefiting North Carolinians,” Orr said.
Orr voiced concerns about a recent US Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. United States, which expanded presidential immunity.
“Trump’s appointments to the US Supreme Court, which granted him virtual immunity, pose a threat to our cherished democracy,” he added.
Orr, a long-time Republican, criticized Trump after the January 6th Capitol attack, calling out the party’s “cult of loyalty.”
Peoples echoed similar sentiments, urging disenchanted Republicans to support Harris.
“Trump and MAGA Republicans don’t represent my values. I’ll be voting for Kamala Harris because she champions veterans and military families,” said Peoples.
Based on March primary results, where Nikki Haley received 23.3% against Trump in North Carolina, there may be many Republicans up for grabs in November.
Tucker, a former county commissioner, cited Trump’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic as a turning point.
“I had concerns about Trump’s behavior during Covid-19, such as his suggestion to inject bleach to combat the virus,” Tucker said.
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, another Trump critic, endorsed Harris during the press conference.
“I’m endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for her adherence to the Constitution and her stable leadership,” Duncan said.
He expressed concerns about Trump’s potential return to the White House.
“Trump is a reckless character on good days and dangerous on bad days,” Duncan concluded.
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