Article Summary –
Former U.S. Representative Charlie Dent, a Pennsylvania Republican, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, citing her leadership qualities and criticizing former President Donald Trump’s character, economic proposals, and foreign relations. Dent highlighted concerns that Trump’s proposed tariffs could harm Pennsylvania workers and contribute to negative economic outcomes, such as increased inflation and a higher federal budget deficit, as supported by economists. Dent’s endorsement aligns with a growing number of Republicans supporting Harris over Trump, emphasizing a bipartisan effort to prioritize national interests over party loyalty.
Pennsylvania Republican and former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential run on Oct. 17, highlighting her as “a capable leader who will always prioritize our country’s interests” and criticized former President Donald Trump as unfit for office.
“Trump’s flawed character and constant attacks on norms, tradition, and constitutional order disqualify him from public trust,” Dent stated to Lehigh Valley News after voting absentee for Harris. “His fondness for autocrats like Putin and Kim Jung Un, and his antagonism toward the free press and allies, are reprehensible.”
Dent argued Trump’s economic policies would harm Pennsylvania workers: “Trump’s indiscriminate tariffs would damage the economy, causing significant disruptions for American manufacturing and agriculture. American workers and consumers would bear the brunt.”
Economists warn Trump’s tariffs on all imports could spike inflation, increase the federal deficit, reduce jobs, and lower GDP.
Dent served the 15th Congressional District, then including Allentown, from 2005 to 2018. According to FiveThirtyEight’s tracker, he supported Trump 93% of the time.
He concluded to Lehigh Valley News, “In this election, Kamala Harris is clearly the better choice.”
Dent joins a growing group of Republicans endorsing Harris over Trump. In August, former Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Jim Greenwood and ex-Lancaster County Republican Committee chair Ann Womble announced leading Pennsylvania Republicans for Harris.
On Oct. 16, Harris campaigned in Bucks County with Republican supporters.
“Today, I am joined by over 100 Republican leaders from Pennsylvania and nationwide supporting my presidential candidacy, and I’m deeply honored,” Harris said in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. “We are gathered because we believe in putting country before party.”
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