Retired U.S. Judge Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative appointed by President George H. W. Bush, made headlines on August 19 by announcing his support for Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
A Threat to Democracy
According to Ziare this marks a significant departure for Luttig, a lifelong Republican who has served in two GOP administrations.
Luttig, who played a pivotal role in convincing former Vice President Mike Pence to certify Joe Biden's 2020 election victory despite pressure from Trump, now views the former president as "an existential threat to American democracy." This is the first time Luttig has publicly supported a Democratic candidate for president.
The former judge’s break with Trump illustrates the internal struggle within the Republican Party.
More than Partisan Politics
Luttig emphasized that the 2024 election is about more than partisan politics.
He stated: "We have only one party and one candidate in this election who can uphold the mantle of defending and protecting American democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. For that reason, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic candidate for president, Vice President Kamala Harris."
Luttig's endorsement of Harris underscores the deepening rift between traditional Republicans, like those from the Reagan or Bush eras, and the current GOP, which has increasingly aligned itself with Trump.
