A Historic Endorsement
Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a well-known conservative legal scholar appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has made headlines by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump. This marks the first time Luttig, a veteran of two Republican administrations, has voted for a Democrat, signaling the severity of his concerns regarding Trump’s candidacy.
Protecting American Democracy
In an exclusive statement shared with CNN, Luttig emphasized that the 2024 presidential election is about much more than partisan politics. He expressed his belief that Harris is the only candidate capable of defending and protecting America’s democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law. Despite acknowledging his differing views on policy issues, Luttig stated that the threat posed by Trump necessitates setting aside partisan distinctions.
A Vocal Critic of Trump
Luttig’s endorsement follows his pivotal role in advising then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify the 2020 election results, directly opposing Trump’s efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s victory. Since that time, Luttig has been a prominent critic of Trump, warning that the former president’s false claims about the 2020 election have severely undermined public trust in the electoral process and pose a significant threat to the future of American democracy.
Divisions Within the GOP
Luttig’s endorsement underscores the growing divide within the Republican Party, particularly between the traditional Reagan-Bush conservatives and the current Trump-led GOP. He joins other high-profile Republicans, such as Joe Walsh, Barbara Comstock, and Adam Kinzinger, in supporting Harris’s candidacy as a necessary step to prevent Trump’s return to the White House.
A Moral Responsibility
Reflecting on the moral reasoning behind his decision, Luttig stated, “In my faith, we believe that we will one day answer for our wrongs. I have always tried to live my life in anticipation of that day. My endorsement of the Vice President was the right thing to do. It would have been wrong for me to stay silent.”
