Retired Judge Endorses Kamala Harris, Citing Threats to Democracy
Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative legal scholar appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has made headlines by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump. Luttig describes Trump’s candidacy as an existential threat to American democracy, marking a significant shift in his political alignment.
This endorsement represents the first time Luttig, a veteran of two Republican administrations, has voted for a Democrat. He stated, “In the presidential election of 2024, there is only one political party and one candidate for the presidency that can claim the mantle of defender and protector of America’s Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law.”
Luttig’s endorsement is not merely a personal choice; it reflects a broader ideological battle within the Republican Party. He has emerged as a vocal critic of Trump, having played a pivotal role in persuading then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify the 2020 presidential election results. Luttig’s legal rationale for resisting Trump’s attempts to overturn the election has resonated with many who value the integrity of democratic processes.
In his endorsement of Harris, Luttig emphasizes that partisan distinctions must be set aside to prevent Trump, whom he labels “singularly unfit,” from returning to the White House. He acknowledges that while Harris’s public policy views differ from his own, the stakes of this election transcend policy disagreements. “I am indifferent in this election as to her policy views on any issues other than America’s Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law, as I believe all Americans should be,” he remarked.
Luttig’s critique of Trump and the current Republican Party underscores a profound division between traditional conservatives and the modern, Trump-dominated GOP. He asserts that the corrosive effects of Trump’s false claims regarding the 2020 election will echo through generations, eroding trust in democratic institutions. “Because of the former president’s continued, knowingly false claims that he won the 2020 election, millions of Americans no longer have faith and confidence in our national elections,” he warns.
The implications of Luttig’s endorsement extend beyond his personal voting choice. He draws parallels between the current political climate and the late 18th century, when the founders of the United States expressed concerns over the rise of authoritarianism. “The time for America’s choosing has come,” Luttig asserts, urging all Americans to affirm their commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
While this marks Luttig’s first time supporting a Democrat, he has previously endorsed certain decisions made by the Biden administration, including the nomination of now-Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. His support for Harris aligns him with a growing number of high-profile Republicans who are breaking ranks with their party to endorse her candidacy.
Luttig’s endorsement is part of a larger trend of Republican figures distancing themselves from Trump and aligning with Democratic candidates in response to perceived threats to democratic norms. This trend reflects a significant shift in the political landscape, where traditional party loyalties are being challenged by the urgency of preserving democratic values.
As Luttig joins other prominent Republicans in endorsing Harris, including former members of Congress Joe Walsh, Barbara Comstock, and Adam Kinzinger, it signals a potential realignment within the political sphere. Kinzinger, now a CNN contributor, is expected to have a high-profile speaking slot at the upcoming Democratic National Convention, further highlighting this shift.
Luttig’s decision to publicly back Harris stems from a moral conviction of knowing “right from wrong.” His emotional appeal underscores the stakes of the upcoming election and the broader implications for American democracy. “It would have been wrong for me to stay silent,” he states, emphasizing the moral imperative behind his endorsement.
The endorsement of Harris by Luttig and other Republicans is not just a political maneuver; it reflects a growing concern about the future of democracy in the United States. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of such endorsements could reshape party dynamics and influence voter behavior in the 2024 election and beyond.
