I was astonished to see prominent Republicans, and even Stephanie Grisham, who was a senior adviser for the Trump campaign, speaking at the Democratic National Convention. I was so surprised I took notes.
Olivia Troye, former White House security advisor for Trump, resigned four years ago. She said, “At that time the few adults in the room” either had resigned or were fired.
Former Lt. Governor of Georgia, Geoff Duncan, said, “I am a Republican and I am here as an American.” “If you vote for Kamala Harris in November, you are not a Democrat. You’re a patriot,” he said.
Republican Mayor John Giles, of Mesa, Ariz., a lifelong Republican, said the GOP “has been kidnapped by extremists and has developed into a cult.” “My hero, John McCain, promised to put country over party.” “John McCain is gone,” he said, “and we don’t owe a damn thing to what’s been left behind.”
Former 12-year Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger said, “You never thought you’d see me here, did you? I’ve learned something about the Democratic Party. The Democrats are as patriotic as us. They love this country as much as we do.” Then he explained why he felt that way. “We must put country first.” “Whatever policies we disagree on pale in comparison with those fundamental matters of principle, of decency and of fidelity to this nation.” “Vote for our bedrock values and vote for Kamala Harris.”
Senior staffers Kayleigh McEnany and Stephanie Grisham said much the same thing, as did other Republicans.
Although I am a political liberal, I have always been personally and financially conservative. We need a two-party system in this country, even if I don’t agree in general with Republican policies.
It seems that some people have figured out that the only way to get the real Republican Party back is to vote for Kamala Harris this time, and defeat Donald Trump and Project 2025. Then they can start rebuilding. And I say, “Good for them!” I can hardly wait to see John McCain Republicans back in Congress.
Kate Furness
Ely