During a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, Vice President Kamala Harris received support from a group of GOP politicians and activists in Pennsylvania, who are backing her over Donald Trump. This support comes from Republicans disillusioned by Trump’s behavior and rhetoric.
Former Rep. Jim Greenwood described Trump as a “malignant narcissist” and emphasized that the campaign is more about character than policy. Greenwood, alongside other prominent Republicans, argued that Harris’s integrity and ability to work across the aisle make her a preferable candidate.
The “Republicans for Harris” group, initiated through a Zoom call, aims to rally support in Pennsylvania for the Democratic nominee. Anne Womble, a lifelong Republican, highlighted the discontent among Republicans with Trump’s behavior and lawlessness.
She emphasized the importance of converting Nikki Haley’s primary voters to support Harris, noting Trump’s further alienation of these voters by choosing JD Vance as his running mate. Womble believes that many Pennsylvanians desire a president who acts with decency and works collaboratively for the nation’s benefit.
Andrea Kesack, another co-host, focused on Trump’s negative impact on women’s rights, particularly reproductive freedom. She expressed that many women, including Republicans and independents, are outraged by Trump’s restrictive policies on abortion.
Kesack argued that Trump’s approach lacks empathy and rationality, pointing out the severe consequences for women in states with strict abortion bans. She believes Harris’s stance on these issues makes her a better choice for president.
The group plans to increase its outreach efforts, recognizing the challenge of persuading Republicans to support Harris despite policy disagreements. Some Democrats criticize Harris for her evolving stance on issues like fracking, but pro-Harris Republicans see this as a sign of her pragmatism and ability to appeal to centrist voters.
Womble emphasized the importance of listening to voters’ concerns and adapting the campaign’s approach accordingly.
Despite their support for Harris, the Republicans in this group do not necessarily endorse all Democratic candidates. Greenwood, for example, still supports Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, for re-election. Fitzpatrick has not publicly endorsed Trump, leading to criticism from Democrats. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley has distanced herself from Republicans opposing Trump and has endorsed him for a second term.