Former Republican Senator Jeff Flake made waves on Sunday by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president over former President Donald Trump. In a video posted on X, Flake, a longtime Trump critic, cited Harris’ character and leadership qualities as reasons for his endorsement, urging fellow Republicans to prioritize the country over party.
Flake Highlights Harris and Walz’s Leadership
“I served with Kamala in the United States Senate. I’ve also served with Tim in the United States House of Representatives,” Flake said, referring to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate. “I know them. I know firsthand of their fine character and love of country.”
Flake, who describes himself as a conservative Republican, encouraged others in the GOP to follow his lead. “After all, in times like these, there is nothing more conservative than putting country over party,” he added.
Criticism of Trump’s Actions and Policies
Flake has been vocal about his opposition to Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, calling for a candidate who “respects the will of the voters” and does not seek to divide the country. “I want to support a presidential candidate who seeks to unite our country, rather than one who divides us,” he said, in a thinly veiled critique of Trump’s leadership style.
Flake also emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, saying that “it’s difficult to support a candidate who, having lost an election, tries to use the powers of the presidency to overturn that election.”
Flake’s Experience as Ambassador
Flake, who recently stepped down as the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, explained that his time abroad reinforced the need for strong leadership on the global stage. “Having spent the past three years overseas, I’ve seen up close that we have very real enemies abroad. We also have vital and indispensable allies,” he said. “I want to support a presidential candidate who understands and appreciates the difference.”
Flake specifically praised Harris for her understanding of international issues, pointing to their interactions at the Munich Security Conference and other international forums. He also expressed concern about Trump’s reluctance to fully support Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Criticism of Trump’s Tariff Policies
Flake took the opportunity to criticize Trump’s proposed tariff policies, which have drawn skepticism from economists. “There are reasons to impose tariffs,” he told ABC’s Martha Raddatz in an interview on This Week. “But to pretend that we’re going to get a windfall of money from some foreign government because we’re imposing tariffs just doesn’t jive with what and where conservatives have been on free trade.”
A Conservative Republican Endorsing Harris
Flake’s endorsement is significant as he is one of the few prominent Republicans to publicly back Harris over Trump. His message reflects a growing divide within the GOP between those who support Trump’s combative style and those who are calling for a return to more traditional conservative values.
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