In a dramatic break from his Republican roots, former federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a distinguished conservative legal scholar appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for President in the upcoming 2024 election, and described Trump’s candidacy as an existential threat to American democracy.
Luttig’s endorsement of Harris is unprecedented for him, marking his first vote for a Democrat in a presidential election. His decision underscores his belief that Trump poses a severe threat to the nation’s democratic institutions.
“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 wrote in a statement, according to CNN. “As a result, I will unhesitatingly vote for the Democratic Party’s candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris.”
Luttig, known for his critical role in the aftermath of the 2020 election, played a pivotal part in advising then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject Trump’s efforts to overturn the results. His legal arguments against Trump’s claims of election fraud have cemented his reputation as a staunch defender of democratic principles.
Don't Miss
In his endorsement of Harris, Luttig argues that partisan affiliations must be set aside to protect democracy from what he describes as Trump’s dangerous influence. He criticizes Trump’s continued false claims about the 2020 election and the detrimental effects on public trust in American elections.
“In voting for Vice President Harris, I assume that her public policy views are vastly different from my own,” Luttig wrote, “but 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 continued: “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, and many never will again. Many Americans – especially young Americans, tragically – have even begun to question whether constitutional democracy is the best form of self-government for America.”
Luttig’s endorsement comes amidst a broader trend of prominent Republicans breaking with Trump. He joins other notable figures such as former Representatives Joe Walsh, Barbara Comstock, and Adam Kinzinger, who have publicly supported Harris or criticized Trump’s influence on the GOP.
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan also endorsed Harris in July, arguing that her campaign is the best way to prevent another term for Trump. Luttig’s decision reflects a growing divide within the Republican Party, with traditional conservatives increasingly at odds with Trump’s brand of politics.
Luttig’s said his support for Harris, despite their policy differences, is driven by his commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. He emphasizes that his endorsement is not about policy preferences but about preserving the integrity of American democracy.
“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. Imperfectly, to be sure. But I have tried,” an emotional Luttig said. “My endorsement of the Vice President was the right thing to do. It would have been wrong for me to stay silent, and I believe I would have one day had to answer for that silence. It’s really that simple.”
