Republican party member Jeff Flake, on Sunday, officially endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 US Presidential elections. The former GOP senator posted on X, saying, “I’ll be supporting Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President.”
Flake has previously endorsed Joe Biden for president in 2020 while also serving as the US Ambassador to Turkey under Biden’s administration before stepping down earlier this month, according to NBC News.
In his statement, Flake expressed his belief in America’s potential, saying, “I believe that America is a great country. I believe that our best days lie ahead. I want to support a candidate for President who believes the same.”
Flake claimed that while he acknowledges differing opinions on various issues, he advocates for a political process that fosters debate and persuasion rather than division. “I want to support a candidate who understands that political opponents are our fellow citizens—the ‘loyal opposition’ as our parties once knew each other, not the enemy,” he said.
Having spent the past three years overseas as a US Ambassador, Flake emphasised the need for a candidate who understands the distinction between adversaries and allies, claiming that real enemies lie abroad.
“I believe in our Constitutional system and in the rule of law, and I want to support a candidate who respects the will of the voters and would never attempt to use the powers of the Presidency to overturn an election after having been turned out by the voters,” Flake said.
He also underscored his desire for unity and said, “Finally, I want to support a Presidential candidate who seeks to unite our country rather than one who divides us; one who represents the ideals of a new generation of leadership based not on grievances of the past, but hope for the future.”
“I know them. I know first-hand of their fine character and love of country,” said Flake. “I’ve served with Kamala in the US Senate and with Tim in the House of Representatives”, he added.
Flake encouraged fellow Republicans to share similar sentiments, saying, “After all, in times like these, there is nothing more conservative than putting country over party.”
In an interview with the Hill, Flake said that many conservative Republicans “just can’t support a candidate like” former President Trump.
Democratic candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris is poised to face off against Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for November 5.