A select few prominent Republicans have defied party lines and thrown their support behind President Biden in his potential 2024 rematch against former President Trump. It is noteworthy that despite the political divide, these individuals have chosen to align themselves with the current administration.
Notable Republicans Backing Biden in November, with Some Critics of Former President Holding Back
In the upcoming November election, a number of prominent Republicans have expressed their support for Joe Biden over Donald Trump. These individuals have made the decision to back Biden, despite their party affiliation. Additionally, there are critics of the former president who, while not fully endorsing Biden, have refrained from offering their support to Trump.
Republicans backing Biden
Geoff Duncan
Michael Steele
“I understand the sentiment of Republicans who may say, ‘Oh, I can’t vote for a Democrat.’ However, it’s important to remember that when you cast your vote, you’re not just voting for a political party, but for the betterment of our country,” stated Michael Steele, former Republican National Committee Chair and current political analyst on MSNBC, during a segment in March.
Adam Kinzinger
“I may not agree with all of Joe Biden’s policies, but I do believe that he is committed to upholding democracy. That’s why I’ve decided to cast my vote in his favor,” Kinzinger stated in a recent interview with The Guardian.
Kinzinger had initially favored former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is also known for being critical of Trump. However, he firmly stated that he would not hesitate to cross party lines and choose Biden over Trump in a direct face-off.
Sarah Matthews
According to Sarah Matthews, a former Trump staffer, she stated earlier this year that she will not vote for her former boss in the upcoming November election if he goes head-to-head with Biden. Instead, she will support the incumbent.
After the riot at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, she decided to step down from her role.
In an interview with CNN’s Jim Acosta earlier this month, Matthews expressed his belief that “competency and experience” would become irrelevant in a second term under Trump.
Republicans who havenโt ruled out Biden
Cassidy Hutchinson
Last week, Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Trump White House aide, joined the growing list of prominent GOP figures who are considering voting for Biden in the upcoming November elections.
During a speech at Colorado Mesa University, Hutchinson expressed his openness to considering Joe Biden as a candidate for the upcoming November election, despite never having voted for a Democrat before. He emphasized his belief that Biden would not aim to dismantle the nation or the Constitution, and praised the statesman-like qualities he sees in the former Vice President.
Hutchinson, who previously served as assistant to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, made history as the inaugural White House aide to testify before the Jan. 6 panel.
Mitt Romney
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), the Republican nominee for the White House in 2012, made it clear earlier this year that he would not support Trump over Biden in the November election.
Mitt Romney vehemently rejected the idea when he was asked about the possibility. He firmly stated, “No. No, no, absolutely not.”
According to the speaker, the lack of character in the president would greatly influence the character of the entire nation. He emphasized that this should be the main concern for him.
Liz Cheney
Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who is determined to take all necessary measures to prevent Trump from holding office again, has sparked speculation about whether she will publicly endorse Biden in the upcoming election.
Although the former Wyoming congresswoman has not officially endorsed anyone yet.
Mark Esper
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has expressed his hesitation in voting for Joe Biden, stating that he is “not there yet.” However, he firmly stands by his decision not to vote for his former boss, Donald Trump.
After his former boss announced the firing of the Defense secretary back in November 2020, Esper became a vocal critic of Trump. He has repeatedly warned that Trump poses a threat to democracy.
Republicans who have ruled out both
Mike Pence
Former Vice President Mike Pence made it clear that he will not endorse Donald Trump this year during an interview on Fox News in March.
In this election cycle, Pence participated in the Republican primary as a contender against his former running mate. Despite his divergence from his previous boss, he made it clear that he will not align himself with Biden.
“I’m a Republican, so I would never vote for Joe Biden,” stated Pence confidently.
Chris Christie
Christie, a former Trump ally who competed against him for the GOP nomination in this election cycle, has expressed concerns about a potential “vendetta tour” and the threats to democracy that could arise from another term for Trump.
“I can say with absolute certainty that I will not be voting for Trump under any circumstances. Even if he is the only candidate on the ballot, I refuse to support him. I have a deep understanding of his character and I firmly believe that he is completely unfit to hold the position of President of the United States, in every possible aspect,” Christie stated emphatically in an interview with The Washington Post last month.
Christie expressed his strong disapproval of Trump but admitted that he couldn’t bring himself to vote for Biden.
According to Christie, he believes that Biden is no longer fit to be president. In his opinion, Biden is past his prime and lacks the capability to lead, stating, “Right now, I couldn’t say to myself, ‘I think Joe Biden is capable of being president’ today, let alone at 86.”
Christie criticized Biden for not reaching out and asking him to support his 2024 bid after he dropped out of the Republican race. According to Christie, this move was “pretty stupid.”
Paul Ryan
Former House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, recently made it clear that he will not be casting his vote for President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Instead, Ryan has stated that he plans to exercise his right to write in another candidate. This decision highlights Ryan’s discontent with Trump’s leadership and policies, as well as his desire to support an alternative option that aligns more closely with his own values and principles.
During an interview at the Milken Global Institute Conference, Ryan expressed his belief that the presidency demands a specific character that Trump lacks. In his conversation with Yahoo Finance, Ryan stated, “It is a job that requires the kind of character that he just doesn’t have.”
Ryan expressed his disagreement with Biden’s policies, stating, “Having said that, I really disagree with [Biden] on policy.” He further emphasized his stance by mentioning that he had voted for a Republican candidate in the previous election and intends to do the same this time.
Paul Ryan served as Mitt Romney’s running mate in the 2012 presidential election. Following that, he took charge of the Republican House majority during the initial two years of the Trump administration. However, Ryan departed from Congress in 2019 and has since become one of the prominent voices within the GOP, openly criticizing Donald Trump.
Asa Hutchinson
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who was also a contender for the GOP nomination this year, has made it clear that he will not be endorsing either Trump or Biden.
“I have high hopes that there will be brave individuals in the trenches who will resist this attempt to take over the Republican Party. I encourage them to join the fight in reclaiming our future,” expressed Hutchinson in an op-ed published in USA Today in March.
According to the statement, re-electing Biden is not justified due to his weak border policies, poor economic record, and slow growth energy policy.
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