Conservative Judge Luttig Endorses Kamala Harris, Labels Trump a Threat to Democracy

A Historic Endorsement

Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative legal scholar appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has made headlines by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump. This marks the first time Luttig has voted for a Democrat, highlighting the gravity of his decision.

The Stakes in the 2024 Election

In an exclusive statement shared with CNN, Luttig emphasized that the 2024 presidential election is about more than just policy differences. He believes that Harris is the only candidate capable of defending and protecting America’s democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law. Despite his differing views on public policy, Luttig is clear that this election is about safeguarding democracy from what he describes as Trump’s “singularly unfit” leadership.

Luttig’s Role in the 2020 Election Certification

Luttig played a crucial role in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election by advising then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify the election results, directly opposing Trump’s attempts to overturn Joe Biden’s victory. Since then, Luttig has emerged as a vocal critic of Trump, arguing that the former president’s false claims about the 2020 election have seriously undermined public trust in the electoral process.

A Deep Divide in the Republican Party

Luttig’s endorsement of Harris underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party, particularly between traditional Reagan-Bush conservatives and the current Trump-led GOP. He joins a growing list of high-profile Republicans, including Joe Walsh, Barbara Comstock, and Adam Kinzinger, who are backing Harris’s candidacy as a necessary step to prevent Trump’s return to the White House.

Moral Responsibility and the Decision to Endorse Harris

Reflecting on the moral responsibility behind his decision, Luttig said, “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. My endorsement of the Vice President was the right thing to do. It would have been wrong for me to stay silent.”