The 2024 election is yet again a battle in voters’ minds to choose the lesser of two evils. Much like the past two presidential elections, many individuals are far from fully aligning with every stance of either candidate. However, endorsements for Vice President Kamala Harris from both sides of the political spectrum prove that she is the lesser of two evils.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) pledged his support for Harris, despite their disagreements surrounding the war in Gaza. Sanders explained that although Harris is unjustly supporting Israel, she is still advocating for humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and former president Donald Trump is not.
This war, and foreign policy at large, is top-of-mind for many voters. Sanders’ recent video showcased his clear passion and anger toward the war while still endorsing Harris, filling a gap for many voters more progressive than Harris.
Many voters can feel unethical or simply wrong voting for a candidate that is not working to directly stop this war, but Sanders encapsulated the notion perfectly; Harris’ stance on the war in Gaza is bad, but Trump’s is still worse.
Based on maintaining a democratic society, several Republicans have endorsed Harris, citing Trump as a threat to democracy as a whole. Most notably, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) has not only endorsed Harris but is also campaigning with her. In a powerful, holistic statement, Liz Cheney said, “As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this. And because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris."
With that, former Vice President Dick Cheney cited Trump as a threat to democracy as well. “In our nation's 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump,” Dick Cheney said in a statement. He joined his daughter in support of putting the Constitution and the country over partisanship, adding that Trump should never be trusted with power again. The Cheneys’ endorsements perfectly represent the fact that conservative values don’t align with Trump’s threat to democracy.
Both presidential candidates have been criticized for their character and overall rhetoric, which is especially important in such a divisive election and polarizing political landscape. However, Republicans have supported Harris because she is an overall better person than Trump.
Former attorney general Alberto Gonzales wrote in a Politico op-ed, “Power is intoxicating and based on Trump’s rhetoric and conduct it appears unlikely that he would respect the power of the presidency in all instances; rather, he would abuse it for personal and political gain, and not on behalf of the American people.” It is respectable and refreshing to see that Republicans are aware of Trump’s pitfalls as it relates to character and values.
Despite endorsements across the aisle, the economy is Trump’s top buzzword that keeps his campaign alive. Mark Cuban, who supported Trump during the campaign for his first term, endorsed Harris’ economic plans.
The billionaire, who in theory should support Trump for his wealth-forgiving tax policies, is well-versed in economics and its effects on businesses. This endorsement directly targets upper-class Trump supporters who have fallen for Trump’s “concept of a plan” economy.
Endorsements for Harris from individuals who either disagree with her currently, don’t align with the Democratic party or supported Trump in the past showcase her higher moral position over Trump. On a wide range of issues – from the war in Gaza to the state of democracy to the economy – she has proven to be at least better than Trump to those who typically disagree with her.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
