This series lists prominent Republicans, Trump appointees and senior operatives in previous Republican presidencies now opposing Trump’s reelection. And shows why.
This is part twenty-seven. Click here for part twenty-six. All previous episodes are linked there.
Click on the name for the source of the quote.
151. John Shimkus, Republican congressman for Illinois:
"It's terrible. It's despicable," [Trump enabling the Turkish offensive against the Kurds] I'm heartbroken. I called my chief of staff in DC and said, 'Pull my name off the I support Donald Trump list.' We have just stabbed our allies in the back. This has just shocked, embarrassed and angered me." [11 October, 2019]
152. Connie Morella, Former Republican congresswoman for Maryland:
“I just think we need a change. I don’t hold him Trump in the highest regard with regard to integrity. It’s hard to know what’s true and what’s not. We never used to hear about alternative facts.” [24 August, 2020]
153. Francis Rooney, Republican congressman for Florida, ambassador to the Vatican under President George W Bush:
“Last year, the president included a sweetheart deal for drug corporations in his proposed U.S-Mexico-Canada trade agreement that would have locked in 10 years of patent exclusivity for biologics, tying Congress' hands from lowering this exclusivity. Thankfully, the House negotiated an agreement without this provision and prevented Big Pharma from further jacking up prices.” [2 June, 2020]
154. John Negroponte, former deputy secretary of state and director of national intelligence under George W Bush:
“I think we put those exports to Mexico in a certain amount of jeopardy when we start threatening these kinds of tariffs. I think it’s both bad politically and bad economically and I don’t think it’s really going to help solve the immigration problem, either, which is what Mr Trump said he’s trying to attack.” [31 May, 2019]
155. Margaret Marty, lifelong Republican in Montana:
“I’m voting Democrat for the first time in my life. I’m voting for Joe Biden ... When he picked Kamala I was thrilled ... I’m not ashamed of voting Democrat this year. I think it’s the right thing to do. Sitting around doing nothing got us where we are today.” [July, 2020]
156. General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander:
“The idea that most of the troops love Trump – that’s wrong. They are seeing him for what he is ... It [Trump calling military personnel losers and suckers] hurts the country as a whole because it reduces the credibility of our military leadership when dealing with our foreign policy around the world ... These comments really hurt people in uniform today. Plus they feel like a betrayal to those of us who have worn the uniform and have put our lives on the line for the country.” [9 September, 2020]
And from the archives:
157. Richard Armitage, assistant secretary of defense under Ronald Reagan and deputy secretary of state for George W Bush:
"I only have to please one person and that's the man in the mirror, and I couldn't stand myself if I didn't stand up to this guy [Trump]. He embodies much of what I dislike – bullying, blustering, lying ... Mr Trump has no strong views on foreign affairs, none of the people around him as far as I can ascertain have any known views.” [3 November, 2016]
158. Mark Kirk, Republican senator for Illinois:
“After much consideration, I have concluded that Donald Trump has not demonstrated the temperament necessary to assume the greatest office in the world.” [6 October, 2016]
To be continued ...
Readers’ tips in the comments are invited.
