This series lists prominent Republicans, Trump appointees and veterans of previous Republican presidencies — civilian and military — now opposing Trump’s reelection. And shows why.
Click here for part thirty. All earlier episodes are linked there.
Click on the name for the source of the quote.
184. Adam Kinzinger, Air Force veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Republican congressman for Illinois:
“I have visited nations ravaged by civil war. I have never imagined such a quote [Trump’s threat of civil war if he is impeached] to be repeated by a president. This is beyond repugnant.” [24 December, 2019]
185. Christopher Barton, Former Chief Counsel and Republican Counsel House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence:
“President Trump appears to have leveraged the authority and resources of the highest office in the land to invite additional foreign interference into our democratic processes. That would constitute an unconscionable abuse of power.” [27 September, 2019]
186. Richard N. Haass, State Department director of policy planning and special envoy for Northern Ireland under George W Bush:
“Building has simply not been a central aim of this administration’s foreign policy. To the contrary, the president and the frequently changing cast of officials around him have been much more interested in tearing things apart ... The disruption set in motion by the Trump administration was neither warranted nor wise.” [September, 2020]
187. Victor Cha, former director of the National Security Council under George W Bush:
“Like a CEO trying to close a deal, Trump reached across the table to shake Kim’s hands and looked directly and deeply into his eyes. But Kim did not reciprocate in kind ... As his career in real estate has shown, Trump is about the most untrustworthy partner one can imagine.” [3 July, 2019]
188. Kevin Rose, lifelong Republican from Omaha, Nebraska:
“I have watched a man [Donald Trump] that is divisive, that is destructive of our constitutional values, and is clearly only in it for himself. For that reason I cannot vote for him. Because I am afraid for our democracy if he is reelected.” [August, 2020]
189. Rudy Oeftering, lifelong Republican, ex-party chairman in Dallas Texas:
“This is the first time that I have ever seen anyone rise to power who is a heartless bully, a pathological liar and a narcissistic fool. It is so obvious, and what I do not understand is why my fellow Republicans can’t see the obvious.” [August, 2020]
And from the archives:
190. Henry M. Paulson, Treasury secretary under George W. Bush;
"The GOP, in putting Trump at the top of the ticket, is endorsing a brand of populism rooted in ignorance, prejudice, fear and isolationism. This troubles me deeply as a Republican, but it troubles me even more as an American." [24 June, 2016]
191. William Milliken, former Republican governor of Michigan, died October 18, 2019:
“Because I feel so strongly about our nation’s future, I will be joining the growing list of former and present government officials in casting my vote for Hillary Clinton for president in 2016.” [6 October, 2016]
192. Richard Hanna, former Republican congressman for New York, died March 2020:
“I found Trump profoundly offensive and narcissistic but as much as anything, a world-class panderer, anything but a leader. Little more than a changing mirror of those he speaks to. I never expect to agree with whoever is president, but at a minimum the president needs to consistently display those qualities I have preached to my two children: kindness, honesty, dignity, compassion and respect.” [2 August, 2016]
To be continued ...
Readers’ tips in the comments are invited.
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“Alan Austin is a great Australian journalist and, I think, a pirate. I steal Alan Austin’s findings all the time.”
~JordanShanks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtV-2X4BjQI
