Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign is unveiling a new initiative called 'Republicans for Harris' aimed at attracting Republican voters disillusioned by Donald Trump's candidacy. The program, described as a 'campaign within a campaign,' will enlist prominent Republicans to engage their networks, focusing on primary voters who previously supported former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
The campaign will kick off with events in Arizona, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with Republican supporters of Harris scheduled to appear at rallies alongside the vice president and her upcoming running mate.
The strategy seeks to provide a 'permission structure' for GOP voters who may struggle to support Harris, relying on direct outreach from Republicans to sway fellow party members. The campaign's goal is to appeal to Republicans who prioritize country over party loyalty and seek a leader who will safeguard American freedoms.
The effort includes endorsements from notable Republicans such as former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket following President Biden's debate performance against Trump. Kinzinger, known for his role in investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, emphasized Harris' commitment to defending democracy and preventing Trump's return to the White House.
Other prominent Republicans endorsing Harris include former Govs. Bill Weld and Christine Todd Whitman, former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, and former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham. These individuals, along with 16 former Republican members of Congress, have been vocal critics of Trump and are now throwing their support behind Harris.
The campaign's outreach aims to resonate with Republicans who view Trump's extremism as incompatible with their values and who seek a president prioritizing the interests of the American people. By leveraging the support of influential Republicans, the 'Republicans for Harris' initiative seeks to broaden Harris' appeal across party lines as the election approaches.