Conservative Judge Endorses Harris Over Trump

Retired federal appeals court Judge J. Michael Luttig, a respected conservative legal scholar appointed by President George H.W. Bush, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. In a statement obtained by CNN, Luttig emphasized that Harris is the only candidate who can genuinely defend American democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. He acknowledged that their policy views differ significantly but stressed that the integrity of democracy is paramount in this election. Luttig did not hold back in his criticism of the Republican Party and former President Donald Trump, whom he accused of waging a "war on America’s Democracy." He warned that the damaging consequences of this conflict would resonate for generations. Luttig called on Americans to make a decisive choice about their commitment to democratic principles, urging them to affirm their belief in the Constitution and the rule of law. This endorsement marks a significant shift for Luttig, as it is his first time supporting a Democrat in an election. Following the events of January 6, 2021, he has expressed support for some Biden administration decisions, indicating a broader concern for the state of democracy in the U.S. Luttig's endorsement aligns with the sentiments of other prominent figures, including former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who is set to speak at the Democratic National Convention. Luttig concluded that endorsing Harris was a moral imperative, stating that remaining silent would have been a mistake he could not justify.