Criticism of Trump’s leadership
Their goal is to sway Republicans and independents to consider Harris and portray Trump as a threat to democracy.Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and former White House communications director Stephanie Grisham are among those voicing their concerns, citing Trump’s behaviour and actions as reasons for their defection.
Personal experiences from Trump critics
“Let me be clear to my Republican friends at home watching,” said Geoff Duncan from the convention stage on Wednesday. “If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024 you’re not a Democrat, you’re a patriot.”
Duncan described Trump as “a direct threat to democracy.” He aimed his statements at Republicans and independents who are “sick and tired of making excuses” for Trump. He added, “These days our party acts more like a cult, a cult worshipping a felonious thug.”
Stephanie Grisham, who once closely worked with Trump, shared her grievances during her speech on Tuesday, labelling Trump as a liar who lacks empathy, morals, and fidelity to the truth.
“I saw him when the cameras were off. Behind closed doors, Trump mocks his supporters, he calls them basement dwellers,” Grisham said.
Grisham, who also served as chief of staff to Melania Trump, recounted her shift from being a “true believer” to a disillusioned advisor. She highlighted a key moment during the January 6 Capitol riot when she asked Melania Trump to denounce the violence.
“On January 6 I asked Melania if we could at least tweet that while peaceful protest is the right of every American, there’s no place for lawlessness or violence,” Grisham explained. “She replied with one word, ‘No’. Grisham resigned that day, stating, “I love my country more than my party.” She concluded by affirming, “Harris has my vote.”
Growing concerns within the GOP
John Giles, the Mayor of Mesa, Arizona, expressed his discontent with the current state of the Republican Party, comparing it to a cult led by Trump. A lifelong Republican, Giles revered the late Senator John McCain and lamented the transformation of the party.
“My Republican Party has been kidnapped by extremists and devolved into a cult: the cult of Donald Trump,” Giles told the convention.
He urged fellow Republicans to recognize that “John McCain’s Republican Party is gone, and we don’t owe a damn thing to what’s been left behind.”
During the convention, organisers also showcased former Trump voters who explained their shift in allegiance. Florida voter Rich Logis acknowledged his past support for Trump but highlighted the importance of change.
“I made a grave mistake,” Logis admitted in a video. “But it’s never too late to change your mind.”
Olivia Troye, a former counter-terrorism advisor for Vice President Mike Pence, also spoke at the convention.
Adam Kinzinger, another prominent Republican critic of Trump and former congressman, is set to address the audience on the closing night.
Impact of Republican defections
Trump has often labelled these critics as traitors, and there’s uncertainty about their persuasive power. David Urban, a Republican advisor to Trump’s 2016 campaign, downplayed their potential influence but acknowledged that Duncan’s appearance might sway some voters in Georgia.
While the impact of these Republicans speaking against Trump remains to be seen, their presence at the Democratic convention marks the growing concern within GOP circles about Trump’s influence and the direction of the party.