Geoff Duncan, familiar with “The Beast” from the inside, rode in the president’s limousine whenever Donald Trump visited Atlanta before the 2020 election. When Trump alleged election fraud in Georgia, Duncan, then the lieutenant-governor, refuted the claims. Following this, he received death threats from Trump supporters. Disillusioned by Trump’s impact on Georgia’s conservative agenda and legislative sessions, Duncan decided against re-election.
In August, Duncan joined other Republican politicians opposing Trump by endorsing Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention, describing the experience as akin to switching from the Yankees to the Red Sox. Notably, Liz Cheney and her father, Dick Cheney, also declared their support for Harris.
The anti-Trump conservative movement, significant in aiding Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, appears less influential now. Previously, high-profile Republicans and groups like the Lincoln Project, funded by Democratic donors, campaigned against Trump. Today, the movement faces challenges, particularly as Trump retaliates against Republicans who impeached him. In 2022, a Trump-endorsed candidate defeated Cheney in a primary by a wide margin. Mitt Romney’s decision not to seek re-election further weakened the movement’s Senate presence.
“Let me be clear to my Republican friends at home watching: If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, you’re not a Democrat; you’re a patriot.”
— GOP former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan pic.twitter.com/9xNAlgicSD
— The Recount (@therecount) August 22, 2024
For 2024, the focus is on whether these leaders can influence battleground states. Republican Voters Against Trump plans to spend $40 million on advertisements featuring testimonials from former Trump supporters, a significant increase from 2020. The Lincoln Project aims to sway “Red Dawn conservatives” and “Dobbs dads,” hoping individuals like Duncan will encourage voters to either leave the top of the ticket blank or vote for Harris.
The movement is divided on endorsing Harris. Stephen Hayes, co-founder of the Dispatch, argues against partisan endorsements, advocating instead for warning Americans about Trump. Pat Toomey, a former senator and critic of Trump, shares this view, choosing not to support either candidate due to his disapproval of Harris’s economic policies.
Sarah Longwell, leader of Republican Voters Against Trump, criticises this stance as cowardly, believing that if Trump is deemed a threat to democracy, efforts should be made to support Harris. Some intellectuals within the movement are sceptical about their influence, noting that the percentage of Republicans supporting Trump has increased since 2016.
Several reasons explain this trend. Many Republican internationalists and traditionalists likely shifted sides already. Those remaining in the party may be less swayed by its old guard. Additionally, persuadable voters often pay the least attention.
Reflecting by his pool in Forsyth County, Duncan considers his post-election future. He hopes Georgia Republicans will acknowledge their mistake if Trump loses. He even contemplates a potential switch to the Democratic Party. Duncan plans to campaign with Harris in October, despite the risks. Recently, a sheriff warned him about a sniper on his rooftop, advising him to stay away from home one evening.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Conversation explores why prominent Republicans like JD Vance and Nikki Haley now support Trump, citing fear of reputation damage and a desire to push a hardline, right-wing agenda.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on the ‘Never Trump’ Republicans, who denounce Trump but refuse to endorse Biden, highlighting their moral dilemma and potential risks to democracy.(read more)
- The Economist explores the dwindling influence of the never-Trump movement, questioning whether its leaders can sway voters in battleground states despite internal divisions and Trump’s backlash.
Key points include:
– The movement’s influence appears muted due to Trump’s vengeance campaign against Republicans.
– Leaders like Geoff Duncan face challenges in rallying followers, with some opposing explicit endorsements of Kamala Harris.
– The movement is divided over whether to support Harris, with some intellectuals pessimistic about changing minds.
– Republican Voters Against Trump plans to spend $40 million on anti-Trump ads, targeting specific voter blocs.Overall, the article highlights the internal conflicts and dwindling impact of the never-Trump movement in the 2024 election.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Geoff Duncan?
Geoff Duncan is Georgia’s former lieutenant governor who opposed Trump’s election fraud claims.
What did Geoff Duncan do ahead of the 2020 election?
He rode in the presidential limousine when Trump visited Atlanta and later rebutted Trump’s election fraud claims.
Why did Geoff Duncan not run for re-election?
He chose not to run after witnessing Trump hijack the conservative agenda in Georgia.
What is the never-Trump movement?
It’s a group of anti-Trump conservatives who oppose his influence within the Republican Party.
What challenges is the never-Trump movement facing?
The movement has lost influence and is divided over endorsing Kamala Harris.
