Joe Biden touts support from Republicans, including some Nebraskans
WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is promoting his support from Republicans, both nationally and locally.
A trio of Nebraska Republicans plan to launch a new pro-Biden effort Tuesday: State Sen. John McCollister, former State Sen. Al Davis and former Douglas County Board member George Mills.
The three said in a press release that Biden will serve with dignity and is the right man for the moment.
“While we won’t agree with Joe on every issue, we know he will be a steady, effective leader to lead this nation in a moment of crisis,” they said. “We urge our fellow Nebraska Republicans to support Joe Biden for president.”
That new effort is part of a broader national push to convince everyday Republicans dissatisfied with President Donald Trump that it’s OK to vote for the other side. Last week’s Democratic convention made a point to highlight Republicans backing Biden, including former Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska.
Other Republicans criticized those endorsing Biden as having lost their way and questioned why they don’t simply join the Democratic Party.
The Biden campaign on Monday announced endorsements from a list of former GOP members of Congress, including former U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake.
The Arizona Republican decried a culture of name-calling, tribalism and “tinfoil-hat conspiracy theories” that he says has gripped his party.
In a speech broadcast on his social media channels shortly after Republicans formally nominated Trump for a second term, Flake tried to make a case to conservatives that backing Biden is necessary to preserve Democratic institutions.
“Character matters. Decency matters. Civility never goes out of style,” he said. “And we should expect our president to exhibit these virtues.”
Trump loyalists criticized Flake’s endorsement of Biden, calling the former vice president a “far-left Democrat” who wants to enact a liberal agenda.
“Jeff Flake has abandoned any set of principles he once professed to have in order to embrace Joe Biden,” Republican National Committee spokesman Steve Guest said in a statement.
This report contains material from the Associated Press.Photos: Our best staff photos of August 2020
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