Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of guest commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here.
•••
On a picturesque October day, I stood on a stage in Pennsylvania with Republicans from across the country to support a true patriot’s presidential run. We listened as Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the importance of putting the country before the party and coming together as Americans.
The location of Harris’ historic speech — Washington Crossing Historic Park — could not have been more perfect. At that site on Christmas night in 1776, George Washington crossed the icy Delaware River with over 2,000 troops as they traveled to Trenton, New Jersey, and later victory at the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War.
My journey as a Republican from Minnesota to being on that stage in Pennsylvania to support a Democrat for president began earlier this year.
As a lifelong Republican, I endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz (”My time for choosing: I’m a Republican and I’m endorsing Harris and Walz,” Aug. 12) for president and vice president. As Harris mentioned in her speech that day, after winning the Revolutionary War and achieving independence, the drafting and signing of the Constitution of the United States took place in nearby Philadelphia.
My deep conviction that the constitutional principles drafted in Pennsylvania, the rule of law and democracy were at stake in this election drove my decision to endorse Harris and Walz.
Reflecting on the election results and Donald Trump’s return to the White House, I still proudly stand by my choice with no regrets. In fact, with the benefit of hindsight, I would support Harris and Walz again.