By Armando Hernandez
Sep 29, 2024, 10:43 PM EDT
Just over 30 days before the election, former Republican Senator Jeff Flake endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for her conservative values, As he said, he also sent an indirect message to Trump.
“I am conservative. I believe in the rule of law,” Flake said, “First and foremost, I want to support a presidential candidate who respects the rule of law, someone who, if he loses an election, will not try to use presidential powers to overturn that election.”
The former Republican senator from Arizona praised the vice president’s knowledge of foreign policy and his proposal for tougher border restrictions on ABC News’ “This Week.”
I’ll be supporting Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President.
I’ve served with Kamala in the US Senate. I’ve also served with Tim in the House of Representatives.
I know them. I know first hand of their fine character and love of country.
I would… pic.twitter.com/xn0OM4rcqk
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 29, 2024
Flake said he made his statement of support now as he could not participate in political activities in his role as ambassador to Türkiye, a position he resigned on September 1.
In his statement of support, Flake wrote that he believes Harris will unite the country and “respect the will of the voters.”
The former congressman and senator is among other prominent Republicans who have endorsed Harris, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.
Flake is one of the few Republicans to have served in President Joe Biden’s administration, along with Cindy McCain, the widow of former Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Since leaving the Senate in 2019, Flake has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and urged Republicans to “move away from Trumpism.”
Flake also endorsed Biden in 2020 on the first day of the Republican National Convention along with dozens of former GOP members of Congress.
He said Harris “should cut off all voters,” particularly moderate and conservative Republicans.
When asked about his interactions with Harris during his time as ambassador, Flake said she is ready to serve as commander in chief.
“We have to support and work with our allies,” Flake said. “And she understands it.”
He pointed to Harris’ speech at the Munich Security Conference and each candidate’s focus on foreign policy during the presidential debate.
“It was really hard to watch the debate the other day and hear that the former president couldn’t even cheer up Ukraine,” Flake said. “It’s an important issue for me.”
Flake made his statement of support just 37 days before the election, and it comes at a time when the vice president could benefit from a boost in Arizona. Polls show Harris and Trump are in a tight battle for the White House, with Trump slightly ahead and leading on the issues voters say matter most to them.
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