Insights

A new advertisement from the Harris campaign features several former high-ranking officials from the Trump administration, including Mike Pence and Mark Esper, criticizing Donald Trump as 'dangerous.' The ad is set to air on the same day as a presidential debate and will be broadcast on various Fox affiliates nationwide. Pence's comments in the ad include his refusal to endorse Trump, while Esper highlights concerns about Trump's handling of classified documents, which he believes jeopardizes national security. The advertisement also includes remarks from John Bolton, who warns that Trump will cause significant damage, and Gen. Mark Milley, who emphasizes the importance of loyalty to the Constitution rather than to any individual leader. The ad aims to leverage the insights of those who have worked closely with Trump to underscore the potential risks of his presidency. Despite Pence's critical remarks, a spokesperson clarified that his decision not to endorse Trump does not imply support for Kamala Harris. This distinction is crucial as Pence has publicly stated he could never vote for Harris or her running mate, Tim Walz. The ad's release is strategically timed to coincide with heightened political discourse surrounding the upcoming election. The Trump campaign responded by denouncing the ad as a distraction from Harris's perceived liberal policies. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and the broader political landscape as the election approaches, with former officials taking a stand against their former leader.