John S. Gardner -- Bush 41/43 Alum
Why he supports Harris-Walz in 2024
In May 1980, five days after my 18th birthday, I cast my first vote, for George Bush. He attracted me to politics with his innate sense of decency and common-sense approach to solving problems as well as his belief in a strong defense at a time of global perils.
At that time, no one doubted President Carter’s commitment to democracy and a peaceful transition of power; the choice then was about policy and styles of governance, not the fundamentals of our Constitution. But we face a far worse situation today. Now, in 2024, the choice to support Vice President Harris, joining so many former officials in doing so, is easy.
My faith very much informs my choice as well. As an Evangelical Christian, I follow Jesus who said he is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” A commitment to truth lies at the heart of Christian responsibility. I cannot support a candidate who does not respect the truth, either in his rhetoric or in the conduct of government.
Our second President, John Adams, wrote that “Because power corrupts, society’s demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.” In this election, Vice President Harris alone has that strength of character and moral authority to serve well as President.
But while Vice President Harris is the clear choice from the perspective of character and leadership, there are strong reasons of public policy to support her as well. Think about the stakes in this election: in normal politics, tax rates go up and down, regulations are adopted and withdrawn, there is a natural push and pull between the parties. But our democracy, our national unity, our decades-long commitment to global freedom and to our Allies -- those things, if lost, cannot easily be replaced, if at all. This, too, impels my choice, as Vice President Harris is committed to supporting US global leadership rather than isolation from the world and to promoting national unity rather than sparking continued division. For Republicans, her views on the economy -- supporting the independence of the Federal Reserve, promoting investments for national competitiveness, continuing the American tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees while also securing our border, and taking steps to ensure that all Americans have stronger opportunities to succeed -- are a strong foundation for economic policy.
In 2026, we will celebrate 250 years of American independence. Who best represents the American spirit to preside over that celebration? In 2028, we will welcome the world to Los Angeles for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Who should open those events? In short, which candidate for President best fits both the office and the times?
The choice is clear, and I am proud to support Vice President Harris and Governor Walz.
John S. Gardner served as Special Assistant to President George H.W. Bush, Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush, General Counsel of USAID, and Governor of the US Postal Service.