The case for Kamala

A Republican perspective

Happy Halloween, y’all!

Halloween is one of my all-time favorite holidays. But this year, instead of handing out treats to the kiddos, I’ll be on the road, campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris.

It’s no great secret that I am firmly against Donald Trump. As a reader of this newsletter, you know that better than most. Over the past 10 issues, I’ve tried my best to lay out the case for why another Trump term would be a catastrophe for the nation, based on my experiences working in the White House during his administration.

Since that time, things have only gotten worse—the classified documents case, his felony convictions in New York, other pending state and federal charges, a civil case that effectively judged him to be a rapist, Project 2025, increasingly dark rhetoric and threats, and his Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, to name just a few.

We’ve covered a lot of ground. But what we haven’t talked a lot about is the affirmative case for Kamala Harris for Republicans, conservatives, and right-leaning independents—people like me. The election is just five days away. So without further ado, here’s my closing argument…

Democracy Protection

First and foremost, I trust Kamala Harris to respect, protect, and defend our Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic processes and norms that have supported our constitutional framework for nearly 250 years. Frankly, this shouldn’t even be a partisan issue, and for Republicans pre-Trump, it was not. For Republicans who still prioritize the integrity of democratic institutions, a vote for Harris is a vote to safeguard our electoral system against partisan manipulation and prevent any further erosion of democracy under Trump.

Harris also understands that all Americans have the right to participate in our democracy. Her support for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act underscores her commitment to ensuring that every citizen can exercise their right to vote without obstruction. As she said in her brilliant speech on the Ellipse on Tuesday night, she intends to be a president for all Americans. She routinely worked across the aisle as a U.S. Senator, and she has welcomed the perspectives of me and my fellow Republicans on her campaign. She has promised that it will continue under a Harris administration. I believe her.

Foreign Policy

Harris’s foreign policy is much closer to Ronald Reagan’s than Donald Trump’s. Her approach emphasizes diplomacy, multilateralism, and a commitment to our alliances, particularly NATO. This is vital at a time such as this when the world faces ever-growing threats from countries like Russia, which is eager to exploit the freedom Trump’s isolationist policies would afford. She also understands that foreign aid isn’t charity but helps promote American interests and enhances our collective security.

The experience Harris gained as a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Intelligence committees has shaped her understanding of other global issues as well, like climate change and cybersecurity. She’ll represent us in a strong, stable, and dignified way on the world stage, prioritizing international cooperation and respect for expertise. Every traditional Republican who was appalled by the chaos of the Trump clown show should feel reassured by that. I know I do.

Economy

If, like me, you’re a Republican who values economic growth and innovation, Harris’ economic plan has a lot to offer. Harris is pro-small business and intends to make it easier for Americans to start a business of their own. Her focus on job creation through infrastructure investments and green technologies is also appealing. As any Republican who didn’t get caught up in climate-change-is-a-hoax madness knows, hardening our infrastructure against the effects of climate change also offers significant economic opportunity.

And how about tax cuts? Harris’ support for a tax cut for middle-class families and tax credits for new homebuyers and new parents resonates with me, especially when everyday Americans are still struggling with wages that haven’t kept pace with prices. Her plans to enhance workforce development and vocational education also align with Republican values like self-sufficiency and hard work, with or without a college degree.

National Security

Harris’ comprehensive approach to national security includes not only maintaining a strong, technologically adept military, which is critically important, but also addressing the root causes of conflict. She is literally speaking my love language. As a national security official who has been all over the world and witnessed sites of entrenched, ongoing conflict, I can tell you this mindset is crucial to understanding threats to the homeland and strategizing around them in an informed way.

Her advocacy for cybersecurity measures is especially relevant as well, as digital threats are becoming more advanced and pervasive. For Republicans focused on protecting the nation from external threats of all kinds, Harris’ emphasis on balancing strength with strategy represents a pragmatic—and, again, Reaganesque—path forward. And she doesn’t think our service men and women are “suckers and losers.” So there’s that too.

Immigration

Root causes are also essential to any discussion around immigration, and that’s something Harris has emphasized over her last four years as vice president. Her calls for addressing the root causes of migration—such as violence and poverty in Central America—align with a broader strategy of stabilizing the region, which would help reduce future immigration pressures.

Harris also supports the bipartisan border bill Trump killed. This legislation would balance increased border security with humane treatment of immigrants. Her support for pathways to citizenship for undocumented individuals who contribute positively to society—once more, in the Reagan mold—appeals to Republicans who recognize the importance of migrant labor to the economy. Immigration is a complex issue, and the need for a multifaceted solution remains. Harris gets that.

Crime

Harris’ background as a former prosecutor and California attorney general gives her a unique perspective on crime and justice issues. She advocates for smart-on-crime policies that focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and community investment rather than purely punitive measures. For Republicans concerned about public safety, her emphasis on ensuring that law enforcement has the tools to do its job effectively, while addressing factors like poverty and lack of opportunity that can contribute to criminal behavior, represents a balanced approach to crime. And she’s not a criminal herself. That’s an added bonus.

Environment and Public Lands

Harris is committed to environmental protection through clean energy initiatives, which should resonate with Republicans like George W. Bush, who understood their importance not only to the environment but to national security and the economy. She also will preserve our public lands from development, as Trump has threatened. That should win over Republicans in the mold of Theodore Roosevelt, who was a champion of conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources. It is too often forgotten today, but environmental protection is part of the legacy of the Republican Party.

Education

Harris' education policies are mainstream Democratic: increased funding for public schools, support for early childhood education, and equitable access to education for underserved communities. However, she also promotes initiatives that address skills gaps in the economy and enhance job readiness. This should resonate with Republicans like George H.W. Bush, who understood the importance of education to individual success and a prosperous society.

Healthcare

Harris presents a compelling case for Republican voters on healthcare because, unlike many other Democrats, she believes incremental change, not a sweeping overhaul like Medicare-For-All, is the best path to improving U.S. healthcare. She respects the role of private insurance and aims to lower prescription drug prices—a concern for people on both sides of the aisle. Her focus on preventative care and mental health services can appeal to Republicans interested in reducing long-term costs and improving public health outcomes. And like the late, great Sen. John McCain, she doesn’t want to throw millions of Americans into healthcare uncertainty by repealing the ACA.

Civil and Reproductive Rights

Harris’ positions on reproductive rights may make socially conservative Republicans balk but should please libertarian-leaning conservatives. Her belief in personal autonomy and freedom of choice aligns with the supremacy of individual rights over governmental control, a cornerstone of libertarian politics. More broadly, her commitment to equality and justice is an extension of core American ideals and should appeal to more mainstream Republicans who value individual liberties and the protection of civil rights. As a gun owner, I also like that she and her running mate Tim Walz are fellow gun owners. They will defend the 2nd Amendment while advocating for smart, reasonable laws to protect our communities from gun violence.

This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but I hope you’ll share it with Republicans who are still on the fence but don’t know enough about Vice President Harris and her policies to feel comfortable voting for her.

You can also tell them that I’ve spent a significant amount of time with her & campaign officials over the past three months and can confidently vouch for her personal character, which, to me, is the single most important factor in this election.

Kamala Harris is honest, articulate, warm, humble, compassionate, and respectful, which is so refreshing after nine long, ugly, tumultuous years of The Trump Show. Her pragmatic, professional approach to complex issues would provide the stability we need at home and on the global stage. And her steadfast commitment to democratic principles would ensure that the constitutional republic we love will withstand the threats it has endured in this era of grave political polarization. She embodies a youthful and inclusive vision of governance that not only offers new, effective solutions to our challenges but also points the way toward a more united United States of America.

For any American, regardless of party, who values competence, integrity, and unifying leadership in their public servants, Kamala Harris is the only choice for President.

Vote wisely, my friends.

All the best, 

Olivia