Former Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan has announced that he will be voting for President Joe Biden in the upcoming election, citing concerns about former President Donald Trump’s conduct and character. In an op-ed published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Duncan expressed his belief that Trump has disqualified himself through his actions and lack of moral compass. He emphasized the importance of voting for a decent person with whom one may disagree on policy over a candidate with questionable character.
Duncan acknowledged that while he may not align with all of Biden’s progressive policies and has concerns about his age, he ultimately concluded that a second term for Trump would be detrimental to the future of the Republican Party. He argued that the GOP needs to move on from the Trump era in order to rebuild and evolve. Duncan urged other Republicans to consider voting for Biden in order to prevent another term for Trump, whom he sees as unfit for office due to his behavior and actions.
In his op-ed, Duncan criticized his fellow party members, such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, for aligning themselves with Trump. He also called out former Attorney General Bill Barr, who has expressed support for Trump despite previously criticizing his actions. Duncan highlighted Barr’s statement that there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, which led to tensions between Barr and Trump.
Duncan’s decision to support Biden stems from his experiences during the 2020 election in Georgia, where he and other GOP officials faced pressure from Trump to overturn the results. Duncan, along with Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, pushed back against Trump’s claims of fraud and stood firm in their commitment to upholding the election results. Duncan testified before a grand jury on Trump’s attempts to overturn the election and has been vocal about the threats that elected officials in Georgia have faced as a result.
In response to the challenges posed by Trump’s actions, Duncan announced in 2021 that he would not seek reelection in 2022. Instead, he plans to focus on reforming the GOP and moving the party forward from the Trump era. His decision to publicly support Biden reflects a growing trend among some Republicans who are disillusioned with Trump and seeking a new direction for the party. Duncan’s stance underscores the divisions within the GOP and the ongoing debate over the future direction of the party in the post-Trump era.
Overall, Duncan’s endorsement of Biden and his criticism of Trump and his supporters highlight the rift within the Republican Party and the challenges facing conservatives who are seeking to distance themselves from the former president. His decision to prioritize character and conduct over policy differences reflects a broader shift within the GOP as some members reassess their priorities and values in the wake of Trump’s presidency. It remains to be seen how Duncan’s stance will influence other Republicans and shape the future of the party in the years to come.
