Vermont Gov. Scott Joins Republicans Who Won’t Vote Trump—But Not Ready To Endorse Biden, Either

TOPLINE

Phil Scott, the Republican governor of Vermont, announced Friday he won’t be voting for President Trump come November, but, like a number of GOP officials distancing themselves from the current administration, is hesitant to pledge allegiance to team Biden. 

KEY FACTS

Crucial Quote

Though Bolton said he respects the choice of Republicans casting their votes for Biden, deeming it a “sensible strategy,” the former Trump staffer said he also understands why Republicans wouldn’t flock to Biden, explaining “they’re afraid of what the left wing of the party would do in a Biden administration, as am I.” 

Key Background

Trump has used fear of progressive influence among some more moderate voters as a key line of attack against the Democrats, calling Biden a “Trojan horse for socialism” and labeling running mate Sen. Kamala Harris as “more liberal than Bernie Sanders,” a democratic socialist. The Biden campaign worked hard to mitigate an overly left-leaning image of the Democratic party during this week’s national convention, featuring a number of Republican speakers, like former Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who have offered their endorsements of Biden. However, progressive policies, influenced by a changing Democratic party, underlined both Biden’s and Harriss’s nomination acceptance speeches, a potential deterrent for some pondering Republican party dissenters. 

Quick Tangent

A handful of other top Republicans are weighing divestment from the Trump administration in 2020, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the senate’s second top-ranking Republican woman, who has said she’s “struggling” with the decision.

Further Reading 

“All The Republicans Who Have Endorsed Joe Biden For President” (Forbes) 

“Over 70 Republican National Security Officials Endorse Biden, Deem Trump ‘Dangerously Unfit’ For President” (Forbes)