George W Bush's ex-AG Alberto Gonzales endorses Harris, labels Trump 'serious threat' to rule of law

WASHINGTON, DC: Former attorney general Alberto Gonzales, who served under George W Bush, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

He wrote about the "serious threat" Donald Trump poses to the rule of law in an op-ed in Politico.

Alberto Gonzales cites Donald Trump's disregard for the law

Alberto Gonzales, who also held the position of White House counsel, expressed his concerns over Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House.

"As the United States approaches a critical election, I can't sit quietly as Donald Trump — perhaps the most serious threat to the rule of law in a generation — eyes a return to the White House," the former AG wrote in the op-ed.

Despite being a Republican, Gonzales declared, "I've decided to support Kamala Harris for president" because of this.

His support for Harris comes after Trump's convictions and legal troubles, which Gonzales claims show a pattern of behavior that he will not stay within the boundaries of the law.

He said that it indicates, "Trump is someone who fails to act, time and time again, in accordance with the rule of law."

Gonzales resigned as attorney general in 2007 amid accusations of lying to Congress and the scandal over firing nine US attorneys, as noted by CBC News.

Alberto Gonzales on the importance of the 'character' of an elected president

Alberto Gonzales suggested the "character" of the elected president remains "important," due to court immunity ruling and Congress's inability or unwillingness to check "abuses of executive powers."

"There is little evidence that he has the integrity and character to responsibly wield the power of the presidency within the limits of the law,” he wrote referring to Trump.

He said while the Supreme Court can check presidential power, the high court's recent ruling in the presidential immunity case "might allow a president to take official actions for personal, self-serving reasons."

"Power is intoxicating and based on Trump's rhetoric and conduct it appears unlikely that he would respect the power of the presidency in all instances," Gonzales said, adding, "rather he will abuse it for personal and political gains."

Gonzales also cited the January 6 Capitol attack as a prime example of Trump's failure to fulfil his responsibilities as president by writing that the ex-president "failed to do his duty."

"He just watched on television and chose not to do anything because that would have been contrary to his interests. Trump still describes that day as beautiful,” he wrote.

Alberto Gonzales says Americans must trust Kamala Harris

Alberto Gonzales acknowledged that Americans do not know exactly how Kamala Harris would govern, but he noted that her past as a prosecutor and California attorney general reflects her "clear commitment to pursuing justice."

He said that Americans must place their "faith in her character and judgment."

This comes amid several prominent Republicans, including former vice president Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Representative Liz Cheney endorsed Harris.

Internet questions Alberto Gonzales's past amid his Kamala Harris endorsement 

Social media users' reactions followed quickly after Alberto Gonzales' endorsement. The majority of the users questioned his past in George W Bush's administration. 

Bill Kristol, director of the political group, Defending Democracy Together, wrote on X, "Nice to see former AG Alberto Gonzales endorsing Kamala Harris this morning. I urge here similar action by others—George W Bush, Paul Ryan, Condoleezza Rice, John Kelly, and more."

"It's not that hard. Just be as responsible a citizen as Taylor Swift," Kristol added.

However, others expressed skepticism, with one person questioning, "Bush possibly had one of the most corrupt administrations in US history… … 9/11, Iraq invasion, the patriot act, all occurred under him. Why would anyone think endorsements from the Bush admin is a good thing?"

"Ahh we are finally getting rid of the war mongering Bush era folks. This makes me extremely happy!" wrote one Republicans supporter. "A generation ago Gonzales was part of the most serious threat to the rule of law. But here we are." another chimed in. 

One person noted, "Doing what is right should not be so difficult. When the alternative is Trump, the choice is pretty easy."

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