Norm Ornstein, political scientist, contributing editor for the Atlantic, and congressional expert, believes the time has come for former presidents, vice presidents, and cabinet members to warn about Donald Trump’s perceived danger to the nation.
In a tweet earlier this week, Ornstein stated, “It is time for Bush, Clinton, Obama, every living vice president, secretary of state and secretary of defense to stand up together say, loudly, that Trump is a clear and present danger to America’s national security and fundamental values.”
Norm, it’s clear that addressing these issues should have been a priority during Trump’s first term. However, the urgency for political leaders to hold Trump accountable for his actions has never been more critical than it is right now.
Forner presidents like to stay above the fray and usually avoid speaking out against the policies of sitting presidents and other active public officials, but it’s time to throw etiquette out the window.
It would be wonderful if former political leaders, Republican and Democrat, banded together to create a groundswell of public support against Trump’s authoritarian ambitions. Hardcore MAGA fans wouldn’t budge but enough of Trump’s soft supporters might.
It’ll take a team effort to derail Trump’s ambitions, including pushback from Congress, the courts, the media, and the American people. Respected, high-ranking former politicians should play a role in galvanizing the great majority.
Who are these leaders?
I can name a few…
Presidents Bush, Obama, Clinton, and Biden.
Vice presidents Cheney and Gore.
Forner Cabinet Members Robert Reich (he’s already doing a great job), Donna Shalala, William Cohen, Condi Rice, Mark Esper, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, and Eric Holder. And yes, Bill Barr and Jeff Sessions.
Let’s also include former Speakers of the House Paul Ryan, John Boehner, and Kevin McCarthy.