How can Harris win over Republican voters who are skeptical of Trump?

Only 11 days left until election day. Republican voters be careful for another four years Donald Trump He will play a very important role in the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign knows that these voters could very well be decisive in battleground states that will be won by razor-thin margins. In his closing message, Harris not only emphasizes: Dangers of Trump’s second termbut it also shows that conservative, moderate and independent voices are included in his broad coalition.

Creating space for these voters to break free from Trump requires building what is sometimes called a “permission structure” to bring them into the fold. But Harris can’t do this alone. In this latest chapter of the campaign, a group of Republicans, including former members of the Trump administration, are leading the example.

Former Representative Liz Cheney among the most vocal The number of conservative voices asking like-minded voters to put country before party. Cheney isn’t just telling voters why Trump is a threat to the Constitution; shows them what is needed to preserve American democracy. Leaders like him can move the margins of this important bloc of voters.

During a series of town halls In a meeting with Harris this week, Cheney highlighted her Republican background to make the case against Trump. “I know that the most conservative of conservative principles is to remain faithful to the Constitution,” Cheney told a crowd of hundreds of voters in suburban Philadelphia. Cheney also made clear that the vice president is the only candidate in the race who will defend the document’s guiding principles.

This election is a binary choice, and Cheney is reminding voters that the job is dangerous. In vouching for Harris, he provides an outlet for Republican voters to reject Trump’s authoritarian vision of reshaping the presidency and the country. He also warns voters that Trump will undermine America’s position as the leader of the free world. “He idolizes bullies,” Cheney added.

Don’t just take Cheney’s word for it. Hear from John Kelly, Trump’s longest-serving White House chief of staff. Inside New interviews with the New York TimesKelly warned that Trump “is absolutely authoritarian and admires people who are dictators.” … So it definitely falls under the general definition of fascist.” The Trump campaign pushed back, accusing Kelly of creating a “fabricated” story because she suffered from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Launching these insults Kelly is a shame too.

It’s important to understand who Kelly is. HE a retired four-star marine general who served our nation’s military for more than four decades. He also stood by Trump during his tenure as White House chief of staff from July 2017 to January 2019. Kelly knows firsthand the power of America’s leadership on the world stage. And he knows how to make sacrifices, having lost his son, a Marine who died in combat in Afghanistan in 2010. He also knows from firsthand experience that Trump’s true character makes him an unsuitable commander in chief.

Although Kelly is not endorsing a presidential candidate, his public comments could turn Republican and independent voters away from Trump. Kelly makes a difference by simply telling the truth. His words are effective, and his courage opens the door for other conservatives to voice their concerns.

Imagine the impact Republicans like you would have. Mitt Romney Former New Jersey Governor of Utah. Chris Christie even the former president George W. Bush He has made a more public effort to condemn the Republican Party’s erosion of conservative values ​​in Trump’s name. Undecided voters are listening, and the time to speak is approaching.

In Michigan on Monday, Cheney predicted that millions of Republicans would do the right thing and vote for Harris, even if they keep their support secret. Cheney gave these voters permission to vote for Harris, saying: “I want to remind people that if you’re concerned, you can vote your conscience and you don’t have to say a word to anyone.”

Every time we cut Trump’s support among lifelong Republicans, we strengthen the pro-democracy faction within the GOP. In the long run, this move will be needed to realign the Republican Party toward principles and conservative values. But the task at hand is more urgent.

November 5 is another time for elections. With the help of conservative stewards, Harris can win the support needed to confront the MAGA machine. These Trump-sceptical Republicans and independents can help close the door to Trumpism once and for all with their votes.

Watch for more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez, and Symone Sanders-Townsend “Weekend” every Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. ET on MSNBC.