Why I Agreed to Address the DNC

Strength and Unity is what will save us now

As a lifelong Republican, my decision to address the Democratic National Convention (DNC) may seem unexpected to some. We live in extraordinary times, and my commitment to our nation and its foundational principles transcends partisan loyalty. I want to explain why I feel compelled to speak at the DNC, and why I believe this moment calls for unity across the political spectrum.

First and foremost, I took oaths to protect our constitution and democracy. That didn’t end when I left Congress, at least not in my mind. I have spent my career defending the values and institutions that make America strong. But in recent years, I have seen those values eroded, not by external enemies, but from within. The rise of authoritarian tendencies in our politics and in my party particularly have been alarming, and as a father and an American, I cannot watch this happen silently.

The attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a wake-up call. It was a direct assault on the peaceful transfer of power, a principle that is the bedrock of our republic. In the aftermath, many in my party chose to downplay or even defend the actions of those who sought to overturn a free and fair election. I could not, in good conscience, remain silent. After all, I like being able to look in the mirror, and I look forward to telling my son what it means to stand against the pressure of the masses.

My decision to speak is rooted in the belief that, at this moment, our country needs leaders who are willing to put country over party. This is not about abandoning my conservative principles; it is about upholding the rule of law, the integrity of our elections, and the truth. I join the ranks of fine people, people like Judge Michael Luttig, a bedrock conservative who recently remarked that the only thing he cares about this election, is the integrity of our democracy.

The Republican Party I once knew was one that championed limited government, fiscal responsibility, and a strong national defense. But today, it has been hijacked by those who prioritize loyalty to a single individual over loyalty to the Constitution. This is not the party I joined, and it is not a party I can support in its current form.

By addressing the DNC, I am reaching out to Americans across the political spectrum who share my concerns. We may not agree on every issue, but we must agree on the fundamental principles that underlie our nation. This is a time for coalition-building, not division.

I am under no illusion that my appearance at the DNC will be embraced by everyone. There will be those who accuse me of betrayal, who see this as a repudiation of conservatism. But I see it as a defense of conservatism, of the true conservative values that prioritize the common good over personal power. And judging by the outrage on twitter, I’d say its having an effect.

Our nation is facing a crisis of confidence. Confidence in our institutions, in our leaders, and in our future. It is only by coming together—Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike—that we can restore that confidence and move forward.

My message to the DNC, and to all Americans, is simple: We are stronger together. Our differences can make us stronger, not weaker, if we approach them with respect and a shared commitment to the common good. The challenges we face are too great to be solved by one party alone. It will take all of us working together to preserve and strengthen our democracy.

My hope is that my appearance at the DNC will serve as a reminder that our allegiance must be to the Constitution and to the American people, not to a party or an individual. This is a time for choosing, and I choose to stand on the side of democracy, decency, and the rule of law.

Together, we can chart a path forward that honors our past and secures our future, divided, I fear that future.