Georgia’s former Republican Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan used the podium at the DNC to talk directly to Republicans, saying the GOP has gone crazy and voting for Kamala Harris makes you a patriot.
Republican at DNC slams his party.
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The unexpected voice of a Republican speaking at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is a stark reminder of the existential crossroads at which the United States finds itself. Georgia’s former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan‘s speech delivers a powerful message that transcends party lines, urging Americans to prioritize the survival of democracy over the allure of tribal loyalty. In this moment of national reckoning, Geoff’s words resonate as a plea for unity and a call to action for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“Greetings from the great state of Georgia,” Duncan begins, immediately addressing the elephant in the room: “So let’s get the hard part out of the way. I am a Republican, but tonight, I stand here as an American.” This opening sets the tone for a speech that challenges the prevailing narratives of both political parties, particularly the GOP. By identifying first as an American rather than a Republican, the speaker underscores the urgency of the moment—a moment where the country’s future is at stake.
Duncan’s journey to the DNC podium began, as he recounted when he realized that Donald Trump was willing to “lie, cheat, and steal to try to overturn the 2020 election.” This realization, shared by many Republicans who have become disillusioned with Trumpism, marks a turning point where party loyalty is no longer an excuse for supporting a leader who poses a direct threat to democracy. Geoff’s condemnation of Trump’s actions as disqualifying him from ever setting foot in the Oval Office again is a powerful rebuke, one that draws a clear line in the sand between those who value democratic principles and those who are willing to sacrifice them for power.
In acknowledging the chaotic and cult-like state of the Republican Party, the speaker does not mince words: “If Republicans are being intellectually honest with ourselves, our party is not civil or conservative; it’s chaotic and crazy, and the only thing left to do is dump Trump.” This statement is a direct indictment of the GOP’s current trajectory, where ideology has been replaced by blind allegiance to a single figure. The speaker’s characterization of the party as a “cult worshiping a felonious thug” is not only a critique of Trump but also a warning about the dangers of allowing any political movement to become subservient to one individual.
Duncan then shifts focus to Kamala Harris, recognizing that while Republicans and Democrats may not agree on every policy, there is a need for a leader who understands “right from wrong, good from evil.” Harris is presented as a steady hand, a leader capable of guiding the nation through turbulent times—a stark contrast to Trump, who is depicted as destabilizing. The speaker’s endorsement of Harris is framed not as a betrayal of Republican values but as an act of patriotism: “If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, you’re not a Democrat; you’re a patriot.” This reframing of the choice in the upcoming election from partisan loyalty to national duty is a powerful rhetorical strategy that appeals to the broader American identity rather than narrow party lines.
The personal anecdote involving the speaker’s son, who reminds his father that “doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing,” is a poignant reminder of the moral clarity needed in these times. The story of being targeted by Trump supporters, with armed officers outside their home, highlights the real-world consequences of standing up to a demagogue. Yet, even in the face of such threats, the speaker remains steadfast, urging fellow Republicans to “Pivot back towards policy, empathy, and tone”—values that the chaos of the Trump era has overshadowed.
This speech is not just a critique of Donald Trump or the current state of the Republican Party; it is a call to all Americans to prioritize the health of the nation’s democracy over party affiliation. The speaker’s message is clear: the choice in 2024 is not between Republicans and Democrats but between the survival of democratic norms and the further descent into authoritarianism. As the nation approaches another critical election, the words of this Republican at the DNC serve as a clarion call for unity, integrity, and, above all, patriotism.