Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed Kamala Harris
Photo: Reuters
Former California Governor and longtime Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger has endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her vice-presidential pick Tim Walz in the upcoming 2024 U.S. election, citing concerns over former President Donald Trump’s influence.
Schwarzenegger announced his support for Harris in a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that he prioritizes his identity as an American over party loyalty. “I will always be an American before I am a Republican,” Schwarzenegger, 77, explained, adding that “a candidate who won’t respect your vote unless it is for him…won’t solve our problems.”
I don’t really do endorsements. I’m not shy about sharing my views, but I hate politics and don’t trust most politicians.
I also understand that people want to hear from me because I am not just a celebrity, I am a former Republican Governor.
My time as Governor taught me to…— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) October 30, 2024
The former governor further expressed discontent with U.S. politicians’ failure to address critical issues, such as national debt and immigration, which he believes are sidelined for campaign “talking points.” He criticized past administrations, highlighting the importance of public service over “just a game to them.”
Known for his strong opposition to Trump, Schwarzenegger revisited his earlier condemnation of the January 6 Capitol riots, likening them to historical tragedies, calling Trump “a failed leader” and asserting that rejecting election results is “as un-American as it gets.” Addressing Trump’s influence, he stated, “If re-elected, it will just be four more years of bullshit…more divided, and more hateful.”
Although not fully aligned with the Harris-Walz platform, Schwarzenegger views them as a necessary alternative to Trump’s divisive approach, concluding, “We need to close the door on this chapter of American history.”