WASHINGTON — In a striking political pivot, Alberto R. Gonzales, former U.S. Attorney General under President George W. Bush, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. Gonzales, once a key figure in the Bush administration, critiqued former President Donald Trump’s undermining of legal norms, specifically referencing his actions surrounding the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
Gonzales, whose career has navigated through several top legal roles and controversies, declared his support in an op-ed, emphasizing the peril he perceives in Trump’s potential return to power. “As we near a pivotal election, it is imperative to oppose threats to the rule of law,” he wrote, positioning Harris as his choice despite his Republican affiliations.
His tenure in public service featured significant posts, including serving as Texas Secretary of State and as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court before joining the White House. Appointed U.S. Attorney General in 2005, Gonzales became the first Hispanic to hold the post, shaping national legal policies during his time.
However, his period as Attorney General was not without criticism. He faced intense scrutiny over the legal justifications he supported, such as those for enhanced interrogation tactics, which he argued were necessary in the context of the War on Terror. This stance led to debates over the application of the Geneva Convention protections, which he controversially described as “quaint” and “obsolete.”
Gonzales was also embroiled in a scandal concerning the dismissal of U.S. Attorneys, a move seen by many as politically motivated. Moreover, his involvement in and defense of the Bush administration’s warrantless wiretapping of U.S. citizens added to his contentious record. His credibility was further questioned during a 2007 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, where the veracity of his testimony was doubted, even leading to concerns about potential perjury.
Despite these challenges, after resigning in 2007 amidst growing controversy, Gonzales found a new path in academia. He took on the role of teaching, focusing on constitutional law, national security, and separation of powers at Belmont University College of Law in Nashville, Tennessee, where he serves as Dean.
His endorsement of Harris marks a significant realignment in his political stance, driven by his disapproval of Trump’s legal troubles and rhetoric, which he believes indicates a potential for abuse of power dangerous for America.
Born to Mexican migrant workers in San Antonio, Texas, Gonzales’s life and career have been marked by groundbreaking achievements and notable recognitions, including being named Hispanic American of the Year and being listed as one of The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America.
As the 2024 election draws nearer, Gonzales’s endorsement of Harris is poised to be a focal point of political discourse, potentially influencing the perspectives of voters across the ideological spectrum. His shift from a Bush-era conservative to a supporter of a Democratic candidate underscores the evolving dynamics of American political affiliations and the ongoing debate about the rule of law in contemporary U.S. politics.