Former Democratic Congressman Peter Deutsch has publicly endorsed Donald Trump as president.
Deutsch, citing his growing concern about the Biden Administration’s failures in foreign policy, emphasized that global safety is his top priority for the upcoming elections. During a phone call hosted by Trump’s team, Deutsch cited Biden and Harris as reasons for his support, citing their handling of international conflicts, especially the Hamas/Israel war and Iran.
He explained, “In the end, what I consider to be the most important aspect of being president is world peace.”
He said that the Harris-Biden Administration and Kamala Harris, in what they’ve done and continue to do, make the world a significantly less safe place.
Deutsch’s support for Trump reflects a growing dissatisfaction over Biden’s leadership. This is especially true in foreign policy where many see Trump as a stronger and more decisive candidate. This endorsement is also a surprise to those who have followed Florida politics for a long time, such as reporter Marc Caputo.
I was floored when I saw Deutsch backing Trump. He was the definition of partisan South Florida Dem — his successor was Debbie Wasserman Schultz!
But many FL Jewish Ds have been outraged by the anti-Israel protests on the left & so this isn’t too surprising for a former member https://t.co/58t5vyNScF
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) October 7, 2024
Defections are occurring as Democrats have been hammered more over the treatment of Israel by their party in recent months.
The Biden White House temporarily halted a shipment to Israel of large bombs over concerns regarding civilian deaths in Gaza. It has also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at times but has offered its unwavering backing for Israel.
Trump has repeatedly positioned himself as a pro-Israel president. He cites his decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the Abraham Accords that normalized the relations between Israel, and several Arab countries.
Kamala Harris did not make many public appearances on Monday, which marked the anniversary of the attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that reignited the conflict between Hamas, Israel, and the Palestinians. Her absence was seen as an admission by those on the right that she was worried about the antisemitic sentiment among her party’s loudest members and supporters.
In several key Democratic strongholds, there have been leftist protests in response to the painful reminders of what Hamas will do to Israelis next year on October 7, 2023. Protesters have insulted Israel repeatedly and attacked Jews who openly support Israel. The chaos on the streets has increased fears that the administration is deliberately stoking the chaos rather than trying to restore order to areas of the country infested by antisemitic groups.
Deutsch is one of many former or current Democrats, including Tusli Gabard, who has decided to support Trump. This decision was made in response to the policies of the Biden Administration and the increasing illiberal attitude of Democratic politicians.