GOP President’s Daughter Voting for Harris ‘Despite Policy Disagreements’

In a surprising move, Susan Ford Bales, the daughter of former President Gerald Ford, has announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president. This decision comes despite her identifying as a lifelong Republican, aligning with her father’s political background.

Ford Bales, now 67, emphasized that while she and Harris disagree on some policy issues, she believes the vice president embodies the same principles that her father stood for during his time in office. Gerald Ford became president in 1974 after Richard Nixon’s resignation during the Watergate scandal, a turbulent time for the nation.

“Susan Ford Bales shared her confidence in Harris’ ability to bring the country together, saying, ‘She recognizes the goodness and the greatness in our country. I know she will defend the rule of law and our Constitution. And I know she will work to move us beyond partisanship.'”

Her endorsement holds added significance as the Ford family is prominent in Michigan, a critical battleground state. Although unrelated to the Ford Motor Company, Gerald Ford remains a significant figure in Michigan’s history, as the only president to hail from the state. This background could provide Harris with valuable momentum in a state where polling remains close.

Ford Bales made a direct connection between today’s political environment and the era her father led through. “We are again in turbulent times, and America needs a compassionate and honorable leader,” she said. She stopped short of naming Donald Trump but strongly criticized his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. “America cannot regress to a divisive paradigm… We saw the horrors of that on January 6, and it must never be repeated.”

This latest endorsement from a prominent Republican adds to the growing list of party members—such as Jeff Flake, Adam Kinzinger, and Liz Cheney—who have crossed party lines to support Kamala Harris, showing the deepening divide within the GOP over its leadership direction.

Ford Bales has long been active in public life, chairing the Betty Ford Center and speaking out on various issues since her father’s death in 2006. Her backing of Harris signals that some Republicans are prioritizing principles over party loyalty.