9/11 Firefighter: I Won't Cast Electoral Vote for Trump

'I watch Mr. Trump fail to unite America and drive a wedge between us': Texas GOPer Christopher Suprun
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 6, 2016 8:15 AM CST
9/11 Firefighter: I Won't Cast Electoral Vote for Trump
Firefighter Christopher Suprun throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers on Sept. 11, 2015, in Arlington, Texas.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Consider him one of the faithless. Texas Republican Christopher Suprun, one of the 538 electors set to cast a ballot for the next president on Dec. 19, won't be voting for Donald Trump, and he explains his position in an opinion piece for the New York Times. He says his swerve has nothing to do with people pleading with him to dismiss Trump because of "policy disagreements" or because Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. Instead, Suprun notes, he simply won't pick someone "who shows daily he is not qualified for the office"—and his role as a firefighter and first responder to the 9/11 attacks plays a significant part in his perspective. Suprun calls George W. Bush an "imperfect man," but lauds him for the way "he led us through the tragic days following the attacks" and how "his leadership showed that America was a great nation."

Trump—not so much, per Suprun. "I watch Mr. Trump fail to unite America and drive a wedge between us," he writes, citing everything from the president-elect's lack of foreign policy experience and possible conflicts of interest to his tendency toward demagoguery and even his constant tweets about SNL. "For me, America is that shining city on a hill that Ronald Reagan envisioned," Suprun writes. "It has problems. It has challenges. These can be met and overcome just as our nation overcame Sept. 11." Whom he thinks "electors of conscience" should pick: "an honorable and qualified man or woman such as Gov. John Kasich of Ohio." Meaning Suprun won't be riding the Trump train. "Fifteen years ago, I swore an oath to defend my country and Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. On Dec. 19, I will do it again," he promises. (Click for his full column.)

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